A new CNN poll, released on the day of the Obama Presidential Center dedication, shows former President Barack Obama with a favorable rating nearly double that of President Donald Trump and former President Joe Biden combined.
The CNN/SSRS survey found 57% of Americans view Obama positively. Trump received 34% favorable ratings, while Biden stood at 30%. The results highlight Obama’s enduring popularity as he opens his presidential library in Chicago.
Strong Support Among Independents
Obama leads among independents as well. The poll recorded 56% favorable views for Obama in that group, compared with 25% for Trump and 20% for Biden.
Within parties, Obama holds 96% favorability among Democrats. Biden’s rating among Democrats is 71%. Trump earns 79% favorable marks among Republicans.
Cross-party appeal remains limited. Obama receives 19% favorable ratings from Republicans. Trump and Biden each draw just 5% from the opposing party.
The poll also measured views of other recent presidents. George W. Bush had 42% favorable and 33% unfavorable ratings. Biden’s numbers showed 38% favorable and 39% unfavorable.
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Obama Leads as Most Admired President
When asked which president they admire most, 30% of respondents named Obama. Trump followed at 19%. Historical figures, including Abraham Lincoln, Ronald Reagan, John F. Kennedy, and George Washington, each received single-digit support.
The survey was conducted May 7-31 among 2,480 U.S. adults, with a margin of error of plus or minus 2.7 percentage points. Interviews took place by telephone and online.
Trump Criticizes Obama Library Dedication
The poll release coincides with the dedication ceremony for the Obama Presidential Center. Every living president attended except Trump, who criticized the project on Truth Social.
Trump posted memes depicting the library as a dumpster surrounded by tents. “The Barack Hussein Obama Library, in 10 years, when fully matured!” he wrote alongside one image.
Obama’s post-presidency favorability has remained higher than that of his immediate successors. The data reflects a pattern seen in other retrospective surveys where former presidents often see improved or stable ratings after leaving office.
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Trump’s numbers come while he serves as sitting president, a role that tends to produce more polarized views. Biden’s lower ratings align with polling trends after the 2024 election.
Polarization in Politics
The results revealed deep divisions in how Americans view recent presidents. Obama maintains broad appeal within his party and among independents, while Trump and Biden face steeper challenges in expanding beyond their bases.
Bush and Bill Clinton, earlier former presidents, received more mixed assessments in the survey.
The dedication of the Obama Presidential Center drew attention to Obama’s legacy as the survey numbers circulated. Organizers positioned the event as a celebration of public service and civic engagement.
Poll respondents’ views of Obama have held steady or slightly improved in recent years compared with his final years in office.
