By John Q. Hosedrinker 
A recent AP-NORC poll reveals President Trump’s net approval rating has plummeted to a new second-term low of -14 points, with 56% disapproving of his performance. This disapproval extends to his handling of the economy (58% disapproval) and trade negotiations (60% disapproval), mirroring other polls showing declining economic approval. Shifting public opinion, including a growing belief that Trump is responsible for current economic conditions, could significantly impact his political standing and legislative agenda. The ongoing economic uncertainty and international tensions may further influence his approval ratings in the coming weeks.
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Donald Trump’s approval rating has plummeted to a new low, a development that continues to spark intense reactions and raises questions about the political landscape. The sheer fact of this drop, even if the exact percentage varies depending on the poll, is striking and suggests a significant shift in public perception.
This decline, however it’s measured, is viewed by many as long overdue. There’s a widespread sentiment that the former president’s policies and actions have negatively impacted the economy, a claim supported by the assertion that his economic decisions have consistently harmed the nation’s financial well-being. The argument that his economic management directly contradicts his own past pronouncements on the importance of economic indicators, such as the stock market’s performance, further strengthens this critique.
The persistent support, even at this supposedly new low, remains a source of significant frustration and bewilderment. Many struggle to understand how a substantial portion of the population continues to approve of his handling of economic issues, particularly given widespread complaints about escalating grocery prices and the overall economic climate. The perception is that his promises of economic improvement have fallen far short of reality.
Furthermore, critics point to a range of other controversial actions and statements—from alienating allies on the global stage to controversial pardons and inflammatory rhetoric targeting various demographics—as reasons why his approval rating should be considerably lower. The continuing high approval rating, despite these actions, appears baffling to many observers.
The reaction to this low yet persistently high approval rating goes far beyond simple disappointment. There’s a palpable sense of disillusionment, even despair, among those who strongly disapprove of the former president. The perceived failure to hold him accountable for past actions fuels a deep-seated frustration. The feeling is that the opportunity to decisively reject his influence was missed, and that his impact will continue to be felt for years to come.
The suggestion that this new low might be his best rating for the coming months only adds to the grim outlook. The implication is that any further decline might be marginal and that the currently low rating itself speaks volumes about the resilience of his support base. This perceived stubbornness of support among his followers contributes to the overall sense of pessimism.
There’s a stark division in opinions, with critics highlighting his perceived incompetence, even criminality, and supporters maintaining steadfast loyalty. These conflicting viewpoints are often presented in stark, mutually exclusive terms, reflecting the extreme polarization of the current political climate. The lack of common ground and the deeply entrenched nature of these opposing perspectives underscores the difficulty in bridging the gap between those who strongly support the former president and those who strongly oppose him.
Some speculate that the approval rating, while a new low, is still artificially inflated. The belief persists that certain news outlets, and even specific social media platforms, actively contribute to promoting a skewed perception of his popularity. Others maintain that the poll numbers themselves are unreliable, while some suggest that the rating may not fully reflect the reality of the dissatisfaction among those who once supported him. It’s noted that even when dropping, the rating is still far from the low single digits where some see it rightfully belonging.
In essence, while the drop in Donald Trump’s approval rating to a new low represents a significant development, the underlying issues remain. The continued high level of support, coupled with the intensity of opposition, reveals a deeply divided nation. The lingering influence of the former president, despite the negative assessments, is a persistent factor in the political landscape. And the ongoing debate over the meaning, validity and interpretation of the approval ratings itself adds another layer of complexity to this unfolding political narrative.