A recent survey conducted by Reuters/Ipsos between February 18 and 23 found that a significant portion of American voters doubt the intellectual capacity of Donald Trump. The poll, which included a representative sample of 4,638 Americans, highlighted clear divisions along party lines, with 49% of respondents saying they do not believe Trump is intellectually capable of handling his responsibilities, while only 45% affirmed he is capable. The survey results were particularly pronounced among Democratic voters, who unanimously expressed their concerns about Trump's mental acuity.

The timing of the poll's release coincided with Trump's annual State of the Union address and amid ongoing conflicts with the U.S. Supreme Court over tariffs he imposed in 2025, which the court ruled he had no right to enact. In a display of defiance, Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to downplay the court's authority, intentionally referring to it in lowercase as an act of disrespect. This indicates a larger narrative of Trump navigating contentious legal situations while simultaneously campaigning for his political future.

As the Republican primaries approach, the poll results may have significant implications for Trump's political standing within his party. While 83% of Republican voters still believe in Trump's intellectual capability, the 17% that voiced skepticism could be indicative of a growing concern that may affect his support as he seeks the party's nomination. The findings reflect a broader national dialogue about leadership and competency that may influence the political landscape leading up to the next election.