Jimmy Kimmel Highlights Sharp Drop in Donald Trump’s Approval Ratings Amid New Poll Results
Jimmy Kimmel has drawn attention to President Donald Trump’s recent approval ratings during his late-night show, using a mix of humor and criticism while discussing a newly released national poll.
According to a YouGov/The Economist survey, Trump’s job approval has fallen to 34%, marking what the poll identifies as his lowest recorded level so far. The same findings show that 59% of respondents disapprove of his performance, resulting in a net approval rating of -26. The survey was conducted between May 22 and May 26 among 1,520 U.S. adults, with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.6 percentage points.
During his broadcast on Thursday, Kimmel referenced the numbers in a satirical segment, describing them as unfavorable for the president. He compared Trump’s approval level to the popularity of the film “Paul Blart: Mall Cop,” using the comparison as a comedic way to emphasize the drop in public support.
Kimmel also remarked on Trump’s position relative to Vice President JD Vance, pointing out that the poll showed Trump trailing Vance by two points. He used this comparison to further highlight the shift in approval dynamics within the political leadership.
In another segment, Kimmel commented on how the White House responded to questions about the polling data. He noted that officials pointed to Trump’s 2024 election victory, where he secured support from nearly 80 million voters, as evidence of public backing. Kimmel, however, contrasted that past result with the current polling figures, suggesting that public opinion has shifted significantly since the election.
The discussion reflects ongoing attention in U.S. media to presidential approval trends, which are often used as a measure of public sentiment toward an administration’s performance. While approval ratings can fluctuate based on political, economic, and social factors, the latest figures indicate a noticeable decline compared to earlier periods.
Sources:
YouGov/The Economist national polling data (May 22–May 26, 2026)
Broadcast commentary from Jimmy Kimmel Live (Thursday episode)
