Public disapproval of the United States Congress has reached a critical high, mirroring levels not seen in over half a century. A recent survey indicates that a staggering 86 percent of American adults express disapproval of Congress’s performance, equaling the highest recorded rate in more than 50 years of consistent tracking.

Record Low Approval Ratings

Only 10 percent of adults report approval, a figure hovering dangerously close to the all-time low of 9 percent documented in 2013. This dramatic decline in public sentiment is particularly noteworthy when considering past fluctuations.

Brief Improvement in 2025

Approval ratings experienced a brief surge during the initial months of the administration, climbing from 17 percent in January 2025 to 29 percent immediately following the inauguration, and peaking at 31 percent in March 2025. However, this positive trend was abruptly reversed.

Shutdown's Impact on Public Opinion

Ratings plummeted both during and after the extended federal government shutdown that occurred in the fall of 2025. The ongoing partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), now in its tenth week, is a significant catalyst for this widespread dissatisfaction.

Historical Precedent

Historical data from Gallup consistently demonstrates a correlation between government shutdowns and spikes in congressional disapproval. Three out of the five highest disapproval peaks since 1974 have coincided with either a government shutdown or the credible threat of one, including the current DHS closure, the 2013 shutdown, and a near-shutdown in 2015.

Political Divisions and the DHS Impasse

The current impasse centers around funding and immigration policy, with lawmakers struggling to forge a bipartisan compromise. Funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol remains blocked by Senate Democrats, who are advocating for substantial policy reforms.

Republican Approval Plummets

The erosion of support for Congress is not uniform. Republicans, in particular, have significantly reduced their approval ratings. They initially granted Congress a 63 percent approval rating in March 2025, but now only 20 percent express approval.

Real-World Consequences

The ongoing shutdown has real-world consequences, impacting essential government services and creating uncertainty. The case of Alex Pretti, tragically shot by Customs and Border Protection agents, highlights the human cost of the border security debate.

The inability of Congress to address these critical issues and maintain basic government functions is fueling frustration among American voters. The long-term implications of this sustained disapproval could be profound, potentially leading to decreased voter turnout and increased political polarization.