Poll Reveals Widespread Perception of Trump as 'Erratic' with Advancing Age
A significant majority of Americans, encompassing a notable portion of Republican voters, perceive former President Donald Trump as having grown 'erratic' with age, according to a newly released Reuters/Ipsos survey. The poll, conducted in the days preceding Trump's State of the Union address on Tuesday, 24 February 2026, underscores deepening public concerns about the mental acuity and stability of political leaders.
Key Findings from the Survey
Overall, 61 percent of respondents agreed that the 79-year-old Trump has 'become erratic with age.' This sentiment cuts across party lines, with 89 percent of Democrats and 64 percent of independents concurring. Notably, 30 percent of Republicans also shared this view, indicating a fracture within his traditional base.
The poll arrives after months of Trump's angry outbursts and rebukes targeting lawmakers, judges, and journalists from both sides of the political spectrum. Since beginning his second term at age 78—making him the oldest president on inauguration day in history, narrowly surpassing predecessor Joe Biden—Trump has maintained an unrelenting pace of policy announcements and executive orders.
Context of Trump's Behaviour and Public Reaction
Trump's public appearances and press briefings have frequently devolved into off-topic, rally-style speeches touting his achievements. Moreover, he regularly uses his social media platform, Truth Social, to launch attacks on individuals, including Supreme Court Justices. Following a ruling that deemed his global tariff policies illegal, Trump lambasted the justices as 'fools and lapdogs,' calling them 'unpatriotic and disloyal to our Constitution.'
In November, he escalated rhetoric by describing Democratic lawmakers, such as Senator Mark Kelly, as 'traitors' for urging military members to refuse illegal orders, even suggesting they could face execution. These incidents have fueled perceptions of erratic behaviour.
White House Response and Broader Age Concerns
White House spokesman Davis Ingle dismissed the poll results as examples of 'fake and desperate narratives,' asserting that Trump's 'sharpness, unmatched energy, and historic accessibility' distinguish him from Biden. However, the data suggests otherwise.
Only 45 percent of respondents in the February poll described Trump as 'mentally sharp and able to deal with challenges,' a decline from 54 percent in a September 2023 survey. In contrast, 81 percent of Republicans still view him this way, showing little change from previous assessments.
Comparative Age Dynamics in American Politics
The poll also highlights a broader consensus on aging leadership. 79 percent of Americans agree that 'elected officials in Washington, D.C., are too old to represent most Americans.' With the average age in the U.S. Senate at about 64 and the House at 58, concerns are mounting. Democratic respondents were slightly more inclined to advocate for younger politicians, with 58 percent stating that top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer, 75, is too old for government work.
This issue mirrors past Republican campaigns against Joe Biden, who faced criticism over his mental faculties during his presidency. Biden stepped down from his re-election campaign at age 82, older than any president in U.S. history. Trump is poised to surpass that record, turning 80 in June, which amplifies ongoing debates about age and capability in high office.
As the 2026 political landscape evolves, these poll findings signal a pivotal moment where public perception of leadership stability could influence future electoral dynamics and policy discussions.
