Emerson Poll Shows Trump Underwater as Voters Favor Moderates, Democrats Lead 2026 Ballot

Overview

• Emerson’s Dec. 14–15 national survey finds Trump at 41% approve and 50% disapprove among registered voters (n=1,000; ~±3 points).
• In 2028 scenarios, a moderate Democrat leads a MAGA Republican by 17 points, while a moderate Republican leads a progressive Democrat by 18 points.
• Democrats hold a 44% to 42% advantage on the 2026 generic congressional ballot, with independents favoring Democrats 40% to 32% and 28% undecided.
• The economy ranks as the top issue for 38% of voters, with threats to democracy, healthcare, and immigration each at 14%.
• Voters report split views on reported U.S. strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean, with most Republicans calling them justified and most Democrats saying they were not, and 53% perceive a great deal of fraud in social programs.