Poll Reversal: Powell's Independence and Expertise Gaining Cross-Party Recognition, Support Rate Far Surpasses the President

The latest Gallup poll reveals an interesting phenomenon—Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, with a 44% job approval rating, is the most recognized figure among U.S. officials, a figure significantly higher than President Trump’s 36% approval rating.

Who Has More Public Support? The Data Speaks

This survey, released in mid-December, covers 13 key American political and institutional figures. In this ranking, Powell leads with a 44% approval rating, with his bipartisan recognition quite balanced—46% of Democrats, 34% of Republicans, and 49% of independents approve of his performance.

In comparison, Trump’s approval rating is only 36%, marking a new low for his second term. While 89% of Republicans approve of him, support among independents and Democratic voters is nearly zero, highlighting clear partisan divides.

Among other officials surveyed, Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s support rate just reaches the 40% threshold, while Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer ranks last with a 28% approval rating.

Why Is Powell More Recognized?

It is noteworthy that throughout the year, Trump publicly criticized Powell multiple times, accusing the Federal Reserve Chair of not implementing larger rate cuts in a timely manner. However, this does not seem to have affected Powell’s professional image in the public eye. The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) has maintained its policy pace over the past three meetings, keeping the federal funds rate target range at 3.5% to 3.75%.

Although Powell’s approval rate does not constitute an absolute majority, at 44%, it is the highest net support among the figures surveyed, reflecting the credibility maintained by independent central bankers when facing political pressure.

Deeper Issues Reflected by the Poll

Gallup notes that no leader in this survey approaches a 50% approval rate, indicating widespread dissatisfaction among Americans with their national leadership. Additionally, support for nearly all evaluated figures is heavily influenced by partisan bias.

This poll measures job approval rather than personal likability or voting intention. Powell’s standout performance, to some extent, demonstrates the public’s high regard for maintaining professional independence.

The sample size is 1,016 American adults, with a margin of error of ±4 percentage points.