By John Q. Hosedrinker 
President Trump’s approval rating has plummeted to 36%, marking the lowest point of his second term, with disapproval reaching 60%. This decline follows three months of stability and coincides with the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history and losses for the Republican Party in off-year elections. Both Republicans and independents have significantly worsened their ratings of Trump, while Democrats remain largely negative. Trump receives more negative than positive ratings on nine domestic and foreign issues, with ratings on the economy, healthcare, and the federal budget particularly low.
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Trump’s approval rating has dipped to 36%, marking a new low point for his second term, and it’s hard not to notice the general reaction to this news. It’s a mix of disbelief, frustration, and a pervasive sense that things could, and perhaps should, be even worse. The fact that he still commands the support of over a third of the country feels astonishing to many. The sentiment seems to be that after all that’s happened, after all the controversies and criticisms, the numbers should be significantly lower. Some people feel the approval rating should be near zero, while others believe that the unwavering support reflects a deeper problem, a sickness that goes beyond one individual.
The consensus here appears to be that a 36% approval rating is still surprisingly high. There’s a prevailing feeling that this level of support indicates a deep-seated resistance to acknowledging any negative impacts, and that it has created a situation where accountability seems out of reach. There is a sense of the GOP doubling down on strategies to secure election victories, regardless of approval ratings. The belief seems to be that they will continue to prioritize their own goals and the base that supports them, even at the expense of broader public opinion. There is also a suggestion that the focus on election victories, regardless of approval, creates a dangerous precedent.
The narrative also points to the potential for further erosion of support. Many predict that the rating will continue to decline. The current approval rating being a new low is seen as a significant indicator of how the tide is turning and that the coming months could bring even more substantial shifts in public opinion. Some speculate it could drop into the 20s.
A key point that repeatedly surfaces is the question of why anyone still approves of what is happening. The answer appears to be complex, ranging from deeply held beliefs to self-interest. Some argue that the enduring support is a symptom of a larger issue, and one that is unlikely to vanish even if Trump were to disappear from the political scene. The underlying issues that have fueled Trump’s success, the insecurities and prejudices that he has successfully exploited, would remain.
There is a sense that certain events, like the impact of economic policies, could influence people’s views. Inflation being successfully dealt with could sway opinions. Many people believe that economic concerns are a powerful motivator, and that resolving those would have a significant effect on public opinion.
Furthermore, the discussion highlights the role of external factors, like gerrymandering and apathy, in maintaining support. It’s suggested that these factors create a situation where a politician can maintain a level of approval, even if it is relatively low. The implication is that the system itself is not healthy.
The article also touches on the concept of the “cult of personality.” The fact that Trump maintains his support is often attributed to those who are unwilling to abandon their leader, regardless of his actions. This dedication is seen as a significant factor in his continued popularity.
Ultimately, the general sentiment seems to be one of both frustration and anticipation. There’s frustration that his approval rating isn’t lower, and that accountability is lacking. However, there’s also an undercurrent of optimism. The hope is that the downward trend will continue, perhaps leading to a point where his support becomes unsustainable. The potential for future actions, like impeachment, seems to hinge on the continued decline of his approval rating. The article ends on a note of caution, with some people wondering if the situation is as dire as some think, or if there is the potential for an even more drastic shift in public opinion.