Poll: Majority of Americans view Trump's presidency as self-serving and potentially illegal
A new AP-NORC poll reveals that 59% of Americans believe President Trump is illegally or unethically profiting from his office. The survey, conducted in late September 2026, shows a deep partisan divide, with most Democrats viewing his actions as illegal while most Republicans see them as justified. Respondents overwhelmingly believe Trump prioritizes his personal and family business interests over the country's needs.
Key points
- 59% of US adults believe Trump is either illegally (41%) or unethically (18%) profiting from the presidency.
- 56% of respondents say Trump prioritizes his personal business interests 'a lot,' compared to only 23% who say he prioritizes the country.
- Partisan views are sharply divided: 80% of Democrats view his conduct as illegal, while only 10% of Republicans agree.
- The poll follows a June financial disclosure showing over $1 billion in revenue from new cryptocurrency ventures and eight foreign real estate deals.
- Trump's approval rating has dropped to 32%, the lowest of his career, according to a separate Reuters/Ipsos poll.
Background
This poll follows earlier controversies regarding the use of federal funds for pro-presidency advertisements, which Trump's super PAC, MAGA Inc., agreed to fund after refusing to reimburse the government for millions already spent. The current findings highlight a broader pattern of public concern regarding the separation of presidential duties and private business interests, a topic that saw similar partisan splits in a 2023 poll regarding the Biden family's overseas business dealings.
How outlets are covering it
AP-NORC and Al Jazeera emphasize the stark contrast between public perception and the White House's denial of conflicts of interest. The Times of India highlights the specific financial details, such as the $500 million investment from a UAE-linked entity and the eight real estate deals with authoritarian states. While all sources agree on the high level of public skepticism, they differ in emphasis: AP-NORC focuses on the statistical breakdown of 'illegal' vs. 'unethical' views, whereas Al Jazeera contextualizes the findings within Trump's falling approval ratings and the Iran war. The Times of India provides more detail on the specific business ventures, including cryptocurrency and foreign real estate, that fuel these perceptions.
Why it matters
The poll indicates a significant erosion of public trust in the integrity of the executive branch, with a majority of Americans believing the president is using his office for personal gain. This sentiment, combined with a historically low approval rating, suggests growing political risk for the administration ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, particularly regarding issues of ethics and conflict of interest.
What to watch
The administration is expected to continue dismissing allegations of conflicts of interest, maintaining that the president acts solely in the interest of Americans. Legal challenges regarding the use of federal funds for political messaging may continue, and the administration's handling of the cost of living crisis and foreign policy will likely remain central to public opinion in the coming months.
- Trump says he cares for Americans. They think he's more focused on his wealth, an AP-NORC poll finds AP News
- More Americans say Trump has prioritized his personal business interests than the country as a whole AP-NORC
- Majority in US say Trump prioritises personal wealth over all else: Poll Al Jazeera
- Most Americans think Donald Trump is profiting from presidency unethically or illegally, finds poll The Times of India
- America thinks Trump is corrupt—and his FIFA bribe proves it Daily Kos
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