Recent national polling shows a shift in how Americans view presidential performance, with a majority now saying President Biden did a better job than former President Trump. In the Harvard CAPS/Harris poll, more adults said Trump’s presidency was worse than Biden’s, reversing earlier leads Trump held — and in February 2026, a slight majority (about 53%) said they viewed Trump less favorably in comparison to Biden.

This change comes amid sinking approval ratings for Trump, especially on key issues like the economy, inflation, and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, with Reuters/Ipsos reporting his overall approval at historically low levels.

Polls like these reflect how public opinion can evolve over time — influenced by current events, economic conditions, and perceptions of leadership effectiveness — and they’re drawing attention as both parties prepare for upcoming elections.