President Joe Biden's job approval ratings have been climbing slightly following a successful midterm election season for Democrats and the release of American prisoner Brittney Griner from Russia. Biden's recent diplomatic affairs as well as increased economic stability may be key factors in his most recent polling numbers.

According to RealClearPolitics, Biden is currently averaging a 43.3% approval rating and a 52.5% disapproval rating in a generally increasing trend for Biden since this summer.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted from Dec. 12-13 shows Biden with a 39% approval rating and a 56% disapproval rating, a two-point approval increase from late November polling numbers.

The Biden administration recently freed Griner, a WNBA star who was competing in Russia's basketball league, from a penal colony last week after she was detained in February for allegedly possessing cannabis vape cartridges. It comes among other diplomatic missions by the President including his attendance at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in November and the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit this week.

An Economist/YouGov survey conducted between Dec. 10-13 showcases consistency for Biden and his administration, with a 45% approval rating and a 50% disapproval rating. This is the same rating that Biden held through Nov. 29 and Oct. 29 polls.

Politico found that 44% of voters currently approve of Biden's job performance while 53% disapprove–a two-point approval increase from a Nov. 18-20 poll

The right-leaning Rasmussen Reports showed Biden with a 47% approval and 51% disapproval rating, a 3% increase from mid-October and a 10% increase from mid-July polling numbers.

Biden has struggled with increased economic pressures as the nation recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. Gas prices and inflation hit an all-time high this summer, fueling Republican arguments against the White House and adding to his poor approval ratings.

But gas prices have dropped to some of the lowest numbers this year at $3.33 a gallon. Biden has also lowered the deficit by $1.7 trillion during his term and inflation is expected to decline following the Federal Reserve's interest rates hikes earlier this year.

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