By John Q. Hosedrinker 
This article tracks public opinion of Donald Trump’s second presidential term using weekly YouGov polling data. Trump’s initial net approval rating is mixed, mirroring his first term’s largely negative trajectory, recently declining further after controversial policy announcements. Demographic analysis reveals strong approval among white and male voters, contrasting with disapproval from younger voters and minorities; educational attainment is also a significant predictor of approval. While economic issues remain paramount, the impact of presidential actions on voter sentiment remains uncertain, as seen during Biden’s presidency.
Read the original article here
Trump’s approval rating presents a starkly divided picture of American public opinion. It’s negative across nearly every demographic slice of the population, a truly remarkable and, arguably, unprecedented level of unpopularity. The only exceptions to this widespread disapproval are white men.
This intensely negative sentiment cuts across age groups. From young adults to older generations, Trump’s presidency and post-presidency actions have garnered significant disapproval. There’s no generational cohort showing consistent support, further highlighting the breadth of his unpopularity.
Similarly, the racial divide in opinion is equally striking. Across various racial and ethnic groups, Trump’s approval rating remains firmly in the negative. This demonstrates a significant failure to connect with a broad swathe of the American population beyond a specific demographic.
The same pattern is observed among genders. Among women, regardless of race or age, disapproval of Trump is prevalent. This consistent rejection reinforces the point that his appeal is extremely limited in scope.
Educational attainment also fails to provide a buffer against widespread negativity towards Trump. Across different educational levels, from those with less formal education to those with advanced degrees, disapproval holds consistent. This suggests his appeal isn’t linked to educational background or intellectual leaning.
The outlier to this pattern, and the primary demographic demonstrating any significant support, is white men. Even within this group, however, the commentary indicates a substantial degree of internal dissent and self-criticism among many white men who strongly disapprove of him. There’s a clear recognition by some that his support comes from a segment, not the entirety, of this demographic.
The comments reveal a widespread sense of shame and embarrassment among some white men, deeply disturbed by the actions and rhetoric of a figure who, for many, represents a significant departure from traditional American values. They express profound disappointment and a desire for their demographic to disassociate itself from this brand of politics.
The persistent negative approval ratings across nearly all demographic groups raise important questions about the nature of American political polarization and the factors driving such intense division. The outlier status of support among white men warrants closer examination to understand the dynamics driving this unique support base and its potential implications for the future of American politics.
The sheer breadth of this unpopularity is striking. There is a consistent and powerful wave of negative sentiment against Trump that transcends traditional political divisions, hinting at a fundamental disconnect between his persona and policies, and a significant portion of the American electorate.
Even among those who might be expected to show support due to shared backgrounds or beliefs, a significant current of opposition exists. This suggests that Trump’s influence might be more narrow than previously perceived, particularly when examined through the lens of his overall approval rating.
The intense emotion expressed in many comments – anger, disgust, shame – speaks to a deep-seated frustration with Trump’s actions and their impact on the country and the world. This level of emotion is not common in political commentary and underscores the extraordinary nature of the current political landscape.
In conclusion, Trump’s overwhelmingly negative approval ratings across nearly every demographic group except white men is a significant and noteworthy phenomenon. The intensity of the disapproval, particularly the self-criticism and public apologies from within the supportive demographic, suggests a complex and evolving political landscape with far-reaching consequences. This division warrants continued analysis to fully understand its causes and potential long-term impacts.