AP-NORC Poll Shows Trump Approval at 33% as Political Indicators Shift in July 2026

What happened

The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research conducted a national poll of U.S. adults on July 23, 2026, measuring President Donald Trump's approval rating and key political indicators across the country. According to the polling data from https://apnews.com/projects/polling-tracker/, President Trump's approval rating for handling the presidency stands at 33%, down from 37% in June 2026. The poll found that about one-third of U.S. adults approve of how Trump is handling the presidency, while his approval has fallen well below where it stood when he took office last year.

The poll also measured perceptions of the economy, country direction, and favorability toward various political figures and institutions. Current numbers show 30% of respondents say the economy is doing well, compared to 69% who say it is doing poorly. On the question of whether the country is heading in the right direction, 26% say yes while 72% say no.

Additional polling data from earlier in 2026 shows favorability ratings for key political figures and institutions. As of June 11, 2026, Trump's favorability stood at 38% favorable versus 59% unfavorable. JD Vance, the vice presidential nominee, showed 31% favorable and 53% unfavorable as of April 16, 2026. Party favorability ratings from June 11, 2026, show Democrats at 40% favorable and Republicans at 39% favorable.

Institutional confidence remains low across the board. As of July 23, 2026, only 12% say they have a great deal of confidence in the Supreme Court, while 48% say they have hardly any confidence. Congress shows even lower confidence, with only 4% expressing a great deal of confidence and 53% saying they have hardly any. The executive branch sits at 13% for great deal confidence and 48% for hardly any.

On social issues, the poll found that on abortion, 24% believe it should always be legal, 37% say mostly legal, 28% say mostly illegal, and 9% say always illegal. On climate change perception as of September 2, 2025, 73% believe it is happening, 8% say it is not happening, and 18% are not sure.

Why it matters

The decline in Trump's approval rating from 37% to 33% over a single month signals continued political pressure on the administration. The fact that current approval stands well below inauguration levels suggests sustained challenges for the president's policy agenda and public support. The economy perception gap, with nearly seven times more Americans saying the economy is doing poorly than well, presents ongoing political headwinds for any administration.

Institutional confidence at historic lows across the Supreme Court, Congress, and executive branch reflects broader concerns about governance and trust in American institutions. These numbers may influence voter behavior in upcoming elections and could shape legislative priorities as lawmakers navigate public sentiment.

The party favorability ratings showing Democrats slightly ahead of Republicans (40% to 39%) indicates a competitive political environment where small shifts in polling can alter the electoral landscape. The vice presidential nominee's unfavorable rating significantly exceeds his favorable rating, suggesting challenges for the ticket going forward.

What to watch

Future polling will be crucial for tracking whether Trump's approval continues its downward trajectory or stabilizes at current levels. Economic indicators and their impact on public sentiment remain a key variable that could influence approval ratings in coming months. The gap between party favorability ratings suggests ongoing competition in the political arena, with Democrats holding a slight edge over Republicans in public perception.

Institutional confidence metrics will be important to monitor as they may affect legislative outcomes and public engagement with government institutions. Climate change polling from September 2025 shows strong majority belief in its occurrence, which could influence policy debates and regulatory priorities. Abortion views remain deeply polarized, with the largest segment (37%) favoring mostly legal restrictions while substantial minorities hold opposing positions.

The data suggests continued volatility in political sentiment that will require ongoing attention from campaign strategists, policymakers, and analysts tracking public opinion trends across multiple issue areas.

By the numbers

Source snapshot