A recent Gallup poll reveals Donald Trump’s approval ratings have reached a new low during his current term, with only 36% of Americans approving. Notably, this places him behind Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, who garnered 44% approval. Trump’s approval is now just two points above his all-time low of 34% recorded in January 2021. The poll, which surveyed over 1,000 U.S. adults from December 1-15, found Powell to be the most highly regarded individual among political figures. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was the only other politician to surpass 40% approval. Other leaders included Vice President JD Vance (39%), Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth (36%), House Speaker Mike Johnson (35%), Attorney General Pam Bondi (36%), Senate GOP Leader John Thune (34%), and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (28%). The survey also highlighted significant polarization in how Trump is viewed. While Republicans overwhelmingly approve of his performance, a much smaller proportion of Independents share these positive sentiments. The economic climate appears to be a contributing factor, with a majority of those surveyed rating economic conditions as fair or poor, not excellent or good. Trump’s previous criticisms of Fed Chair Powell, particularly concerning interest rate policy, have been well-documented.
