A majority of Americans believe US President Donald Trump has grown more erratic as he ages, according to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll released this week. The six-day survey, which concluded Monday, found that 61% of respondents describe the 79-year-old president as having “become erratic with age.”
The poll comes just before Trump’s annual State of the Union address and follows several weeks of tense exchanges between the president, lawmakers, and judges. Notably, 89% of Democrats, 64% of independents, and even 30% of Republicans share concerns about his behavior.
However, the White House quickly pushed back. Spokesman Davis Ingle dismissed the findings as “fake and desperate narratives,” insisting that Trump’s “sharpness” and “unmatched energy” distinguish him from his predecessor, Joe Biden.
Despite these concerns, Trump’s overall job approval remains relatively steady. About 40% of respondents approve of his performance, up slightly from earlier this month. Although his approval rating stood at 47% when he began his term, it has largely held steady since April.
A broader debate over aging leadership
Beyond Trump, many Americans express frustration with the age of political leaders in Washington. In fact, 79% of respondents agree that elected officials are too old to represent most Americans effectively. The average age in the Senate stands at 64, while members of the House average 58 years old.
Age also shaped perceptions of former President Joe Biden, who left office at 82. Meanwhile, only 45% of respondents now consider Trump mentally sharp enough to handle challenges, down from 54% in 2023.
The online poll surveyed 4,638 adults nationwide and carries a margin of error of two percentage points.
