A new survey shows record-high disapproval of Congress, with 86% of U.S. adults expressing dissatisfaction, largely driven by the ongoing Department of Homeland Security shutdown and partisan gridlock. Republican approval has plummeted, exacerbating the crisis of confidence in the legislative branch.
Public disapproval of the United States Congress has reached a critical high, mirroring levels not seen in over half a century. A recent survey reveals 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.
Conversely, 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 the fluctuations observed during the previous presidential administration. 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, with ratings plummeting both during and in the aftermath of the extended federal government shutdown that occurred in the fall of the same year. The ongoing partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), now stretching into its tenth week, is identified as a significant catalyst for this widespread public dissatisfaction. Historical data from Gallup consistently demonstrates a correlation between government shutdowns and spikes in congressional disapproval.
In fact, three out of the five highest disapproval peaks recorded since 1974 have coincided with either a government shutdown or the credible threat of one. These instances include the current DHS closure, the 2013 shutdown, and a near-shutdown situation in 2015. This pattern suggests that disruptions in government operations directly contribute to a loss of public confidence in the legislative branch. The current impasse centers around funding and immigration policy, with lawmakers struggling to forge a bipartisan compromise.
Specifically, funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol remains blocked by Senate Democrats, who are advocating for substantial policy reforms in response to recent events and concerns. The situation is further complicated by deeply entrenched political divisions and a lack of willingness to negotiate in good faith. The erosion of support for Congress is not uniform across the political spectrum. Republicans, in particular, have significantly reduced their approval ratings.
While they initially granted Congress a 63 percent approval rating in March 2025, a mere 20 percent now express approval of the body’s performance, according to the latest polling data. This dramatic shift within the Republican party underscores the extent to which the current political climate and the handling of the DHS shutdown have alienated a key segment of the electorate.
The ongoing shutdown has real-world consequences, impacting essential government services and creating uncertainty for federal employees and the public alike. The case of Alex Pretti, tragically shot by Customs and Border Protection agents, serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of the border security debate and the potential for escalation in a politically charged environment.
The inability of Congress to address these critical issues and maintain basic government functions is fueling a growing sense of frustration and disillusionment among American voters. The long-term implications of this sustained disapproval could be profound, potentially leading to decreased voter turnout, increased political polarization, and a further erosion of trust in democratic institutions. The need for bipartisan cooperation and effective governance has never been more urgent
Congress Disapproval Rating Government Shutdown DHS Immigration Policy Political Polarization
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