Donald Trump has sharply criticized a new round of approval ratings released shortly after the first anniversary of his second term in office.
Since returning to the White House, several polls have measured public opinion of Trump’s performance, and many have shown relatively low levels of support. The most recent figures have drawn particular attention.
A survey conducted by AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that roughly four in ten American adults approve of Trump’s job performance so far. The poll also reported that majorities of respondents disapproved of his handling of key issues, including the economy (62 percent) and immigration (61 percent).

Overall, 59 percent of those surveyed expressed an unfavorable view of the president as of January 8, 2026. That figure may have shifted further following recent immigration enforcement actions in Minneapolis that drew national attention.
A separate poll released on January 22 by New York Times in partnership with Siena University found that nearly half of respondents believed the country was worse off than a year earlier, while about one-third felt conditions had improved.
In response, Trump issued a strongly worded statement dismissing the latest polling results. He argued that what he described as “fake and fraudulent polling” should face serious consequences, accusing media organizations of publishing surveys he claims are designed to influence public opinion.

Trump pointed to polling during the 2020 election cycle, asserting that many major outlets relied on surveys he says later proved inaccurate. He criticized several prominent news organizations by name and claimed their polls did not reflect the eventual outcomes.
He also said there are polling firms he considers more accurate but argued that the media chooses not to highlight their findings.
Trump concluded by pledging to push back against what he described as deceptive polling practices, saying they have contributed to a broader decline in American journalism.










