Recent Gallup Survey Reveals Unfavorable Ratings for Biden

In a recent Gallup survey conducted from January 21-27, 2025, former President Joe Biden garnered the lowest favorability and the highest unfavorability ratings among the five living U.S. presidents. The survey indicates a stark contrast in public perception when compared to former President Barack Obama, who enjoys the highest regard among them.

Biden’s Approval Ratings Plummet

According to the survey, a significant 57% of respondents expressed an unfavorable view of Biden, while only 39% viewed him favorably. This statistic highlights a concerning trend for the former president, whose tenure ended just days before the poll was conducted.

As Biden served as vice president under Obama, the results may indicate a calling into question of Biden’s achievements during his own presidency, contrasting sharply with the more favorable perceptions associated with his predecessor.

Obama’s Favorability Soars

The results for Barack Obama are quite the opposite. The 44th president, who served two terms from 2009 to 2017, received a favorable rating of 59%, with only 36% of respondents expressing an unfavorable opinion. This data suggests that Obama maintained a strong legacy in the eyes of many Americans, long after leaving office.

Comparative Analysis with Other Presidents

Other former presidents also feature notably in the survey. Both President Donald Trump and Bill Clinton received favorable ratings of 48%. However, Trump’s unfavorable rating stands at 50%, while Clinton enjoys a more favorable perception from 41% of respondents.

Adding further context, former President George W. Bush holds a 52% favorable opinion, with only 34% of the polled group expressing an unfavorable view. These figures collectively illustrate a complex landscape of public opinion regarding the recent history of U.S. leadership.

The Impact of Jimmy Carter’s Passing

Remarkably, the recent survey occurred in the wake of the passing of former President Jimmy Carter, who died at the age of 100 late last year. With him, the count of living former presidents has now reduced to five, intensifying public scrutiny on their various legacies.

Survey Methodology and Accuracy

Gallup’s results are based on telephone interviews carried out with a random sample of 1,001 adults aged 18 and over. The poll included participants from all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. Gallup notes that the margin of sampling error for this national adult sample is ±4 percentage points at the 95% confidence level, providing a reasonable degree of confidence in the findings.

Conclusion: A Shift in Public Perception

The findings from this Gallup survey indicate a notable shift in public perception regarding former presidents, particularly towards Joe Biden and Barack Obama. While Biden’s unfavorable ratings reflect a potential discontent with his presidency, Obama’s enduring popularity poses questions about how presidential legacies are assessed over time.

As new presidents step into office and the political landscape continues to evolve, public opinion will likely continue to fluctuate, influencing how history remembers each of these leaders in the years to come.