Here are the top five highest recorded approval ratings for U.S. presidents, based on Gallup polling:
1. George W. Bush – 90% (September 2001, after 9/11 attacks)
2. George H.W. Bush – 89% (February 1991, after the Gulf War victory)
3. Harry Truman – 87% (June 1945, after WWII victory in Europe)
4. Franklin D. Roosevelt – 84% (1942, during WWII)
5. John F. Kennedy – 83% (March 1962, during Cold War tensions)
These ratings were influenced by major events like wars, crises, or significant national victories.
If we exclude wartime or crisis-related spikes, the highest sustained approval ratings for U.S. presidents during peacetime were:
1. John F. Kennedy – 79% average (peaked at 83% in 1962)
Maintained high approval throughout his presidency due to his charisma and handling of Cold War diplomacy.
2. Dwight D. Eisenhower – 77% average (peaked at 79% in 1956)
Enjoyed strong public trust due to economic stability and national prosperity.
3. Franklin D. Roosevelt – 70%+ consistently (before WWII escalated)
His New Deal policies were widely popular in handling the Great Depression.
4. Lyndon B. Johnson – 79% peak in 1964 (before Vietnam escalation)
Benefited from the passing of the Civil Rights Act and "Great Society" programs.
5. Bill Clinton – 73% peak in 1998-1999
Despite impeachment, his approval soared due to a strong economy and low unemployment.
These presidents maintained high approval without direct influence from major wars, instead benefiting from economic prosperity, domestic policy success, or strong leadership perception.
1. George W. Bush – 90% (September 2001, after 9/11 attacks)
2. George H.W. Bush – 89% (February 1991, after the Gulf War victory)
3. Harry Truman – 87% (June 1945, after WWII victory in Europe)
4. Franklin D. Roosevelt – 84% (1942, during WWII)
5. John F. Kennedy – 83% (March 1962, during Cold War tensions)
These ratings were influenced by major events like wars, crises, or significant national victories.
If we exclude wartime or crisis-related spikes, the highest sustained approval ratings for U.S. presidents during peacetime were:
1. John F. Kennedy – 79% average (peaked at 83% in 1962)
Maintained high approval throughout his presidency due to his charisma and handling of Cold War diplomacy.
2. Dwight D. Eisenhower – 77% average (peaked at 79% in 1956)
Enjoyed strong public trust due to economic stability and national prosperity.
3. Franklin D. Roosevelt – 70%+ consistently (before WWII escalated)
His New Deal policies were widely popular in handling the Great Depression.
4. Lyndon B. Johnson – 79% peak in 1964 (before Vietnam escalation)
Benefited from the passing of the Civil Rights Act and "Great Society" programs.
5. Bill Clinton – 73% peak in 1998-1999
Despite impeachment, his approval soared due to a strong economy and low unemployment.
These presidents maintained high approval without direct influence from major wars, instead benefiting from economic prosperity, domestic policy success, or strong leadership perception.
