Here’s what conservatives need to know.
President Donald Trump is seeing modest slippage in his approval rating across several major policy areas, according to a newly released national poll of registered voters.
The findings suggest a gradual shift in public opinion as the 2026 midterm elections approach. While support for Trump remains solid among his base, the survey indicates growing voter concern over inflation, economic conditions, and immigration enforcement in major U.S. cities.
According to the latest Harvard CAPS/Harris poll, Trump’s overall job approval stands at 45 percent in January, down from 47 percent in December. The decline appears across multiple issues, including the economy, immigration, and foreign policy.
The survey was conducted online January 28–29, 2026, and included responses from 2,000 registered voters nationwide. The poll carries a margin of error of plus or minus two percentage points and is part of a long-running monthly tracking series.
Over the past year, Trump’s issue ratings have softened incrementally. After peaking early in 2025 during the transition of power, support has gradually eased across several categories rather than dropping sharply in response to a single event.
Immigration represents one of the most noticeable areas of movement. Approval of Trump’s handling of immigration declined to 46 percent in January, down from 49 percent the month before. Earlier in 2025, that figure had reached the mid-50s.
Approval of Trump’s economic management registered at 43 percent, while his handling of foreign affairs slipped to 42 percent. Both numbers reflect ongoing voter unease over rising prices and global instability.
Other traditionally steadier categories also showed slight declines. Approval of Trump’s management of the federal government dropped to 43 percent, while confidence in his handling of inflation fell to 39 percent, matching the lowest level recorded in the past year. Support for tariffs and trade policy also measured at 39 percent.
One exception emerged in response to recent unrest tied to immigration enforcement. A majority of voters, 51 percent, approved of Trump’s response to anti-ICE protests in Minneapolis. That places public safety and law enforcement among his strongest-performing issue areas.
However, the broader immigration enforcement picture remains mixed. While most voters support removing criminal offenders from the country, many expressed concern about enforcement methods used in urban areas.
Majorities said they favor clearer identification for federal agents, expanded use of body cameras, and additional oversight during immigration operations. These views suggest voters distinguish between policy goals and how those policies are implemented.
The polling trend does not indicate a sudden collapse in support. Instead, it shows a slow, broad-based cooling across several issues at once—a pattern analysts often associate with early midterm-year uncertainty.
Despite concerns about inflation and economic growth, the poll revealed a notable contradiction. Nearly two-thirds of respondents now attribute the current state of the economy to Trump rather than former President Joe Biden, representing a significant increase from earlier surveys.
At the same time, many voters say the economy last felt strong in 2020 and believe it is currently slowing, highlighting ongoing anxiety over household costs and purchasing power.
Roughly half of respondents said Trump’s policies align with his campaign promises, and a majority believe he has accomplished a substantial amount in his first year back in office.
Trump responded to the poll on Truth Social, disputing the findings and criticizing national polling methods. The White House has similarly emphasized cooling inflation, improving growth indicators, and tighter border security under the administration.
Republican strategists note that persistent frustration over prices remains a challenge, even as broader economic data shows improvement.
Additional monthly polls are expected ahead of the 2026 midterms, providing further insight into whether voter concerns over inflation and immigration enforcement intensify or begin to ease.