February 2025 National Political Survey – Summary Analysis
Shifting Tides: Trump’s Approval, Economic Trust, and the Road to 2026
The latest February 2025 National Political Survey, conducted by Quantus Insights and sponsored by Trending Politics News, provides a critical snapshot of the political landscape following the 2024 presidential election. The findings reveal key trends in approval ratings, public sentiment, economic trust, and policy views, offering insights into voter attitudes ahead of the 2026 midterms. (See full cross tabs here).
Trump’s Approval Rating: A Divided but Favorable Electorate
Despite a highly polarized political climate, President Donald Trump’s approval rating stands at 52%, with 45% disapproving—a net positive of +7 points. Support is strongest among Republicans (89%) and non-college voters (53% approve). Trump enjoys solid backing among white voters (57%), while Black voters remain strongly opposed (62% disapprove). Among independents, approval is split (42% approve, 53% disapprove), highlighting a key battleground for future elections.
Demographically, Trump performs better with men (54% approve) than women (50%), and his strongest support comes from voters aged 45-64 (55% approve).
National Sentiment: A Nation Divided on Direction
Americans remain split on the overall trajectory of the country. 51% believe the U.S. is headed in the right direction, while 47% think it’s on the wrong track. This reflects a near-even divide in public confidence but marks a slight improvement from previous cycles.
Republicans overwhelmingly believe the country is on the right path (90%), while Democrats largely disagree (80% say wrong track).
Independents are split once again (42% right direction, 55% wrong track), reinforcing their status as a volatile electoral group.
While optimism is highest among men (57%), women remain more skeptical (52% say wrong track), suggesting that gender dynamics continue to influence political outlooks.
Trump’s Tariff Strategy: A Contentious Economic Issue
Voters are divided over Trump’s decision to impose tariffs on Canada and Mexico as a means of securing border security and economic concessions. 44% approve, while 49% disapprove, with 7% undecided.
Republicans support the move (80% approve), but Democrats overwhelmingly oppose it (85% disapprove).
Hispanic voters (43% approve, 47% disapprove) and Black voters (26% approve, 58% disapprove) express significant skepticism.
College-educated voters lean against tariffs (53% disapprove), while non-college voters are more supportive (45% approve).
This data suggests that while Trump’s economic nationalism resonates with parts of his base, the broader electorate remains deeply divided on whether tariffs are an effective policy tool.
Party Trust on Key Issues: Republicans Hold the Edge
As voters look toward the 2026 midterms, Republicans hold an advantage (51%) over Democrats (43%) on handling the working-class economy, immigration, and national direction.
GOP trust is highest among men (58%) and white voters (57%).
Democrats retain trust among Black voters (68%) and women (47%).
Among independents, neither party has a clear edge (42% GOP, 40% Dem, 18% neither).
This suggests that economic and immigration policies remain potent electoral battlegrounds, with Republicans holding an advantage heading into the next election cycle.
Takeaways: What This Means for 2026 and Beyond
The survey highlights a politically divided but engaged electorate, with Trump maintaining an approval advantage and Republicans holding the upper hand on key policy issues. However, independents remain unpredictable, and Democratic voters remain firm in their opposition.
Looking ahead:
Republicans will need to solidify their gains among independents and maintain their lead on economic issues.
Democrats must focus on reversing Trump’s slight approval edge while appealing to moderate and suburban voters.
Economic messaging and immigration policy will be pivotal in shaping the 2026 midterms.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, these insights provide a crucial baseline for understanding voter attitudes in the post-2024 era.