Why is Gallup ending approval ratings in 2026
Why is Gallup ending approval ratings in 2026

For nearly 90 years, Gallup’s presidential approval rating has been one of the most cited numbers in American politics. It shaped headlines, academic research, and historical comparisons across administrations.

In February 2026, Gallup announced it will stop publishing presidential job approval ratings and favorability ratings for individual political figures. The decision closes a long chapter in U.S. polling history.

To understand the shift, it helps to understand what Gallup is, who owns it, and how it became one of the most influential research firms in the world.

What Is Gallup?

Gallup is a U.S.-based analytics and advisory company founded in 1935 by George Gallup, a journalism professor who believed public opinion could be measured scientifically.

At the time, most “polls” were informal surveys that produced unreliable results. Gallup introduced structured sampling methods designed to reflect the broader population. His approach gained national attention in 1936 when his polling methods correctly projected the outcome of the U.S. presidential election, while a widely publicized magazine poll failed.

That moment helped establish modern survey research as a credible discipline.

Who Owns Gallup?

Gallup is a privately held company. It is owned and operated by the Gallup family and senior leadership rather than public shareholders.

Jim Clifton has served as Chairman and CEO for decades and has been a central figure in shaping the company’s strategy. Under his leadership, Gallup expanded beyond political polling into management consulting, workplace analytics, leadership development, and global research.

Because it is privately owned, Gallup is not required to disclose detailed financial data in the way publicly traded firms must.

A Brief History of Gallup

1935 – Founded

George Gallup establishes the American Institute of Public Opinion, which later becomes Gallup.

1936 – National Breakthrough

Gallup correctly predicts the U.S. presidential election outcome using scientific sampling, boosting the credibility of polling.

1938 – Presidential Approval Tracking Begins

Gallup starts measuring presidential job approval, launching what would become one of the longest-running datasets in American politics.

Post–World War II Expansion

Gallup expands internationally, laying the groundwork for what would later become global opinion research programs.

Late 20th Century – Media and Corporate Influence

The “Gallup Poll” becomes a regular feature in major U.S. newspapers and broadcast news, while the company builds a large consulting division focused on employee engagement and organizational performance.

2000s – Global Research Growth

Gallup launches the Gallup World Poll, surveying populations in more than 100 countries. The firm increasingly emphasizes long-term social, economic, and institutional data.

What Gallup Does Today

Today, Gallup operates in two main areas:

  1. Public Opinion Research

    • U.S. issue tracking (economy, education, religion, trust in institutions)

    • Global public opinion research through the Gallup World Poll

  2. Workplace and Organizational Consulting

    • Employee engagement measurement

    • Leadership development

    • Strengths-based performance frameworks

While many people associate Gallup primarily with political polling, a significant portion of its business now centers on corporate advisory services and analytics.

The Presidential Approval Ratings: A 1938–2026 Data Series

Gallup began asking Americans whether they approve or disapprove of the way the president is handling the job in 1938. The wording remained consistent over decades, allowing researchers to compare public opinion across administrations.

Because of that consistency, Gallup’s approval ratings became a benchmark for political analysis. Scholars used them to study war effects, economic cycles, polarization, and public trust.

Few datasets in U.S. politics have run as long.

Why Gallup Is Ending Presidential Approval Ratings

In February 2026, Gallup confirmed it will:

• Stop publishing presidential job approval ratings

• Stop releasing favorability ratings for individual political leaders

Gallup says the decision reflects a strategic shift. The company stated it wants to focus more on long-term structural trends and issue-based research rather than ratings tied to individual political figures.

It also noted that presidential approval ratings are now widely produced by many polling organizations and aggregated across media platforms. Gallup no longer sees that metric as the most distinctive contribution it can make.

The company has stated that the decision is based on research priorities rather than political pressure.

FAQs

When was Gallup founded?

Gallup was founded in 1935 by George Gallup.

Who owns Gallup?

Gallup is privately owned by the Gallup family and company leadership.

When did Gallup start presidential approval ratings?

It began tracking presidential job approval in 1938.

Is Gallup ending all political polling?

No. It is ending approval and favorability ratings for individual political leaders but will continue broader issue research.

Will historical approval data still be available?

Yes. Gallup maintains archives of its past presidential approval ratings.