Trump, whose job approval stands at a dismal 36%, also has the worst net approval rating heading into the State of the Union in either of his two terms. In 2018 and 2019, the president’s net approval rating was -15 points and -20 points in 2020. In February 2026, Trump’s net approval rating stands at -27 points. TimeThe State of the Union gets underway Tuesday at 9 p.m. EST (8 p.m. Abigail Spanberger, whose election in November was a bright spot for Democrats, will give the party’s response to Trump’s speech shortly after the president’s address concludes.

Source: CNN February 24, 2026 16:23 UTC