In a landmark decision that signals a major shift in the landscape of political polling, Gallup has announced it will cease its monthly presidential approval surveys and favorability ratings for individual political figures starting in 2026. This move ends a nearly 90-year tradition of tracking public opinion on U.S. presidents, a practice the company has maintained since at least 1945.
A Strategic Realignment for Gallup
A spokesperson for Gallup explained that the decision represents a "strategic shift solely based on Gallup’s research goals and priorities," aimed at aligning the company's activities with its broader mission. Based in Washington, D.C., Gallup has been a leading force in public opinion research since its founding in 1935, with its presidential approval ratings becoming a staple of political analysis over the decades.
The Historical Context and Recent Data
Gallup's polling has provided critical insights into presidential performance, with its most recent data showing President Donald Trump's last monthly approval rating in December at 36 percent, unchanged from November. Trump's lowest recorded approval rating was 34 percent in January 2021. Throughout his tenure, Trump has frequently criticized polls, particularly those indicating a decline in his support, dismissing them as "Fake and Fraudulent Polling."
The discontinuation of these surveys marks the end of an era for political observers and analysts who have relied on Gallup's consistent metrics to gauge public sentiment. As Gallup pivots its focus, the void left by its absence in presidential polling will likely reshape how approval ratings are measured and interpreted in the future.
