A recent Harvard CAPS/Harris poll reveals that President Donald Trump holds a more favorable net favorability rating compared to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, despite both figures being viewed unfavorably by many voters. Trump’s net favorability stands at -8 percent, with 42 percent of registered voters viewing him favorably and 50 percent unfavorably. Mamdani, on the other hand, has a net favorability rating of -14 percent, with 25 percent favorability and 39 percent unfavorability.
The poll sampled 2,100 registered voters from August 28-30, 2026, and reports a margin of error of 2.1 percent. The numbers are significant since Trump and Mamdani have become key figures in the Republican and Democratic parties, respectively. Trump has reinvented the GOP around his Make America Great Again movement, whereas Mamdani has gained prominence within the Democratic Party’s progressive wing.
Newsweek sought comments from the White House and Mamdani’s office following the poll results. It highlighted that 51 percent of voters perceive the Democratic Party as being influenced by the far left, while 45 percent feel the Republican Party is swayed by the far right.
Mamdani’s ascendancy marks a notable shift in the Democratic Party. His progressive platform and surprising win against establishment Democrat Andrew Cuomo have elevated his national profile, sparking discussions about the party’s direction. Similarly, Trump plays a crucial role in the Republican Party, challenging it to reconcile with his political style.
Grant Davis Reeher, political science professor at Syracuse University, commented on the role of negative messaging targeting socialism and Mamdani, stressing its impact on public perception. Reeher noted that Mamdani’s changes and staff issues have affected his public image.
Despite their visibility, neither Trump nor Mamdani are overwhelmingly favored by Americans, according to the poll. As the 2026 midterm elections approach, the focus will be on whether voters want more from these political movements or prefer different alternatives.
Florida Atlantic University’s Craig Agranoff explained the fluctuating nature of national favorability ratings for both figures. Trump’s continued presence in the White House keeps him central to the Republican narrative, while Mamdani remains a rising progressive voice.
Meanwhile, the poll disclosed that only Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Secretary of State Marco Rubio enjoy positive net favorability. Trump’s ratings, though below figures like Kamala Harris and JD Vance, fare better than others such as Gavin Newsom and Chuck Schumer.
Other polls paint differing pictures of Mamdani’s favorability. Early-August Siena College polling shows 47 percent of New York voters with a positive view of Mamdani, and recent figures reflect approval of his performance in office.
July’s Harvard CAPS/Harris poll had Trump’s net favorability at -13 percent, while Mamdani’s favorability was at -7 percent. A previous Siena University poll from June indicated Trump’s favorability at 32 percent and Mamdani’s at 45 percent.
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