After 8 Decades, Gallup Discontinues Iconic Presidential Approval Polls Amidst Controversy

It has been revealed that Gallup, a prominent US research company, has discontinued its regular presidential approval rating survey, which it has conducted for over 80 years. This decision means the loss of one of the key indicators for tracking US political trends and has caused significant ripples both domestically and internationally.

Gallup's presidential approval rating survey began in 1938 during Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidency and has since provided reliable data for assessing the public's evaluation of successive presidents. Its long history has been regarded as an important part of American political history.

The company stated that the reason for discontinuing the survey is that its mission is "to conduct long-term, methodologically sound research on issues that shape people's lives," and not merely a "popularity contest." However, the sudden end of this traditional survey has led to much speculation.

Especially on social media, many voices link the decision to the presence of Donald Trump. In the past, Trump harshly criticized public opinion polls that showed his approval ratings as "fraudulent" and publicly stated he would "take all measures to stop fraudulent polls." It is pointed out that Gallup's last published approval rating for Trump was 36%, a historically low level, leading to widespread speculation that political pressure may have been a contributing factor.

Some comments suggest that Gallup "chose discontinuation over producing false results" and said "this should be etched into US history after the storm passes," inferring it was a difficult decision made to protect the survey's credibility. On the other hand, opinions expressing concern for the health of US democracy are also scattered, with remarks like "freedom of speech is being lost" and "this is a new 1984, joining North Korea, Russia, China, and Myanmar."

Within the US, other organizations such as the Pew Research Center, Rasmussen Reports, Quinnipiac University, Monmouth University, and YouGov regularly conduct presidential approval rating surveys, each with different methodologies and trends. However, the termination of Gallup's survey, which served as a "fixed-point observation" for over 80 years, is expected to have a considerable impact on future analysis of US politics.

The demise of this historic survey once again raises questions about the role of public opinion polls in the information age and the relationship between politics and media.

The context

For over eight decades, Gallup's presidential approval rating survey has been a cornerstone of American political analysis. Gallup, a renowned global analytics and advisory company, is widely recognized for its public opinion polls, particularly its long-standing measure of US presidential popularity. These polls serve as a crucial barometer of public sentiment, often influencing political narratives, electoral strategies, and even the perceived governing mandate of a president.

The significance of these ratings extends beyond mere popularity; they can impact a president's ability to pass legislation, rally public support for policies, and even affect the outcomes of midterm elections. A high approval rating generally indicates political strength, while a low one can signal vulnerability.

The article discusses speculation surrounding the discontinuation of this survey, particularly linking it to former President Donald Trump. Trump, known for his frequent criticism of mainstream media and polls that presented unfavorable results, often labeled such surveys as "fake news" or "fraudulent." His confrontational stance towards polling data when his own approval was low is a relevant background point for understanding some of the public's reactions and theories about Gallup's decision.

While other reputable organizations continue to conduct similar polls in the US, Gallup's unique longevity provided a consistent historical benchmark, making its cessation a notable event in the landscape of American political observation.