The February 2026 Harvard CAPS / Harris poll, which surveyed around 2,000 registered voters, shows President Trump’s approval at 46%, with slight gains across issues. Voters perceive strong economic improvement: 51% call the economy strong, up 2 points since January, 52% say it is better than under Biden , and 36% report personal finances improving.
Additionally, key Trump policies retain majority support, including lowering drug prices (80%) and deporting criminal immigrants (75%). Likewise, all 11 new State of the Union policies polled above 50% support. Republicans hold a messaging edge, tying the midterm generic ballot at 50-50 but leading 51-49 after exposure and by 4 pts. among likely voters.
However, strong majorities back the Supreme Court’s tariff limits (65%), citizen-only voting and the SAVE America Act (85%). Aggressive stances on Venezuela/Maduro (59%), Mexico cartels, and Ukraine aid (66%), are similarly popular. A separate Reuters report highlights investor anxiety ahead of the State of the Union, citing market volatility from tariffs, potential Iran policy, affordability measures, and executive actions.
Reacting to the data, Mark Penn, Co-Director of the Harvard CAPS / Harris poll and Stagwell Chairman and CEO, stated, “The Americans are single-mindedly focused on the economy, and this poll shows there is room for people to change their opinion as we’re seeing some improvement in the long-term trend.”
“The administration has to keep working on explaining its economic policy to change the minds of voters ahead of the midterms,” Penn added to explain how the Trump administration could and should capitalize on this major polling win to ensure the midterms turn out well.
Sam Stovall, chief investment strategist at CFRA, quipped, “Just as the winter storms in the Northeast have been adding to the piles of snow on the roads, I’m afraid that this speech is just going to add to the levels of anxiety in the market,” adding, “the crowded policy agenda makes everything a little less predictable.”
Suggesting other changes, Tom Graff, chief investment officer at Facet, stated, “He could propose other ideas around mortgage affordability that might impact the bond market. There is also the proposed 10% cap on credit card interest rates. There could be new details around that, which is definitely being closely watched by Wall Street.”
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Reacting to the statue of the Union, one patriot wrote a letter to the President expressing his support. “My Company is a Tool & Die supply shop supporting the manufacturing plants in Texas Arkansas and Oklahoma,” the letter began.
“We are a small family business with 5 employees. I would love to share my experience with Mr President and let him know what a Small Business in Texas looks like before and after Tariffs (that we fully support),” the letter added.
Wrapping up, the Trump supporter stated, “Manufacturing is coming back strong, and I wish people could see it and hear it from a real family business that supports the backbone of America. Thank you for Making America Great Again and also for making The Gulf great again (I think AF1 might be able to land on the island lol).”
Watch Nancy Pelosi implode after getting called out on her lies about the Trump economy here: