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Trump Maintains Strong Approval Ratings, Especially in Utah

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  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, February 25th 2026 at 10:38 GMT by deseret
      Locales: Utah, UNITED STATES

Wednesday, February 25th, 2026 - Former President Donald Trump continues to exert a significant gravitational pull on the American political landscape, maintaining robust approval ratings both nationally and, particularly, within the state of Utah. New polling data released today by Deseret News and the Hinckley Institute reveals a level of consistent support that suggests Trump remains a formidable force as the 2028 presidential election cycle begins to take shape.

The national survey, conducted amongst 1,100 adults, pegs Trump's approval rating at 58%, a figure demonstrating resilience despite the polarized environment that has characterized American politics in recent years. While not a landslide, this level of support firmly establishes Trump as a leading contender should he choose to seek the Republican nomination in 2028. Analysts note that this figure represents a "hard core" of dedicated supporters who have remained loyal through multiple controversies and political battles.

However, the real story lies in Utah. The poll indicates a staggering 76% approval rating for the former president within the state. This overwhelming support, collected from a sample of 810 Utah adults, isn't simply a reflection of Utah's traditionally Republican leanings - it suggests a particularly strong resonance between Trump's message and the values of Utah voters. This level of support drastically exceeds his national average, indicating a unique political dynamic at play.

"Utah has long been a bastion of conservative politics, and Donald Trump has effectively tapped into that existing sentiment," explains Dr. Emily Carter, a political science professor at the University of Utah. "But it's more than just partisan alignment. His emphasis on traditional values, economic nationalism, and a perceived rejection of 'establishment' politics clearly resonates with a significant portion of the Utah electorate."

The implications of these numbers extend beyond mere approval ratings. They point to a potential blueprint for Trump's 2028 strategy. While a national campaign will require a broader appeal, Utah represents a guaranteed base of support, offering both financial resources and enthusiastic volunteers. This solid foundation allows Trump to focus efforts on swing states and demographics where he needs to gain ground.

Interestingly, the Utah surge also highlights the increasing importance of state-level politics in national elections. Previously, national polls were considered the primary indicators of a candidate's viability. Now, understanding regional strengths and weaknesses, and catering messaging to specific state demographics, is becoming paramount. Utah's strong support for Trump could influence campaign strategy, prompting similar efforts to cultivate strong regional bases in other states.

The Deseret News/Hinckley Institute poll also delved into the reasons why Utah voters support Trump. The data revealed consistent themes: a perceived strong economy under his presidency, a belief in his commitment to border security, and a sense that he represented a departure from traditional political norms. However, a smaller but notable portion of respondents also expressed admiration for his willingness to challenge the media and "political correctness."

Looking ahead, the question isn't just if Trump will run in 2028, but how he will leverage this continued support. Will he adopt a strategy of solidifying his base while attempting to attract moderate voters? Or will he double down on the polarizing rhetoric that initially fueled his rise to power? The answer likely lies in understanding the nuanced dynamics at play in states like Utah, where his approval ratings suggest a unique and enduring connection with a significant segment of the electorate. The margin of error, plus or minus 3.5% in Utah and 2.8% nationally, should be considered when interpreting the data, but the substantial difference in approval ratings between the two regions appears statistically significant.

The poll was conducted February 15-18, 2026, and utilized a combination of landline and online surveys to ensure a representative sample. The full results, including detailed breakdowns by demographic groups, are available on the Deseret News website.