Barack Obama remains the most popular living U.S. president, according to a recent poll that placed his favorability at 57 percent of respondents.
Survey shows Obama outpaces Biden and Trump
The poll asked Americans to rate former leaders on a favorable‑unfavorable scale. Obama earned a clear lead, while former Vice President Joe Biden registered a 30 percent positive rating and former President Donald Trump drew 34 percent.
Party lines heavily influenced the results. Among Democrats, 96 percent expressed a favorable view of Obama. Independents also leaned toward him, with 56 percent offering praise. Republicans were less enthusiastic, with only 19 percent marking Obama favorably.
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By contrast, the same survey showed Trump and Biden each struggled to gain traction with independents—25 percent for Trump and 20 percent for Biden. Their own parties offered limited support as well, with both men falling below an 80 percent favorability threshold among party members.
Trump’s approval trends dip further
Other recent data indicate a downward trajectory for Trump’s approval. The Silver Bulletin, a polling aggregator, reported that his net approval rating hit a second‑term low of –21.2 in late May, later easing to –18.7.
Economic and immigration issues appear especially problematic for the former president. The site noted his approval on immigration steadied at –10, but his economic rating slipped below –30 for the first time in his second term.
Despite the overall decline, Trump’s core supporters remain active. When asked which president they most admired, about three‑tenths of respondents named Obama, while roughly one‑fifth chose Trump.
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Historical admiration ranks
Other historical figures also featured in the admiration question. Abraham Lincoln, Ronald Reagan, John F. Kennedy and George Washington each appeared among the top respondents, though none approached Obama’s lead.
The poll’s timing coincided with the grand opening of the Obama Presidential Center and Library in Chicago. The center, financed entirely through private donations, took a decade to develop and cost an estimated $850 million. Its most striking feature is a 225‑foot tower that the New York Times described as ambitious and formidable.
Obama’s continued popularity may reflect both his post‑presidential activities and the public’s perception of his legacy. The foundation’s new site, with its museum and community spaces, aims to cement his influence on civic engagement.
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Analysts note that the stark gap between Obama and his contemporaries could shape future political narratives, especially as parties vie for the support of swing voters.
Some observers argue that nostalgia plays a role.
Data suggest a measurable difference in how living presidents are viewed across the electorate today.
