Americans Rate Biden Worse Than Trump, Obama as Term Ends: Poll

As President Joe Biden nears the end of his term, Americans hold a dimmer view of his presidency compared to his predecessors, Donald Trump and Barack Obama, according to a new AP-NORC poll.

The findings reflect widespread disappointment among Democrats and a sense of unfulfilled promises, especially among younger and minority voters.

Why It Matters

Biden’s approval ratings have steadily declined since the early days of his presidency, reflecting a growing perception of unmet expectations and political stagnation.

Compared to Obama, who ended his term with substantial support, Biden’s ratings are closer to those of President Richard Nixon post-Watergate, raising questions about his political legacy and its impact on the Democratic Party‘s future.


Discontent Among Democrats

Even among Democrats, Biden’s performance was seen as lackluster. Only 10 percent called his presidency “great,” and a sizable portion described it as “average.” Black and Hispanic voters, who have historically leaned Democratic, expressed significant dissatisfaction, contrasting sharply with their views of Obama. Among Black Americans, only about 3 in 10 believed Biden kept his promises, compared to 6 in 10 who said the same of Obama.

Economic Concerns

Economic dissatisfaction is a dominant theme, with many citing rising costs and stalled progress on key issues. Biden’s failure to achieve student loan forgiveness and perceptions of his handling of inflation have deepened frustrations. Around 4 in 10 Americans said they were worse off financially under Biden, a sentiment more pronounced than at the end of Trump’s or Obama’s presidencies.