MakeYourChart

Average presidential approval

Kennedy has the highest Gallup average approval at 70.1%, ahead of Eisenhower at 65.0%. Trump's first term averaged 41.1%, the lowest of 13.

Make this videoDownload data (CSV)

Free to edit and export · No signup to start

What the data shows

  • John F. Kennedy ranks #1 with 70.1%, ahead of Dwight D. Eisenhower (65.0%) and George H.W. Bush (60.9%).

About this chart

John F. Kennedy holds the highest Gallup average approval at 70.1%, followed by Dwight Eisenhower at 65.0% and George H.W. Bush at 60.9%, who averaged that high even though he finished at 29% in July 1992. Lyndon Johnson and Bill Clinton both averaged 55.1%, and Ronald Reagan 52.8%. George W. Bush averaged 49.4% but swung from Gallup's all-time high of 90% in September 2001 to a low of 25% in October 2008. Donald Trump's first-term average of 41.1% is the lowest of the 13, just below Joe Biden's 42.2%.

Each figure is Gallup's average approval across a president's whole time in office, including partial terms such as Kennedy's (1961 to 1963) and Ford's. The list starts with Eisenhower; Truman, who averaged 45.4% and had Gallup's lowest reading ever at 22% in February 1952, is omitted. Gallup ended presidential approval polling in early 2026 after about 88 years. It has no second-term Trump average, so his value covers only his first term. His last Gallup reading was 36% in December 2025.

The data

Source: Gallup, Presidential Approval Ratings - Gallup Historical Statistics and Trends (average approval rating over each president's time in office). Retrieved November 4, 2026. Gallup announced on 2026-02-11 that it would stop measuring presidential approval; its page has no second-term Trump average (last Gallup reading: 36% in December 2025), so Trump's value is first term only (Jan 2017-Jan 2021). Averages cover each president's whole time in office, including partial terms (Kennedy Jan 1961-Nov 1963, Ford Aug 1974-Jan 1977, Nixon to Aug 1974). Truman (45.4) omitted to keep the list Eisenhower onward.

Average presidential approval, Gallup average job approval in office, Eisenhower-Biden, Average approval (%)
DateJohn F. KennedyDwight D. EisenhowerGeorge H.W. BushLyndon B. JohnsonBill ClintonRonald ReaganGeorge W. BushRichard NixonBarack ObamaGerald FordJimmy CarterJoe BidenDonald Trump (first term)
Average approval (%)70.1%65.0%60.9%55.1%55.1%52.8%49.4%49.0%47.9%47.2%45.5%42.2%41.1%

Post it

Suggested caption: “Kennedy averaged 70.1% approval. Trump's first term averaged 41.1%.” Credit the source in your caption; it heads off the 'source?' comments.

Make it yours

  • Switch between bar, line, column and donut races with one click.
  • Pick 9:16 for Reels and TikTok, 4:5 for the feed or 16:9 for YouTube.
  • Change the theme, font, colors and race length, and add your own captions.
  • Paste your own numbers from Excel or Google Sheets. See the bar chart race maker for tips.

Frequently asked questions

Which president had the highest approval rating?

John F. Kennedy, with a Gallup average of 70.1% over his time in office. The highest single Gallup reading was George W. Bush's 90% in September 2001.

Which president had the lowest approval rating?

Among the 13 presidents charted, Donald Trump's first term had the lowest average, 41.1%. The lowest single reading ever recorded by Gallup was Harry Truman's 22% in February 1952.

Does Gallup still publish presidential approval ratings?

No. Gallup announced on February 11, 2026 that it would stop measuring presidential approval, ending a series of about 88 years. Trump's last Gallup reading was 36% in December 2025.

Where does this data come from?

Gallup, Presidential Approval Ratings - Gallup Historical Statistics and Trends (average approval rating over each president's time in office). Retrieved November 4, 2026. Gallup announced on 2026-02-11 that it would stop measuring presidential approval; its page has no second-term Trump average (last Gallup reading: 36% in December 2025), so Trump's value is first term only (Jan 2017-Jan 2021). Averages cover each president's whole time in office, including partial terms (Kennedy Jan 1961-Nov 1963, Ford Aug 1974-Jan 1977, Nixon to Aug 1974). Truman (45.4) omitted to keep the list Eisenhower onward. You can download the full table as a CSV from this page.

Can I turn this chart into a video?

Yes. Open it in the editor, change the title, theme, colors or format (9:16 for Reels and TikTok, 16:9 for YouTube), and export an MP4. Free exports are 720p with a small watermark; Pro ($11.99/month) removes it and adds 1080p, 4K and 60 fps.

Related data

All us states charts
US statesReal data

Sales Tax by State

Louisiana has the highest combined sales tax rate at 10.11%, ahead of Tennessee at 9.61% and Washington at 9.51%, as of January 2026.

US statesReal data

Top State Income Tax Rates

California has the highest top state income tax rate at 13.3%, ahead of Hawaii at 11% and New York at 10.9%. Eight states tax no wage income.

US statesReal data

Teacher Salary by State

California pays teachers the most at $103,552 in 2024-25, ahead of New York at $98,655. The U.S. average is $74,495.