Special Poll
A new Gallup survey shows that 51% of Americans approve of how President-elect Donald Trump has managed his presidential transition, a slight increase from December 2016 when 48% had a positive view of his transition, compared to 48% who were negative.
In this latest poll, 44% disapproved of his transition. However, Trump’s approval rating still lags behind other recent presidents. In 2020, 68% of Americans approved of President Joe Biden’s transition, while former President Barack Obama had an 83% approval rating for his transition in December 2008. Similarly, former President George W. Bush had a 65% approval rating in January 2001, and Bill Clinton received 67% approval in December 1992.
Gallup noted that Trump’s increase in approval compared to 2016 and 2017 is largely driven by strong support from Republicans. A notable 97% of Republicans approve of his transition, a rise of over 10 percentage points from the 86% who approved in December 2016. Independents also show slightly higher support, with 47% approving of Trump’s transition now, compared to 46% in 2016.
However, Trump’s approval among independents is still lower than other incoming presidents, as typically at least 59% of independents approve of transitions. Democrats remain the least supportive of Trump, with only 10% approving of his transition now, down from 17% during his first presidency.
The Gallup poll was conducted between December 2 and 18, 2024, among 1,003 adults across the U.S. The margin of error is 4 percentage points at the 95% confidence level.