A recent survey has revealed that President Donald Trump is significantly less popular than Pope Leo XIV, with a 54-point gap in net favorability. The poll, conducted by The Economist and YouGov and published on Tuesday, surveyed over 1,600 U.S. citizens on their views of various public figures, including the president, the pope, comedian Jon Stewart, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and former Vice President Kamala Harris.
Pope Leo XIV Tops Favorability Rankings
According to the poll, Pope Leo XIV emerged as the most popular public figure, achieving a net favorability rating of +37. In contrast, President Trump recorded a net favorability of -17, placing him 54 points behind the American-born pontiff. The second most popular figure was Jon Stewart, who garnered a net favorability of +14.
Other Figures Outpacing Trump
Several other public figures also ranked higher than Trump in terms of favorability. These include Arizona Senator Mark Kelly (+10), Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff (+6), and former Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg (+1). Even those with net negative ratings, such as Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (-3), California Governor Gavin Newsom (-5), Vice President JD Vance (-8), and Secretary of State Marco Rubio (-8), fared better than the president.
Individuals deemed less popular than Trump included Donald Trump Jr. (-27) and conservative commentator Tucker Carlson (-36).
Record-High Disapproval for Trump's Job Performance
The poll also highlighted that a record-high 61% of Americans disapprove of Trump's job performance, resulting in a net job approval of -26%—the lowest of either of his terms, according to YouGov. Additionally, 64% of Americans disapprove of Trump's handling of the war in Iran.
These findings come amid Trump's ongoing attacks on Pope Leo XIV, who has repeatedly criticized the administration and its military actions in Iran. The pope has advocated for peace, prompting Trump to label him as 'WEAK' on crime and 'terrible in foreign policy.' Trump has also expressed a preference for the pope's brother, Louis, whom he claims is 'all MAGA.'
In a controversial move, Trump shared images online depicting himself as Jesus healing the sick, which sparked widespread backlash, even from some of his supporters. Meanwhile, Pope Leo has stated he has 'no fear of the Trump administration' and has declined to engage in a debate with the president.
Over the weekend, Trump lashed out at the pope after he met with Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, another political adversary of the president.
