As President Joe Biden prepares to leave office, the American public has rendered a harsh judgment on his tenure. A recent Gallup poll shows a majority of Americans view Biden as a “below average” or “poor” president, with only 19% rating his time in office as “above average” or “outstanding.” These dismal ratings solidify Biden’s standing as one of the least popular U.S. presidents in modern history.
Poll Reveals Grim Ratings
The Gallup poll paints a dire picture of Biden’s legacy:
- 54% of respondents rated Biden’s presidency negatively, including 37% who deemed it “below average” and 17% who called it outright “poor.”
- Only 6% described his performance as “outstanding,” while 13% rated it “above average.”
- A modest 26% viewed his presidency as “average.”
Compared to nine other recent presidents, Biden’s net positivity rating of -35 is one of the lowest recorded, surpassed in unpopularity only by Richard Nixon at -42. Even George W. Bush, often criticized for his handling of the Iraq War, fared better with a net positivity of -9.
Approval Ratings Plunge
Biden is set to leave office with the lowest approval ratings in 16 years. According to Marquette Law School’s polling, his approval stands at a mere 34%, with 66% disapproving of his performance. Among the most criticized actions of his presidency was his controversial pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, which 71% of respondents disapproved of, calling it a “slap in the face” to justice.
In a candid interview with USA Today, Biden acknowledged the toll his presidency has taken. Reflecting on his decision not to run for re-election, he admitted, “I don’t know” if he could endure another term, adding, “I wasn’t looking to be president when I was 85 years old, 86 years old.”
Trump’s Popularity Surges
While Biden’s ratings plummet, President-elect Donald Trump is experiencing a surge in popularity. Marquette’s latest poll places Trump’s approval at 53%, with a net positivity rating of -4 for his first term—dramatically better than Biden’s record.
Charles Franklin, director of the Marquette Law School Poll, highlighted Trump’s growing support, particularly for his proposed plans to address illegal immigration and restore economic stability. “Americans are giving Trump the ‘benefit of the doubt’ as he prepares for his second term,” Franklin noted.
Contrasting Legacies
Biden has attempted to paint a positive picture of his presidency, claiming he “restored the economy” and “reestablished America’s leadership in the world.” However, the public remains skeptical. Key issues such as surging inflation, the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan, and an ongoing border crisis have defined his presidency.
“This is the culmination of a year-long fall in approval,” Franklin said, attributing Biden’s declining popularity to a series of high-profile missteps and his inability to connect with the American people.
In contrast, Trump’s proposed policies on immigration and trade have gained traction. His plans to implement tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China aim to protect American jobs and curb illegal immigration. While critics have raised concerns about potential economic repercussions, over 60% of Americans support Trump’s broader immigration policies, including deportation of illegal immigrants.
A Presidency of Decline
As Biden prepares to exit the political stage, his presidency is widely regarded as a period of decline and disappointment. The Gallup poll and other surveys underscore a profound disillusionment among Americans, who have grown increasingly critical of his leadership.
Meanwhile, Trump is poised to take bold action on key issues, reinforcing his commitment to addressing the concerns of everyday Americans. As the transition of power approaches, the stark contrast between the two leaders could not be clearer, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another in the nation’s political history.