Stagwell Inc. Releases December Harvard CAPS / Harris Poll Results: Trump's Approval Rating Rebounds Amid Economic Concerns

President Trump's approval rating has climbed to 47%, marking a 3-point increase from November. This rise is evident across various policy issues, with the President receiving his highest approval rating for his efforts to combat crime in U.S. cities (51%) and in restoring American values (50%). However, he continues to face challenges, particularly regarding inflation, where his approval stands at only 40%.

Mark Penn, Co-Director of the Harvard CAPS / Harris poll and the Chairman and CEO of Stagwell, commented on the results, stating, "This poll is a clear bounce back from the government shutdown when attitudes of the American public were really going off of a cliff." He emphasized that inflation remains a significant concern, overshadowing the administration's efforts, and highlighted the upcoming State of the Union as a crucial opportunity for the President to address these issues.

The poll reveals a reversal in general attitudes, with 39% of voters believing the country is on the right track, an increase of 4 points since November. Additionally, 47% of respondents view the U.S. economy as strong, also a 4-point rise. The approval ratings for the Republican Party and the Democratic Party stand at 46% (+2) and 41% (-2), respectively, while Congressional approval has surged to 35% (+8).

Notably, 47% of voters identified inflation or affordability as their top personal concern, a sentiment echoed across party lines. Inflation and economic stability are at the forefront of voters' minds, followed closely by healthcare.

The poll indicates that the majority of Trump’s policies maintain substantial public support. Among the most popular initiatives are lowering prescription drug prices (86% support), deporting illegal immigrants who have committed crimes (80%), and eliminating fraud in government expenditures (77%). However, policies such as adding work requirements to Medicaid and tariffs are less favorably viewed, with only 43% and 52% support, respectively.

Furthermore, the poll reveals that 55% of voters believe Trump's policies will exacerbate inflation, while 43% feel they may negatively impact their financial situation.

Public sentiment regarding the government shutdown is predominantly negative, with 62% of voters asserting that Republicans emerged victorious from the standoff. A staggering 85% believe the shutdown harmed the U.S. economy, and 46% report personal impacts from the event. The poll also shows strong support for future negotiations through moderate representatives, with 71% approving of the actions taken by moderate Democrats to end the shutdown.

Despite a growing trust in Trump and the Republican Party to manage the economy (55% trust), a majority of voters (57%) believe he is losing the battle against inflation. The perception of inflation remains high, with 71% of respondents estimating it currently exceeds 3% annually. Notably, 57% of voters perceive the economy as shrinking, a sentiment that is particularly strong among Democrats.

Across various issues, voters have expressed significant concerns regarding inflation, the economy, and healthcare. The poll indicates a strong belief that the last time the economy was "good" was in 2020 before the pandemic. A majority of voters (79%) cite rising grocery and household item prices as a major influence on their economic outlook.

The poll results reflect a substantial bipartisan support for H-1B visas, with 72% in favor of granting these visas to foreign workers. Additionally, there is a rising consensus for the removal of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, with 64% of voters supporting his ouster, particularly in light of allegations of election fraud and narco-terrorism.

In terms of foreign policy, the poll reveals that 70% of voters back Trump’s peace plan to secure the return of Israeli hostages and end hostilities in Gaza, although concerns about Hamas rearming persist.

The December Harvard CAPS / Harris poll results provide an insightful glimpse into the current political climate as the U.S. navigates significant economic challenges and political divisions. With Trump's approval rating rebounding, the focus on inflation and economic management will likely play a pivotal role in shaping the political landscape leading into the 2026 elections. Stagwell Inc.'s release of these findings underscores the importance of public sentiment in guiding political discourse and policy-making in the months ahead.