Gallup Poll Shows Trump 36% Approval, Democrats 24% in Congress
Updated (2 articles)
Trump’s Personal Approval Leads Party by Twelve Points The Gallup poll released on December 22 2025 places President Donald Trump’s overall approval at 36% [1]. Democrats serving in Congress register a 24% approval rating, creating a 12‑point partisan gap [1]. The poll’s timing coincides with the lead‑up to the 2026 midterm elections, heightening its political relevance [1].
Republicans Slightly Outpace Democrats in Congressional Ratings Republican members of Congress receive a 29% approval rating, modestly higher than the 24% recorded for Democratic members [1]. Overall congressional job approval remains low at 17%, reflecting broad public dissatisfaction with the institution [1]. Party loyalty diverges sharply: 69% of Republicans express confidence in their party’s congressional performance versus 49% of Democrats [1].
Contextual Factors and Historical Measurement Limits Only 24% of Americans say they are satisfied with the country’s direction, a sentiment linked to economic worries and a recent government shutdown [1]. Gallup notes it has not measured congressional party approval since February 2020, limiting longitudinal comparisons [1]. Columbia professor Robert Y. Shapiro connects policy issues to these perceptions, while Trump responded on Truth Social, claiming Democrats’ congressional approval is the worst ever [1].
Timeline
Nov 30, 2025 – A Gallup poll records President Trump’s approval at 36% with 60% disapproval, while 84% of Republicans and 25% of independents back him, marking a second‑term low and signaling erosion of his core MAGA base[2].
Nov 30, 2025 – Pew Research finds only 25% of Hispanic adults hold a favorable view of Trump, down from 44% before his second term, and two‑thirds disapprove of his immigration handling, highlighting a sharp decline in a key demographic[2].
Nov 30, 2025 – An Emerson College/The Hill poll shows Democrat Aftyn Behn trailing Republican Matt Van Epps in Tennessee’s 7th District by just 2 percentage points, a statistical tie that could flip a historically red seat and signal broader Democratic inroads[2].
Dec 22, 2025 – Gallup releases a new poll showing Trump’s approval still at 36%, but Republicans in Congress at 29% versus Democrats at 24%, creating a 12‑point partisan gap as the 2026 midterms loom[1].
Dec 22, 2025 – Overall congressional job approval sits at 17%, with 69% of Republicans and 49% of Democrats expressing intra‑party support, underscoring divergent loyalty levels within the chambers[1].
Dec 22, 2025 – Columbia University professor Robert Y. Shapiro comments that “policy issues drive public perception of Congress,” linking economic concerns to the poll’s low satisfaction scores, while Trump posts on Truth Social that “Democrats’ congressional approval numbers are the worst ever,” framing the data as partisan criticism[1].
Dec 22, 2025 – Gallup notes it has not measured party approval in Congress since February 2020, limiting long‑term trend analysis for the current partisan split[1].