WASHINGTON — Concerns are growing among a majority of Americans regarding President Donald Trump’s mental acuity and overall demeanor as he continues his second term in office. A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll reveals that 61% of Americans believe the President has become more erratic with age, a sentiment shared by a significant, though smaller, portion of his own party. This comes as President Trump prepares to deliver his annual State of the Union address, following a period marked by increasingly sharp rhetoric towards political opponents and the judiciary.
The poll, conducted over six days and concluding on Monday, February 23, 2026, highlights a growing unease about the President’s leadership style and cognitive abilities. The findings suggest a broader anxiety about the age of political leaders in Washington, D.C., with 79% of respondents agreeing that elected officials are generally too old to adequately represent the American public. This sentiment is particularly relevant as President Trump, at 79, is already the oldest individual to assume the presidency, a record he is poised to extend beyond that of his predecessor, Joe Biden.
Concerns Over Presidential Demeanor
The Reuters/Ipsos poll revealed a stark partisan divide in perceptions of President Trump’s mental state. While 89% of Democrats described him as having “become erratic with age,” 30% of Republicans shared that view, alongside 64% of independents. This suggests that while concerns are widespread, they are significantly more pronounced among those who do not identify with the Republican party. The President’s overall approval rating remains relatively stable, with 40% of respondents approving of his performance, a slight increase from earlier in the month. However, his approval has fluctuated within a narrow range since April, hovering around 47% at the start of his term.
The White House has not yet issued a formal response to the poll findings. The timing of the survey, concluding the day before the State of the Union address, is notable given the President’s recent public pronouncements. The President has, in recent weeks, publicly criticized rulings from the Supreme Court, even reinstating tariffs after they were struck down as illegal, and has made strong accusations against Democratic lawmakers.
Age as a Factor in American Politics
The poll also underscores a growing sentiment that the current political leadership in Washington is out of touch with the concerns of average Americans due to their age. The average age in the Senate is approximately 64 years old, while the average age in the House of Representatives is around 58. This has fueled calls for a new generation of leaders, particularly among Democratic voters, with 58% expressing the belief that Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, 75, is too old to effectively serve in government.
President Trump’s return to office in January 2025 at the age of 78 marked a historical moment, making him the oldest president to be inaugurated. Since then, his administration has pursued a rapid pace of policy changes, including the implementation of sweeping tariffs and the deployment of federal agents to address unauthorized immigration. These actions, coupled with his often-combative rhetoric, have contributed to the perception of a more assertive and, to some, erratic leadership style.
Echoes of 2024 and the Biden Presidency
The current concerns surrounding President Trump’s age and mental acuity echo similar anxieties that played a role in the 2024 presidential election. His predecessor, Joe Biden, faced scrutiny during his tenure regarding his cognitive abilities, ultimately leaving office at the age of 82 – the oldest president in US history. President Trump is now on track to surpass that record, reaching the age of 80 in June.
The Reuters/Ipsos poll indicates a decline in the percentage of Americans who view President Trump as “mentally sharp and able to deal with challenges.” Only 45% of respondents held this view in February, down from 54% in September 2023. However, Republicans remain largely confident in the President’s mental capabilities, with 81% continuing to describe him as sharp. Among Democrats, that figure has fallen to 19%, and among independents, it stands at 36%, a significant drop from 53% in 2023.
The poll surveyed 4,638 US adults nationwide and carries a margin of error of two percentage points. The methodology employed was an online survey, which, while providing a broad snapshot of public opinion, may not fully represent the views of all Americans.
The “Angel Families” Event and its Context
The poll’s release coincided with a White House event honoring “Angel Families” – individuals who have lost loved ones to crimes committed by undocumented immigrants. According to a White House statement, President Trump used the occasion, marking the second anniversary of Laken Riley’s murder, to sign a proclamation designating February 22nd as National Angel Family Day. The administration has consistently emphasized its commitment to border security and the removal of “dangerous criminal illegal aliens” from the country.
The event featured remarks from Allyson Phillips, mother of Laken Riley, and Steve Ronnebeck, father of Grant Ronnebeck, both of whom expressed support for the President’s policies. Laura Wilkerson, whose son Joshua was murdered by an undocumented immigrant, also spoke at the event, recounting her family’s tragic experience. These testimonies underscore the deeply personal impact of immigration-related crime and the emotional resonance of the “Angel Families” movement.
The term “Angel Families” gained prominence during the Trump administration as a way to highlight the victims of crimes committed by undocumented immigrants. Critics argue that the term is politically charged and can contribute to negative stereotypes about immigrant communities. However, supporters maintain that it provides a voice to those who have suffered unimaginable loss.
The President’s focus on border security and immigration enforcement remains a central tenet of his administration’s agenda. His administration has implemented a range of policies aimed at restricting immigration, including the construction of a wall along the US-Mexico border and the implementation of stricter vetting procedures for visa applicants. These policies have been met with both praise and criticism, with supporters arguing that they are necessary to protect national security and critics contending that they are inhumane and ineffective.
Looking ahead, the State of the Union address will provide President Trump with an opportunity to address these concerns directly and outline his vision for the remainder of his term. The speech is expected to focus on issues such as the economy, national security, and immigration. The address will be closely watched by both supporters and critics as they seek to gauge the President’s priorities and assess his leadership capabilities. Further details regarding the State of the Union address, including the time and location, can be found on the PBS NewsHour website.
The ongoing debate surrounding President Trump’s age and mental acuity is likely to continue as he progresses through his second term. The Reuters/Ipsos poll provides a snapshot of public opinion at a critical juncture, raising vital questions about the fitness of aging leaders and the need for a more inclusive and representative political landscape.
Stay informed: Follow World Today Journal for continuing coverage of the 2026 State of the Union address and ongoing analysis of the Trump administration’s policies and performance. Share your thoughts in the comments below.