Divided Nation: January Poll Shows 59% Disapprove of Trump’s Handling of Key Issues

In the opening weeks of 2026, President Donald Trump’s second term has been marked by a flurry of high-profile actions, from intensified immigration enforcement operations that culminated in a controversial ICE shooting in Minneapolis to diplomatic overtures toward acquiring Greenland and escalating tensions in Venezuela and Iran. These events, unfolding against a backdrop of persistent inflation and economic uncertainty, have shaped a polarized American public. Our latest poll reveals a nation deeply divided on the president’s performance and the country’s direction.

Overall, Trump’s job approval stands at 40%, with 60% disapproving, a slight dip from our previous poll. Breaking it down further, 22% strongly approve, 18% somewhat approve, 12% somewhat disapprove, and 48% strongly disapprove. This intensity of opinion reflects the raw emotions stirred by events like the Minneapolis incident, where an ICE agent’s fatal shooting of a woman during a deportation raid sparked nationwide protests and debates over enforcement tactics.

Among Republicans, approval soars to 89%, with 58% strongly approving, signalling strong base loyalty despite criticisms of overreach in areas like immigration. Democrats overwhelmingly disapprove at 98%, with 88% strongly so, viewing Trump’s actions as exacerbating divisions. Independents mirror the national split more closely, with 30% approving and 70% disapproving. This polarization echoes the fallout from the Minneapolis shooting, which the poll notes has led 52% of Americans to believe ICE operations are making communities less safe, further eroding trust among non-Republicans.

Men approve at 46% (54% disapprove), compared to women at 35% approval (65% disapproval), perhaps influenced by gendered perspectives on issues like safety and family impacts from deportations. Age groups show younger adults (under 30) are more critical, with only 34% approval (66% disapproval), while those 65+ approve at 44% (56% disapproval). Liberals disapprove en masse at 94%, moderates at 70%, and conservatives approve at 82%. Racial differences are pronounced: White respondents approve at 48% (52% disapprove), Blacks at 11% (89% disapproval), and Hispanics at 37% (63% disapproval).

On specific policy handling, our new poll paints a grim picture of Trump’s stewardship of the economy. Approval on the economy is 38% (62% disapprove), with inflation faring worse at 34% approval (66% disapprove). These figures come amid reports of rising food and gas prices, which 88% of respondents cite as key economic evaluators. Republicans buck the trend, approving Trump’s handling of the economy at 84% and inflation at 77%, but Democrats disapprove at 95% and 95%, respectively. Independents disapprove at 72% for the economy and 76% for inflation. Gender gaps persist: men approve of economy handling at 43% (57% disapprove), women at 34% (66% disapprove). Younger voters (under 30) disapprove at 67% on the economy, while seniors approve at 44%. The recent push for tariffs, intended to lower prices but criticized for potential backlash, seems to fuel this discontent—74% say the administration isn’t focusing enough on lowering the cost of goods and services.

Immigration approval stands at 41% (59% disapprove), amid the rollout of the deportation program and the Venezuela crisis. The poll shows 52% believe the administration is focusing too much on deportations, with 30% saying the right amount and 17% saying not enough. Partisans diverge sharply: 88% of Republicans approve of Trump’s handling of immigration (12% disapprove), while 96% of Democrats disapprove. The Minneapolis shooting, widely viewed (81% have seen videos), has intensified scrutiny, with 53% deeming it unjustified and 59% saying the response was unfair.

The broader sense of national direction is equally pessimistic. Only 34% feel things in America are going well (8% very well, 26% somewhat), while 66% say things are going badly (24% somewhat, 42% very). This “wrong track” sentiment is highest among Democrats (93% badly) and lowest among Republicans (25% badly). Liberals report 93% badly, conservatives 29%. Economic perceptions reinforce this outlook: 35% rate the national economy as good (7% very, 28% fairly), while 59% say it is bad (32% fairly, 27% very), with 6% unsure. Blacks rate it bad at 78%, Hispanics at 62%, and Whites at 54%. These views tie into expectations for 2026, with 55% anticipating a slowdown or recession, flavoured by overseas events like Iran’s protests (66% oppose U.S. military action) and the Greenland proposal (69% disapprove of using funds, 87% oppose force).

Our poll shows a presidency buoyed by partisan support but hampered by widespread dissatisfaction. Events like the Minneapolis tragedy and foreign policy disagreements have deepened divides, particularly on the economy and immigration.

Download the data tables for this poll.