Trump Tops Mamdani in Favorability, Both Still Underwater

A new Harvard CAPS/Harris poll shows President Donald Trump with a net favorability rating of ‑8 percent, compared to ‑14 percent for New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. 

The survey, conducted Aug. 28‑30 among 2,100 registered voters, found Trump viewed favorably by 42 percent and unfavorably by 50 percent, while Mamdani was seen favorably by 25 percent and unfavorably by 39 percent.

MAGA Movement Keeps Trump Central to GOP Identity

Both figures remain underwater, reflecting polarization within their parties. Trump continues to dominate the GOP through his MAGA movement, while Mamdani’s rapid rise has made him a defining face of the Democratic Party’s progressive wing. 

Analysts note that Trump’s numbers are more stable due to his national visibility, while Mamdani is still building recognition outside New York.

The poll also found 51 percent of voters believe Democrats are being taken over by the far left, while 45 percent say Republicans are being taken over by the far right. 

Despite their prominence, neither Trump nor Mamdani is viewed positively by a majority of Americans. Meanwhile, only two U.S. political figures—Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Marco Rubio—registered positive net favorability.