Poll Reveals Most Americans See Trump as Increasingly Erratic with Age

A recent poll reveals a growing sentiment among Americans that former President Donald Trump appears increasingly erratic as he ages. This finding comes from a Reuters/Ipsos survey conducted over six days, concluding just before Trump’s annual State of the Union address.

Poll Findings: Americans View Trump as Erratic with Age

According to the poll, 61% of respondents believe Trump has become erratic due to his age. This perception cuts across political lines, with significant feedback from both parties:

• 89% of Democrats describe Trump as erratic.
• 30% of Republicans share this viewpoint.
• 64% of independents also see him that way.

In response, White House spokesperson Davis Ingle dismissed the poll’s findings, labeling them as “fake and desperate narratives.” He emphasized Trump’s “sharpness” and “unmatched energy,” contrasting him with current President Joe Biden.

Approval Ratings and Aging Leadership

Trump’s overall approval rating currently stands at 40%, a slight increase of two percentage points from earlier in the month. This is a decrease from his initial approval rating of 47% at the start of his term. Enthusiasm for younger leaders reflects the opinions of the nation’s voters.

In fact, 79% of those surveyed feel that elected officials in Washington, D.C., are generally too old to adequately represent Americans. The average age in the U.S. Senate is approximately 64 years, while the House of Representatives averages 58 years.

Concerns Over Mental Acuity

The perception of Trump’s mental sharpness has also declined. The poll indicates that only 45% of respondents now regard him as mentally sharp and capable of handling challenges, down from 54% in a prior poll conducted in September 2023. Here’s how different political affiliations view his abilities:

• 81% of Republicans see Trump as mentally sharp.
• Only 19% of Democrats share this confidence.
• Among independents, the number has fallen to 36%.

The Context of Aging Political Leadership

Trump, who returned to office in January 2025 at age 78, has made headlines with his policies, including new tariffs and aggressive immigration measures. It’s noteworthy that Biden, his Democratic predecessor, ended his term at age 82, older than any president before him. Trump is slated to turn 80 in June, potentially setting a new record.

This survey underscores a crucial trend in American political sentiment, indicating widespread concern over the age and mental acuity of political leaders. The discourse around aging leadership continues to resonate, hinting at a demand for younger representation in government.

The Reuters/Ipsos poll surveyed 4,638 U.S. adults nationwide and has a margin of error of two percentage points, shedding light on perceptions of leadership among American voters.