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URLhttps://decisiondeskhq.substack.com/p/the-state-of-trumps-approval-rating
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Meta TitleThe state of Trump’s approval rating is lousy
Meta DescriptionPresident Donald Trump's disapproval rating is about at its second-term high as he heads into his State of the Union address
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It’s State of the Union Day! Tonight, President Donald Trump will address Congress about the state of the nation. This follows a longstanding practice: Article II, Section 3 of the Constitution calls for the president to regularly provide Congress with updates regarding the “State of the Union.” And since the 1930s, the president has routinely delivered this message in-person with a speech to Congress and other dignitaries. Trump’s address comes at a treacherous time in his second term. His disapproval rating in Decision Desk HQ’s job approval average is 56%, essentially its highest point since he returned to the presidency in January 2025. Trump’s approval rating stands at 42%, which is also at the low end of his second-term range thus far. His poor numbers likely stem from a few different challenges. Most importantly, Americans remain downbeat about the state of the economy. A recent survey from the Pew Research Center found that only 28% of the public viewed economic conditions as “excellent” or “good.” That is in line with where Pew’s polling has been for most of the past few years. On the one hand, this reflects long-running dissatisfaction with the economy during President Joe Biden’s administration. On the other hand, it suggests Americans have not become much more positive in their economic outlook during Trump’s second term. Moreover, that 28% figure is half the 56% total in Pew’s December 2019 survey — more than halfway through Trump’s first term and just before the COVID pandemic struck. Surveys also point to disapproval of Trump’s handling of other key issues. Recent polls from Reuters/Ipsos and Echelon Insights found Trump’s net approval on his handling of immigration at -15 and -11, respectively. Trump recently had his tariff policy struck down by the Supreme Court, and while his administration has implemented a new global tariff, it is another issue where he polls poorly. A new survey from ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos found 64% of Americans disapproved of how Trump is handling tariffs. Still, Trump’s low ratings are not a new development. His current standing is roughly similar to where it has often been ahead of his past State of the Union addresses or similar joint addresses to Congress. The more things change, the more they — mostly — stay the same for the polarizing president. Decision Desk HQ is excited to announce that it will soon release Votes , our new election data portal. Dive into the world of election data with DDHQ Votes: Up-to-date polling on the key issues and races Track how prediction markets are moving 25 years of election results at your fingertips Track election results as they come in From local to federal, find every race Coming Soon: DDHQ Forecast Please join the waiting list for Votes now! Those on the waiting list will receive early access to Votes when it launches in the very near future. Democrats now lead by nearly 6 percentage points in Decision Desk HQ’s generic ballot polling average . This is about in line with the Democrats’ largest lead in our tracker in Trump’s second term. The Democrats’ increased lead reflects a run of positive polls for the party. Recent surveys found Democrats leading by 6 to 10 points. Critically, Democrats continue to have a sizable edge among independents on this question, 41%-24%. Such sentiments among swingier voters could combine with more energized Democratic turnout to give the party the upper hand in the 2026 midterms. The share of respondents who believe the country was on the wrong track continues to far outdistance those who say it’s moving in the right direction. In Decision Desk HQ’s average , 58.5% say the nation is on the wrong track, while about 35% say the opposite. Now, this does represent an improvement in positive sentiment. This week, the net figure is about -24, while last week it was about -30. Still, the share who say the nation is on the wrong track remains on the higher end of where it has been during Trump’s second term. We are a week out from the March 3 primary elections. The big races that day are the nomination contests for Texas’s U.S. Senate race. However, we have not seen any polls of the Republican primary since mid-February. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton continues to hold a narrow lead over incumbent Sen. John Cornyn, 32%-28%. Rep. Wesley Hunt sits in third with 19%. This leaves every candidate well short of the 50%+1 support required to win the nomination outright. When it comes to the likely May 26 runoff in this race, though, don’t write off Hunt. In an incredibly expensive primary, Paxton and Cornyn (along with their allies) have spent some money going after Hunt. The congressman recently argued that this signaled his opponents viewed him as a threat and that his campaign could be making a push for a top-two spot. The polling news is even bleaker in Texas’s Democratic primary for Senate . We recently released our average for this contest , which finds Rep. Jasmine Crockett leading state Rep. James Talarico about 43%-37%. However, we recommend caution with these numbers because we have not had any new public polling since late January. With more voters tuning as the primary date nears, it’s possible the race has shifted in important ways since then. Similarly, we do not have any new polling in Illinois’s Democratic primary for Senate . Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi continues to lead in our average with 35%. Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton is in second with around 19% and Rep. Robin Kelly sits in third with 10%. To see all Decision Desk HQ Polling Averages, click here . Our team carefully reviews and averages these polls using a straightforward methodology, ensuring that our polling averages reflect a balanced and up-to-date snapshot of public opinion. Within each average you can find a specific point in time to compare how things have changed or view any poll included within that average. Read about Decision Desk HQ’s polling average methodology here . Enjoyed this post? Please share it! Share
Markdown
[![Decision Desk HQ](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Y6UX!,w_40,h_40,c_fill,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F68d5ab9e-8c3d-4e5b-bad0-3c42f4b30e97_256x256.png)](https://decisiondeskhq.substack.com/) # [![Decision Desk HQ](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!OqH0!,e_trim:10:white/e_trim:10:transparent/h_72,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F661029e0-25ba-46e3-911c-de4946129d14_1120x220.png)](https://decisiondeskhq.substack.com/) Subscribe Sign in [Polling Memo](https://decisiondeskhq.substack.com/s/pollmemo/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=menu) # The state of Trump’s approval rating is lousy ### President Donald Trump's disapproval rating is about at its second-term high as he heads into his State of the Union address [![Decision Desk HQ's avatar](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!mY4A!,w_36,h_36,c_fill,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F943a3fa4-2aa7-4d2b-8a15-06875bdd76b1_256x256.png)](https://substack.com/@decisiondeskhq) [Decision Desk HQ](https://substack.com/@decisiondeskhq) Feb 24, 2026 2 Share [![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!twxy!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa9c59bf9-2750-4194-821e-90aa5696fb12_937x713.png)](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!twxy!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa9c59bf9-2750-4194-821e-90aa5696fb12_937x713.png) (Gage Skidmore [via Flickr](https://www.flickr.com/photos/gageskidmore/54362429758/in/album-72177720324044219), CC 2.0) ## Weekly Spotlight It’s State of the Union Day! Tonight, President Donald Trump will address Congress about the state of the nation. This follows a longstanding practice: Article II, Section 3 of the Constitution [calls for the president](https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/article-2/section-3/) to regularly provide Congress with updates regarding the “State of the Union.” And since the 1930s, the president [has routinely delivered this message in-person](https://history.house.gov/Institution/SOTU/List/) with a speech to Congress and other dignitaries. Trump’s address comes at a treacherous time in his second term. His disapproval rating in [Decision Desk HQ’s job approval average](https://polls.decisiondeskhq.com/averages/presidential-approval/donald-trump-150479/national/lv-rv-adults) is 56%, essentially its highest point since he returned to the presidency in January 2025. Trump’s approval rating stands at 42%, which is also at the low end of his second-term range thus far. [![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!ekk-!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fea609dd9-424f-48de-ab34-3efed09c546d_756x756.png)](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!ekk-!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fea609dd9-424f-48de-ab34-3efed09c546d_756x756.png) His poor numbers likely stem from a few different challenges. Most importantly, Americans remain downbeat about the state of the economy. A recent survey from [the Pew Research Center found](https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2026/02/04/a-year-into-trumps-second-term-americans-views-of-the-economy-remain-negative/pp_2026-02-04_trump-economy_0-01/) that only 28% of the public viewed economic conditions as “excellent” or “good.” That is in line with where Pew’s polling has been for most of the past few years. On the one hand, this reflects long-running dissatisfaction with the economy during President Joe Biden’s administration. On the other hand, it suggests Americans have not become much more positive in their economic outlook during Trump’s second term. Moreover, that 28% figure is half the 56% total in [Pew’s December 2019 survey](https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2019/12/11/most-americans-say-the-current-economy-is-helping-the-rich-hurting-the-poor-and-middle-class/) — more than halfway through Trump’s first term and just before the COVID pandemic struck. Surveys also point to disapproval of Trump’s handling of other key issues. Recent polls from [Reuters/Ipsos](https://www.reuters.com/world/us/most-americans-say-trump-is-growing-erratic-with-age-reutersipsos-poll-finds-2026-02-24/) and [Echelon Insights](https://echeloninsights.com/in-the-news/february-2026-verified-voter-omnibus/) found Trump’s net approval on his handling of immigration at -15 and -11, respectively. Trump recently had his tariff policy struck down by the Supreme Court, and while his administration has implemented a new global tariff, it is another issue where he polls poorly. A [new survey from ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos](https://abcnews.com/Politics/majority-americans-disapprove-trump-handling-tariffs-abcpostipsos-poll/story?id=130340581) found 64% of Americans disapproved of how Trump is handling tariffs. Still, Trump’s low ratings are not a new development. His current standing is roughly similar to where it has often been ahead of his past State of the Union addresses or similar joint addresses to Congress. The more things change, the more they — mostly — stay the same for the polarizing president. *** ## **☑️ Introducing [DDHQ Votes](https://votes.decisiondeskhq.com/) ☑️** [![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!4v4G!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F272cfa08-9745-4473-bcd8-af0386052eed_5563x1820.png)](https://votes.decisiondeskhq.com/) Decision Desk HQ is excited to announce that it will soon release **[Votes](https://votes.decisiondeskhq.com/)**, our new election data portal. Dive into the world of election data with DDHQ Votes: - Up-to-date polling on the key issues and races - Track how prediction markets are moving - 25 years of election results at your fingertips - Track election results as they come in - From local to federal, find every race - Coming Soon: DDHQ Forecast Please join [the waiting list](https://votes.decisiondeskhq.com/) for Votes now! Those on the waiting list will receive early access to Votes when it launches in the very near future. *** ## Important national averages #### [Generic Ballot](https://polls.decisiondeskhq.com/averages/generic-ballot/national/lv-rv-adults) Democrats now lead by nearly 6 percentage points in [Decision Desk HQ’s generic ballot polling average](https://polls.decisiondeskhq.com/averages/generic-ballot/national/lv-rv-adults). This is about in line with the Democrats’ largest lead in our tracker in Trump’s second term. [![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!8Ss_!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F6085487d-661e-4d17-b0c3-89def9c1098e_744x746.png)](https://polls.decisiondeskhq.com/averages/generic-ballot/national/independents) The Democrats’ increased lead reflects a run of positive polls for the party. Recent surveys found Democrats leading by 6 to 10 points. Critically, Democrats continue to have a sizable edge [among independents](https://polls.decisiondeskhq.com/averages/generic-ballot/national/independents) on this question, 41%-24%. Such sentiments among swingier voters could combine with more energized Democratic turnout to give the party the upper hand in the 2026 midterms. #### [Right Track/Wrong Track](https://polls.decisiondeskhq.com/averages/right-wrong-track/national/lv-rv-adults) The share of respondents who believe the country was on the wrong track continues to far outdistance those who say it’s moving in the right direction. In [Decision Desk HQ’s average](https://polls.decisiondeskhq.com/averages/right-wrong-track/national/independents), 58.5% say the nation is on the wrong track, while about 35% say the opposite. [![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!mhrE!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F22d3a47a-f6c8-4ddc-94f9-5d6b6414fe25_743x745.png)](https://polls.decisiondeskhq.com/averages/right-wrong-track/national/independents) Now, this does represent an improvement in positive sentiment. This week, the net figure is about -24, while last week it was about -30. Still, the share who say the nation is on the wrong track remains on the higher end of where it has been during Trump’s second term. *** ## **2026 Elections** #### **[Texas U.S. Senate: Republican Primary](https://polls.decisiondeskhq.com/averages/primary-ballot-test/2026-tx-us-senate-gop/texas/republicans-lv-rv-adults-independents)** We are a week out from the March 3 primary elections. The big races that day are the nomination contests for Texas’s U.S. Senate race. However, we have not seen any polls of [the Republican primary](https://votes.decisiondeskhq.com/races/242465) since mid-February. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton [continues to hold a narrow lead](https://polls.decisiondeskhq.com/averages/primary-ballot-test/2026-tx-us-senate-gop/texas/republicans-lv-rv-adults-independents) over incumbent Sen. John Cornyn, 32%-28%. Rep. Wesley Hunt sits in third with 19%. This leaves every candidate well short of the 50%+1 support required to win the nomination outright. [![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!JhKf!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc3664ebf-e593-4dd0-92ce-c47aaafaf598_804x806.png)](https://polls.decisiondeskhq.com/averages/primary-ballot-test/2026-tx-us-senate-gop/texas/republicans-lv-rv-adults-independents) When it comes to the likely May 26 runoff in this race, though, don’t write off Hunt. In an incredibly expensive primary, Paxton and Cornyn (along with their allies) have spent some money going after Hunt. The congressman [recently argued](https://www.cbsnews.com/texas/news/nearly-100-million-campaign-advertising-texas-senate-seat-report-says/) that this signaled his opponents viewed him as a threat and that his campaign could be making a push for a top-two spot. #### **[Texas U.S. Senate: Democratic Primary](https://polls.decisiondeskhq.com/averages/primary-ballot-test/2026-tx-us-senate-dem/texas/lv-rv-adults-independents-democrats)** The polling news is even bleaker in Texas’s [Democratic primary for Senate](https://votes.decisiondeskhq.com/races/242466). We recently [released our average for this contest](https://polls.decisiondeskhq.com/averages/primary-ballot-test/2026-tx-us-senate-dem/texas/lv-rv-adults-independents-democrats), which finds Rep. Jasmine Crockett leading state Rep. James Talarico about 43%-37%. However, we recommend caution with these numbers because we have not had any new public polling since late January. With more voters tuning as the primary date nears, it’s possible the race has shifted in important ways since then. [![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!sG7H!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fae32a254-8b74-4650-b5d6-685d9e92b29c_805x807.png)](https://polls.decisiondeskhq.com/averages/primary-ballot-test/2026-tx-us-senate-dem/texas/lv-rv-adults-independents-democrats) #### **[Illinois U.S. Senate: Democratic Primary](https://polls.decisiondeskhq.com/averages/primary-ballot-test/2026-il-us-senate-dem/illinois/democrats)** Similarly, we do not have any new polling in Illinois’s [Democratic primary for Senate](https://votes.decisiondeskhq.com/races/242554). Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi [continues to lead in our average](https://polls.decisiondeskhq.com/averages/primary-ballot-test/2026-il-us-senate-dem/illinois/democrats) with 35%. Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton is in second with around 19% and Rep. Robin Kelly sits in third with 10%. [![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!ajlM!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F09d94783-2a5c-47a0-831c-f1631b3f3290_783x785.png)](https://polls.decisiondeskhq.com/averages/primary-ballot-test/2026-il-us-senate-dem/illinois/democrats) *** To see all Decision Desk HQ Polling Averages, **[click here](https://decisiondeskhq.com/polls/averages/).** Our team carefully reviews and averages these polls using a straightforward methodology, ensuring that our polling averages reflect a balanced and up-to-date snapshot of public opinion. Within each average you can find a specific point in time to compare how things have changed or view any poll included within that average. Read about Decision Desk HQ’s polling average methodology **[here](https://decisiondeskhq.com/polls/methodology/)**. Enjoyed this post? Please share it\! [Share](https://decisiondeskhq.substack.com/p/the-state-of-trumps-approval-rating?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share) 2 Share Previous #### Discussion about this post Comments Restacks Top Latest Discussions No posts ### Ready for more? © 2026 Decision Desk HQ · [Privacy](https://substack.com/privacy) ∙ [Terms](https://substack.com/tos) ∙ [Collection notice](https://substack.com/ccpa#personal-data-collected) [Start your Substack](https://substack.com/signup?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=web&utm_content=footer) [Get the app](https://substack.com/app/app-store-redirect?utm_campaign=app-marketing&utm_content=web-footer-button) [Substack](https://substack.com/) is the home for great culture This site requires JavaScript to run correctly. Please [turn on JavaScript](https://enable-javascript.com/) or unblock scripts
Readable Markdown
It’s State of the Union Day! Tonight, President Donald Trump will address Congress about the state of the nation. This follows a longstanding practice: Article II, Section 3 of the Constitution [calls for the president](https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/article-2/section-3/) to regularly provide Congress with updates regarding the “State of the Union.” And since the 1930s, the president [has routinely delivered this message in-person](https://history.house.gov/Institution/SOTU/List/) with a speech to Congress and other dignitaries. Trump’s address comes at a treacherous time in his second term. His disapproval rating in [Decision Desk HQ’s job approval average](https://polls.decisiondeskhq.com/averages/presidential-approval/donald-trump-150479/national/lv-rv-adults) is 56%, essentially its highest point since he returned to the presidency in January 2025. Trump’s approval rating stands at 42%, which is also at the low end of his second-term range thus far. [![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!ekk-!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fea609dd9-424f-48de-ab34-3efed09c546d_756x756.png)](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!ekk-!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fea609dd9-424f-48de-ab34-3efed09c546d_756x756.png) His poor numbers likely stem from a few different challenges. Most importantly, Americans remain downbeat about the state of the economy. A recent survey from [the Pew Research Center found](https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2026/02/04/a-year-into-trumps-second-term-americans-views-of-the-economy-remain-negative/pp_2026-02-04_trump-economy_0-01/) that only 28% of the public viewed economic conditions as “excellent” or “good.” That is in line with where Pew’s polling has been for most of the past few years. On the one hand, this reflects long-running dissatisfaction with the economy during President Joe Biden’s administration. On the other hand, it suggests Americans have not become much more positive in their economic outlook during Trump’s second term. Moreover, that 28% figure is half the 56% total in [Pew’s December 2019 survey](https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2019/12/11/most-americans-say-the-current-economy-is-helping-the-rich-hurting-the-poor-and-middle-class/) — more than halfway through Trump’s first term and just before the COVID pandemic struck. Surveys also point to disapproval of Trump’s handling of other key issues. Recent polls from [Reuters/Ipsos](https://www.reuters.com/world/us/most-americans-say-trump-is-growing-erratic-with-age-reutersipsos-poll-finds-2026-02-24/) and [Echelon Insights](https://echeloninsights.com/in-the-news/february-2026-verified-voter-omnibus/) found Trump’s net approval on his handling of immigration at -15 and -11, respectively. Trump recently had his tariff policy struck down by the Supreme Court, and while his administration has implemented a new global tariff, it is another issue where he polls poorly. A [new survey from ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos](https://abcnews.com/Politics/majority-americans-disapprove-trump-handling-tariffs-abcpostipsos-poll/story?id=130340581) found 64% of Americans disapproved of how Trump is handling tariffs. Still, Trump’s low ratings are not a new development. His current standing is roughly similar to where it has often been ahead of his past State of the Union addresses or similar joint addresses to Congress. The more things change, the more they — mostly — stay the same for the polarizing president. [![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!4v4G!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F272cfa08-9745-4473-bcd8-af0386052eed_5563x1820.png)](https://votes.decisiondeskhq.com/) Decision Desk HQ is excited to announce that it will soon release **[Votes](https://votes.decisiondeskhq.com/)**, our new election data portal. Dive into the world of election data with DDHQ Votes: - Up-to-date polling on the key issues and races - Track how prediction markets are moving - 25 years of election results at your fingertips - Track election results as they come in - From local to federal, find every race - Coming Soon: DDHQ Forecast Please join [the waiting list](https://votes.decisiondeskhq.com/) for Votes now! Those on the waiting list will receive early access to Votes when it launches in the very near future. Democrats now lead by nearly 6 percentage points in [Decision Desk HQ’s generic ballot polling average](https://polls.decisiondeskhq.com/averages/generic-ballot/national/lv-rv-adults). This is about in line with the Democrats’ largest lead in our tracker in Trump’s second term. [![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!8Ss_!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F6085487d-661e-4d17-b0c3-89def9c1098e_744x746.png)](https://polls.decisiondeskhq.com/averages/generic-ballot/national/independents) The Democrats’ increased lead reflects a run of positive polls for the party. Recent surveys found Democrats leading by 6 to 10 points. Critically, Democrats continue to have a sizable edge [among independents](https://polls.decisiondeskhq.com/averages/generic-ballot/national/independents) on this question, 41%-24%. Such sentiments among swingier voters could combine with more energized Democratic turnout to give the party the upper hand in the 2026 midterms. The share of respondents who believe the country was on the wrong track continues to far outdistance those who say it’s moving in the right direction. In [Decision Desk HQ’s average](https://polls.decisiondeskhq.com/averages/right-wrong-track/national/independents), 58.5% say the nation is on the wrong track, while about 35% say the opposite. [![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!mhrE!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F22d3a47a-f6c8-4ddc-94f9-5d6b6414fe25_743x745.png)](https://polls.decisiondeskhq.com/averages/right-wrong-track/national/independents) Now, this does represent an improvement in positive sentiment. This week, the net figure is about -24, while last week it was about -30. Still, the share who say the nation is on the wrong track remains on the higher end of where it has been during Trump’s second term. We are a week out from the March 3 primary elections. The big races that day are the nomination contests for Texas’s U.S. Senate race. However, we have not seen any polls of [the Republican primary](https://votes.decisiondeskhq.com/races/242465) since mid-February. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton [continues to hold a narrow lead](https://polls.decisiondeskhq.com/averages/primary-ballot-test/2026-tx-us-senate-gop/texas/republicans-lv-rv-adults-independents) over incumbent Sen. John Cornyn, 32%-28%. Rep. Wesley Hunt sits in third with 19%. This leaves every candidate well short of the 50%+1 support required to win the nomination outright. [![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!JhKf!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc3664ebf-e593-4dd0-92ce-c47aaafaf598_804x806.png)](https://polls.decisiondeskhq.com/averages/primary-ballot-test/2026-tx-us-senate-gop/texas/republicans-lv-rv-adults-independents) When it comes to the likely May 26 runoff in this race, though, don’t write off Hunt. In an incredibly expensive primary, Paxton and Cornyn (along with their allies) have spent some money going after Hunt. The congressman [recently argued](https://www.cbsnews.com/texas/news/nearly-100-million-campaign-advertising-texas-senate-seat-report-says/) that this signaled his opponents viewed him as a threat and that his campaign could be making a push for a top-two spot. The polling news is even bleaker in Texas’s [Democratic primary for Senate](https://votes.decisiondeskhq.com/races/242466). We recently [released our average for this contest](https://polls.decisiondeskhq.com/averages/primary-ballot-test/2026-tx-us-senate-dem/texas/lv-rv-adults-independents-democrats), which finds Rep. Jasmine Crockett leading state Rep. James Talarico about 43%-37%. However, we recommend caution with these numbers because we have not had any new public polling since late January. With more voters tuning as the primary date nears, it’s possible the race has shifted in important ways since then. [![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!sG7H!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fae32a254-8b74-4650-b5d6-685d9e92b29c_805x807.png)](https://polls.decisiondeskhq.com/averages/primary-ballot-test/2026-tx-us-senate-dem/texas/lv-rv-adults-independents-democrats) Similarly, we do not have any new polling in Illinois’s [Democratic primary for Senate](https://votes.decisiondeskhq.com/races/242554). Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi [continues to lead in our average](https://polls.decisiondeskhq.com/averages/primary-ballot-test/2026-il-us-senate-dem/illinois/democrats) with 35%. Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton is in second with around 19% and Rep. Robin Kelly sits in third with 10%. [![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!ajlM!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F09d94783-2a5c-47a0-831c-f1631b3f3290_783x785.png)](https://polls.decisiondeskhq.com/averages/primary-ballot-test/2026-il-us-senate-dem/illinois/democrats) To see all Decision Desk HQ Polling Averages, **[click here](https://decisiondeskhq.com/polls/averages/).** Our team carefully reviews and averages these polls using a straightforward methodology, ensuring that our polling averages reflect a balanced and up-to-date snapshot of public opinion. Within each average you can find a specific point in time to compare how things have changed or view any poll included within that average. Read about Decision Desk HQ’s polling average methodology **[here](https://decisiondeskhq.com/polls/methodology/)**. Enjoyed this post? Please share it\! [Share](https://decisiondeskhq.substack.com/p/the-state-of-trumps-approval-rating?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share)
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