Pew Survey: Obama Tops Recent Presidents at 36 Percent, Trump Leads Among Conservative Groups

A Pew Research Center study released June 10 found that 36 percent of Americans named Barack Obama as the president who did the best job over the past 40 years. Ronald Reagan received 21 percent and Donald Trump received 19 percent. S.

3 percentage points. All other presidents drew single-digit or low double-digit support. The study divided respondents into nine groups based on views across roughly 30 political and cultural questions rather than traditional party categories.

Among the “No Apologies Right” group, 63 percent named Donald Trump as the best president of the past 40 years and 90 percent approve of his job performance. Among the “Faith First Conservatives” group, 52 percent named Trump as the best president and more than 80 percent approve of his job performance.

A majority of Americans fall into five less ideological groups that blend views from both parties or show limited engagement with politics.

These voters often hold mixed positions on issues such as immigration, economics and cultural questions. A separate poll conducted in late May 2026 showed a record low approval rating for Donald Trump. Earlier polling found nearly six in ten Democrats naming Barack Obama as the best president of the past 40 years.