Washington, Feb 24 (GeokHub) - A majority of Americans believe President Donald Trump has become more erratic as he has aged, according to a new national poll released ahead of his annual State of the Union address to Congress.
The survey found that 61% of respondents describe the 79-year-old president as having “become erratic with age.” The view was held by 89% of Democrats, 64% of independents, and 30% of Republicans, reflecting sharp partisan divides but also notable concern within Trump’s own party.
A spokesperson for the White House dismissed the findings, calling them politically motivated narratives and arguing that Trump’s energy and accessibility distinguish him from his predecessor, former President Joe Biden.
Approval Ratings Remain Stable
Despite concerns about temperament and age, Trump’s overall job approval has remained relatively steady. Forty percent of respondents said they approve of his performance as president, up slightly from earlier in the month.
While Trump began his current term with approval near 47%, his rating has fluctuated within a narrow range since April, suggesting a politically polarized but stable electorate.
The poll also highlighted widespread concerns about the age of U.S. political leadership. Nearly four in five Americans—79%—agreed that elected officials in Washington are generally too old to represent most citizens.
The average age of members of the U.S. Senate is approximately 64, while members of the House of Representatives average around 58 years old. Even senior Democratic leaders face scrutiny, with more than half of Democratic respondents saying Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, 75, is too old to serve in government.
Trump returned to office in January 2025 at age 78, becoming the oldest president in U.S. history at inauguration. He is set to turn 80 in June, potentially extending that record.
Mental Sharpness Debate
When asked whether Trump is “mentally sharp and able to deal with challenges,” 45% of respondents agreed—down from 54% in a similar survey conducted in 2023.
Partisan gaps remain wide. Among Republicans, 81% believe the president retains strong mental acuity. That figure drops to 19% among Democrats and 36% among independents.
Trump’s age was a campaign issue during the 2024 election cycle, particularly following debates about the mental fitness of former President Joe Biden, who left office at 82. As both major parties field aging leaders, questions about generational change in American politics continue to shape public discourse.
The online survey polled 4,638 U.S. adults nationwide and carried a margin of error of plus or minus two percentage points.
