President Donald Trump’s overall approval rating bounced back to 42% from 38% last month, according to a new John Zogby Strategies poll conducted September 15-17, 2026.
The President’s approval/disapproval ratio stands at 42%/56%, whereas last month the ratio stood at 38%/59%. The bulk of the shift came from Independent voters, who in August rated the President 21% approval, and 73% disapproval. Today, Independents gave the President, 33% approval, 64% disapproval.
The new poll, launched after dire news about destruction of Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline and refineries, which previously relieved oil markets from the Strait of Hormuz’s closure, now has gas and diesel costs soaring.
- On handling affordability: 36% approve/59% disapprove (last month: 32% approval, 62% disapproval).
- On the Iran war: 40% approve/55% disapprove (last month: 33% approval, 61% disapproval).
The President’s key signature issues appear to be working for him and MAGA. And as previously released on September 18, our latest Congressional Generic Ballot number shows Democrats ahead 48% to Republicans 42%, a six point lead that has narrowed from last month’s nine point lead.
- On handling of immigration: 50% approve/46% disapprove (last month: 44% approval/51% disapproval).
- On handling crime: 48% approve/ 46% disapprove (last month: 40% approval, 51% disapproval).
On each of these issues, the President received the following approval among independents: 25% on affordability, 33% on Iran, 40% on crime, and 44% on immigration pointing to mostly higher ratings from last month.
Pollster Jeremy Zogby: “The continued war and its effects loom over the US and Global economy. While another potential wave of price shocks in energy or food will not help the President and MAGA, the reality boils down to the Democratic party’s lacking a strategy to offset the affordability crisis. Their strategy boils down to a strong rooted identity as the anti-Trump party, which does not directly communicate why Democratic candidates are in a better position to govern. Furthermore, more voters live in a reality adjusting to affording less. In such an environment, security takes priority over prosperity. Therefore, that party which delivers security is ultimately the party that mobilizes the undecided and unaffiliated voters.”
Contact jeremy@johnzogbystrategies.com for source data.
