Approval Ratings Expose a Fractured America

Our new Geostrategy poll reveals deep divides over crime, immigration, race relations, and the environment as controversy swirls around Epstein disclosures and border enforcement in Minnesota.

President Donald Trump’s approval rating remains stubbornly low and sharply polarised as his second term collides with legal controversy and renewed immigration flashpoints.

According to the latest Geostrategy poll, conducted February 16, 2026, among 2000 U.S. adults, just 38% of Americans approve of Trump’s job performance. Of those, 21% say they strongly approve, while 17% approve somewhat. Disapproval stands at 57%, including nearly half of respondents who strongly disapprove. Five percent remain undecided. The numbers come amid intensifying scrutiny over newly released Justice Department documents tied to Jeffrey Epstein, which have reignited questions about Trump’s past associations, and as immigration enforcement surges in Minnesota, where thousands of deportations have triggered protests and legal challenges.

Together, the figures portray a presidency anchored by fierce loyalty from its baseyet increasingly estranged from large swaths of the country.

Republicans overwhelmingly rally behind Trump, with 86% approving of his performance, including 55% who strongly approve. His stances on border security and law enforcement continue to resonate deeply with conservative voters. Democrats, by contrast, form a near-unanimous bloc of opposition. Ninety-six percent disapprove of Trump’s presidency, many citing concerns over civil liberties, institutional norms, and the social consequences of his policies.

Independents lean firmly toward scepticism. Only 27% approve of Trump’s performance, while 63% disapprove, a warning sign for any administration hoping to broaden its appeal beyond a core base.

Age, gender, and race further fracture public opinion. Approval rises steadily with age, from 32% among Americans aged 18–29 to 43% among those 65 and older suggesting younger voters remain particularly alienated from Trump’s leadership style and policy priorities.

A notable gender gap persists. Men approve at 45%, compared with just 32% of women, reflecting divergent views on issues ranging from reproductive rights to the administration’s handling of legal controversies. Racial divides are even more striking. White Americans approve of Trump at 45%, while approval falls to 31% among Hispanics and plunges to just 13% among Black respondents underscoring how immigration enforcement and race-related rhetoric continue to shape political identity.

Trump’s handling of crime earns 42% approval and 47% disapproval, with 11% undecided. Among conservatives, support surges to 83%, reflecting continued resonance of tough-on-crime messaging. Liberals overwhelmingly reject it, with 92% disapproving. Generational differences mirror the broader trend: half of seniors approve of Trump’s crime policies, compared with just 31% of younger Americans. Racial disparities remain pronounced, with White respondents approving at 50% versus only 14% among Black Americans.

Few issues expose polarisation more starkly than immigration. Overall, 41% approve of Trump’s immigration policies, while 54% disapprove. The Minnesota enforcement surge which has drawn humanitarian criticism and legal challenges — appears to have intensified public reaction.

Republicans approve at an overwhelming 87%. Democrats disapprove almost unanimously at 97%. Younger Americans disapprove at higher rates than older voters, and Hispanic respondents show notably lower approval than Whites, reflecting fears of community disruption and aggressive enforcement tactics.

Trump’s handling of race relations draws just 33% approval, with 55% disapproving and 12% unsure. The ideological split is stark: conservatives approve at 71%, while liberals disapprove at 93%. Younger Americans express particularly high levels of dissatisfaction, as do minority communities. Only 10% of Black respondents approve of Trump’s approach, compared with 26% of Hispanics and 40% of White Americans — highlighting how racial trust gaps continue to widen.

Environmental policy remains another major point of contention. Just 34% approve of Trump’s stewardship on environmental issues, while 53% disapprove and 13% hold no opinion. Liberals reject deregulation efforts overwhelmingly, while conservatives largely support them reflecting a philosophical clash between economic growth and climate concerns. Disapproval is highest among younger Americans, who consistently prioritize climate action, and significantly lower among seniors. Minority respondents again show far lower approval than White Americans.

Taken together, our latest poll depicts a presidency thriving on intense partisan loyalty but facing widespread alienation beyond its political base. Trump continues to command fierce support among Republicans, older voters, and much of White America. Yet resistance remains deeply entrenched among Democrats, younger Americans, women, and minority communities.

Download the data tables for this poll.