New Poll Comparing America’s First Ladies Sparks Debate Over Public Approval
Survey Results Draw National Attention
A newly released poll ranking America’s First Ladies has reignited public discussion about how these historic figures are remembered and perceived.
The survey, which included 2,255 U.S. citizens, placed current First Lady Melania Trump alongside several of the most recognized women to ever hold the role.
Among those included were Michelle Obama and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, two figures whose popularity has endured well beyond their time in the White House.
The results revealed a wide range of public opinion, highlighting both admiration and division.
Melania Trump’s Position in the Rankings
According to polling conducted by YouGov, Melania Trump holds a net approval rating of -16.
Her score places her below Jill Biden, who received a rating of -9 in the same survey.
However, Melania Trump did not rank at the very bottom of the list.
That position went to Hillary Clinton, who registered a net approval rating of -17.
The data reflects how modern political figures often receive mixed public reactions in an increasingly polarized environment.
Melania Trump has long maintained a comparatively private public profile, especially when measured against the visibility and political intensity surrounding her husband, former President Donald Trump.
Her reserved approach has contributed to her reputation as an enigmatic presence in the White House.
A Field of Well-Known First Ladies
The poll included a competitive lineup of former First Ladies spanning several decades of American history.
Many participants in the survey expressed positive views of several past First Ladies.
Nancy Reagan earned a net approval rating of +25.
Rosalynn Carter received +32.
Lady Bird Johnson scored +23.
Barbara Bush achieved +21.
Michelle Obama also received +21.
Laura Bush followed closely behind with +19.
These figures suggest that a number of former First Ladies continue to be viewed favorably by broad segments of the public.
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Leads the Rankings
Standing significantly above the rest was Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.
She achieved a net approval rating of +56 in the survey.
Her high score underscores the lasting impact of her time in the White House and the enduring public fascination with her legacy.
Decades after leaving the national stage, her image continues to resonate strongly across generations.
Partisan Divides Remain Clear
The survey also highlighted a familiar pattern in contemporary politics.
Melania Trump performed notably better among Republican respondents than among Democrats.
This divide mirrors the broader partisan split that has characterized public opinion during and after Donald Trump’s presidency.
Negative ratings for political figures have become increasingly common in today’s climate, reflecting strong ideological differences across the electorate.
How the Poll Was Conducted
The polling firm explained its methodology in detail.
“A random sample (stratified by gender, age, race, education, geographic region, and voter registration) was selected from the 2019 American Community Survey.
“The sample was weighted according to gender, age, race, education, 2024 presidential vote, 2020 election turnout and presidential vote, baseline party identification, and current voter registration status.”
This structured approach was designed to ensure a representative cross-section of U.S. voters.
Documentary Spotlight Adds Context
The poll arrives at a time when Melania Trump is once again in the public spotlight.
Her documentary recently debuted and reportedly generated $7 million during its opening weekend.
Amazon reportedly paid $40 million to secure the rights to the documentary and invested an additional $35 million in marketing and promotion.
The renewed attention may influence how the public views her role and public image.
Presidential Rankings Included in the Survey
In addition to evaluating First Ladies, the survey also examined public opinion regarding former U.S. presidents.
The results were equally notable.
Donald Trump ranked last among the 20 presidents included in the poll, earning a net approval rating of -20.
Joe Biden followed closely behind, emerging as the second least popular in the survey.
Approximately 48 percent of respondents described Donald Trump as “poor,” while another 6 percent categorized him as “below average.”
The presidential findings further illustrate the sharp political divisions reflected throughout the broader survey.
A Reflection of Today’s Political Climate
The poll’s results highlight how public opinion surrounding political figures remains deeply divided.
While several former First Ladies continue to receive broadly positive recognition, more recent figures face mixed or negative assessments.
The contrast between enduring historical popularity and contemporary political polarization stands out clearly in the data.
As public discussions continue, the rankings offer a snapshot of how Americans currently view the women who have served in one of the nation’s most visible ceremonial roles.
Whether these perceptions shift over time remains to be seen, but the survey underscores the powerful and lasting impact of the First Lady’s place in American history.