In a surprising turn of events, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell has outpaced President Donald Trump to become the most favoured senior leader in the United States, as per a fresh national survey. This revelation highlights a significant shift in public perception amidst ongoing political and economic tensions.
Poll Numbers: Powell Leads, Trump Hits New Low
The findings stem from a Gallup national poll conducted from December 1 to 15, 2025, which involved approximately 1,000 US adults. The survey assessed the job approval ratings of 13 major political and institutional figures.
It found that Jerome Powell holds a 44% job-approval rating, the highest among all individuals tested. In contrast, President Donald Trump's approval rating stood at 36%. Gallup noted this as a new low for his second term, barely above his all-time low of 34% recorded in 2021.
Only one other figure managed to cross the 40% threshold: Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who registered a 41% approval rating. All other leaders remained below that level.
A Deep Partisan Divide and a Public Feud
The survey underscores a sharply polarised political landscape. Trump's approval remains heavily divided along party lines, with about 89% of Republicans approving of his performance. However, support among independents is significantly lower, and approval from Democrats is nearly non-existent, pulling his overall rating down.
Powell's ratings, while also reflecting partisan differences, present the strongest net approval in the poll. This outcome is particularly notable given the public and repeated criticism Trump has directed at Powell throughout 2025.
The President has lambasted the Fed Chair over interest-rate policy, labelled him a "loser," and pressured the central bank for more aggressive rate cuts to fuel economic growth. Trump has even suggested Powell should resign and openly considered replacing him when his term ends in May 2026, despite having originally nominated him.
Economic Context and Public Spats
The backdrop to this clash is an economy showing signs of slowing down. The Federal Reserve has cut interest rates three times in 2025. The most recent cut in December lowered the benchmark rate by 0.25 percentage points to a target range of 3.5% to 3.75%.
The tension between the two leaders has spilled into public view on several occasions. A notable instance occurred in July 2025, when Powell publicly corrected Trump after the President misstated renovation costs at the Fed's headquarters during a visit, an exchange that garnered widespread media attention.
Gallup's poll ultimately paints a picture of a nation dissatisfied with its leadership, with no figure approaching 50% approval. It measures job approval, not personal likability, yet it starkly reveals the deep partisan rifts defining the current American political era.
