The End of an Era in Political Polling

Gallup just wrapped up one of the longest-running data series in American politics. After more than 80 years of asking Americans what they think of their president, the global analytics firm is moving on.

The company confirmed Wednesday that it's done publishing approval and favorability ratings of individual political leaders. The survey series that started in the 1930s and became essential reading for political junkies everywhere is now history.

So what's Gallup doing instead? According to a company spokesperson, they're focusing on "rigorous, long-term research that examines the issues and conditions affecting people's daily lives." Translation: less tracking of politicians, more studying the problems regular people actually care about. The firm will continue its Gallup Poll Social Series, the Gallup World Poll, and other research projects.

Was Trump a Factor?

The timing certainly raises eyebrows. When asked whether the White House or the Donald Trump administration had any input on the decision, Gallup was clear: this is "a strategic shift" driven entirely by the firm's own research goals, not outside pressure.

Still, the numbers tell an interesting story. Trump's approval rating peaked at 47% last February before sliding below 37% in Gallup's final December survey. That puts him among the lowest-rated presidents since the firm started tracking this stuff.

For context, President John F. Kennedy averaged 71% approval during his time in office. Dwight D. Eisenhower clocked in at 61%. Harry Truman averaged 45%, while Joe Biden ended his term at 42%.

Gallup's presidential approval rating has been one of the most closely watched barometers of public sentiment for generations. Whatever comes next, political observers just lost one of their most reliable reference points.