Gallup, the public opinion polling agency, has announced it will cease tracking presidential approval ratings after nearly nine decades, ending one of the most cited barometers of US presidential performance. A spokesperson confirmed the decision is 'solely based on Gallup’s research goals and priorities', amid ongoing scrutiny from Donald Trump over unfavourable polling numbers.
The company said on Wednesday that it would stop measuring the favour ability rating of individual political figures, describing the move as 'an evolution in how Gallup focuses its public research and thought leadership'. The Gallup Presidential Approval Rating had been in use since Harry Truman’s presidency, providing historical snapshots such as George W Bush’s 90% approval after the 9/11 attacks.
Donald Trump’s second-term approval rating fell to 36 per cent in December, among the lowest ever recorded by Gallup, having started his second term at 47 per cent. Trump has repeatedly attacked polling organisations and media that report negative numbers, recently threatening to expand a defamation lawsuit against The New York Times after a poll showed his approval at 40 per cent.
Gallup emphasised its commitment to 'long-term, methodologically sound research' through other surveys, including the Gallup Poll Social Series and the World Poll. The New York Times defended its polling rigour, stating that methodology is not influenced by a president’s preferences.
