Presidential Popularity: Who Really Struggles Most?

Gallup, the renowned pollster that began measuring public sentiment toward presidents in 1938, announced on February 11 that it would cease tracking these scores. This decision reflects a shift in the company's research focus, as stated in its official announcement.

A Legacy of Presidential Polling

The practice of polling presidential approval ratings began when George Gallup asked Americans about their approval of Franklin Roosevelt's performance. Since then, every U.S. president has had a numerical measure of public approval.

These ratings do more than just indicate popularity—they often reflect the nation's mood during challenging times, such as economic crises, wars, or political divisions.

Harry Truman's Lowest Approval

Examining data from 1945 onward, one president stands out: Harry Truman. His approval rating plummeted to just 22% in a Gallup survey conducted from February 9–14, 1952. This low score was influenced by a slowing economy, the Korean War, labor unrest, and scandals in Washington during the final stretch of his second term.

Donald Trump's Unique Record

While Donald Trump does not hold the lowest approval rating, he is the first president to fall below 50% during both his first term and the first year of a potential second term. This highlights the volatility of presidential approval.

The Future of Leadership Measurement

With Gallup discontinuing its presidential approval tracking, new methods will be needed to assess how well leaders are performing.