FEBRUARY 25, 2026 — Six in ten Americans now believe President Donald Trump has grown erratic with age, according to a fresh Reuters/Ipsos poll. That’s not just Democrats talking because nearly a third of Republicans and a majority of independents agree. The survey wrapped up just before Trump’s State of the Union address, where the 79-year-old leader faced Congress after weeks of fiery tirades against lawmakers and judges.

However, despite the perception of erratic behavior, Trump’s approval rating hasn’t cratered. It sits at 40%, slightly higher than earlier this month, though still below the 47% he enjoyed at the start of his term.

America’s aging leadership problem

The poll also revealed a broader discomfort with the age of U.S. leaders. Nearly 80% of respondents said elected officials in Washington are too old to represent ordinary Americans. 

The average senator is 64, while House members hover around 58. Trump himself returned to office in 2025 at 78, making him the oldest president ever inaugurated. He’ll turn 80 this June, surpassing even Joe Biden, who left office at 82.

This isn’t just about Trump but about a political class that seems locked in geriatric dominance. Hence, Americans are now openly questioning whether their leaders can keep pace with the challenges of a rapidly changing world.

Why Filipinos should care

So you might be wondering — Why should we care at all about the age of U.S. politicians? 

Simple: America’s decisions ripple across the globe, and the Philippines often feels the shockwaves first. Tariffs, immigration crackdowns, and foreign policy shifts under Trump’s watch directly affect trade, overseas Filipino workers, and regional security.

When Trump lashes out at judges or reinstates tariffs after the Supreme Court strikes them down, it’s not just an American drama. It’s a reminder of how much power one aging leader wields over international systems we depend on.

The irony of sharpness

The White House insists Trump remains “sharp, unmatched in energy, and historically accessible.” But the poll numbers tell another story: only 45% of Americans now see him as mentally sharp, down from 54% in 2023. Among independents, that figure plunged from 53% to 36%.

Republicans, however, remain loyal — 81% still describe him as sharp. That loyalty is striking, but it also highlights the partisan divide in how people perceive age and mental acuity.

Lessons for the Philippines

Now let's take stock of our own situation. Our own political landscape isn’t immune to the “too old to lead” debate. We’ve seen leaders cling to power well into their twilight years, often defended by loyalists who insist experience outweighs age. But the U.S. poll shows how quickly public trust erodes when citizens feel their leaders are out of touch or erratic.

The question isn’t just about age but about adaptability, clarity, and the ability to govern without being consumed by anger or nostalgia. We know too well how leadership styles trickle down to everyday life, from economic policy to the tone of public discourse.

So maybe the real issue here isn’t whether Trump is erratic, but whether societies — ours included — are ready to demand fresher, sharper leadership that reflects the urgency of the times.

At the end of the day, do you think age should matter when we choose who leads us, or is it all about whether they can still keep up with the times?

(Image: Yahoo)