Approval Rating Declines After Controversial Term

The United States Supreme Court’s approval rating experienced a significant drop among Republicans, as reported in a new Gallup poll. This comes after a term filled with several divisive rulings concerning former President Donald Trump.

Public trust in the Supreme Court has been declining over recent years. More Americans are questioning the Court’s impartiality. During its most recent term, rulings provoked dissatisfaction across the political spectrum. This included a decision that many critics argue weakened the Voting Rights Act, which upset progressives, and another that opposed Trump’s efforts to end birthright citizenship, which dismayed conservatives.

The approval rating for the Supreme Court among all demographics reached a historic low of 33 percent, down from 42 percent in September 2025. A growing number of Americans now view the Court more unfavorably than before. This is reflected in the significant drop in approval among Republicans, from a near-record high of 79 percent in June 2025 to 58 percent, as noted by Gallup.

Impact of Recent Rulings on Political Affiliations

In 2022, Democrats’ approval of the Supreme Court suffered after the justices overturned Roe v. Wade, a landmark decision that had ensured reproductive rights across the U.S. The latest poll indicates that Republicans are increasingly critical of the Court.

Gallup editor Jeffrey M. Jones observed that recent rulings, particularly those perceived as unfavorable to Trump’s administration such as those on tariffs and birthright citizenship, have weighed heavily on Republicans’ views.

Contact was made with the Supreme Court’s public information office for comment via email, though no response has been reported.

Historical Comparisons of Supreme Court Approval

Gallup polls have never recorded such low approval ratings for the Supreme Court. In 2025, the approval was at 39 percent, also a record low at the time. High approval ratings from 2020, when 58 percent of Americans voiced support for the Court, have sharply declined.

Previously, Republicans generally viewed the Supreme Court more favorably than Democrats, reflecting the 6-3 conservative majority on the bench. In the newest poll, approval from Democrats dropped to 12 percent, down slightly from September 2025.

Supreme Court justices have expressed concern about the public’s eroding trust in the Court. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson highlighted the significant real-world impacts of the Court’s rulings, including dismantling key policies and services.

Mixed Decisions on Trump’s Policies

Recent rulings have been mixed in terms of Trump’s policies. The Supreme Court ruled against efforts to end birthright citizenship and imposed constraints on tariffs, challenging Trump’s executive authority. These decisions have resonated with Trump-aligned Republicans who see them as setbacks.

Conversely, the Court has taken positions favoring Trump’s administration on other issues, such as limiting the inclusion of transgender athletes in sports and upholding certain executive authorities.

Criticism from Trump followed, especially after rulings like the reversal of his tariff policy. Trump expressed discontent with appointees’ decisions and perceived this as damaging to the nation.

Other Poll Findings and Public Opinion

Aside from Gallup, other polls emphasize the low Supreme Court approval. A survey by The Washington Post and Ipsos showed a 41 percent approval rate compared to 55 percent disapproval, marking the highest disapproval recorded.

YouGov’s poll placed the approval at 38 percent, with disapproval at 45 percent. Support was found for reforms like establishing an ethics code and implementing term limits for justices.

Ethics Concerns and Upcoming Terms

Ethics issues persist, highlighted by reports from ProPublica about Justice Clarence Thomas and others accepting gifts from GOP donors. These issues have drawn scrutiny and contributed to public skepticism.

The Supreme Court’s future docket is already attracting attention with cases concerning gun rights, climate litigation, and federal authority. Cases like Viramontes v. Cook County regarding gun ownership and Suncor Energy Inc. v. Boulder County on climate claims are pivotal for upcoming decisions.

Beginning in October, the Supreme Court will consider these and other cases. Meanwhile, Gallup’s next poll is anticipated in the fall, which will further assess the public’s view of the Court.