By John Q. Hosedrinker 
A recent NPR/PBS News/Marist poll reveals President Donald Trump’s disapproval rating has reached its highest point since the January 6th Capitol riots, with 56 percent of Americans disapproving of his leadership and 51 percent strongly disapproving. This sentiment is particularly strong regarding his handling of the economy and foreign policy, and is further fueled by a 65 percent disapproval of Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s actions following recent shootings. The article notes that Trump’s base, particularly Latinos, young people, and independents, is reportedly wavering, though his core supporters remain largely behind him on key policy decisions.
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A recent poll has dropped some rather startling numbers regarding former President Trump’s approval ratings, and it’s a bit of a bombshell, frankly. The headline itself says it all: a staggering 26% strongly approve of the job Trump is doing. When you dig into the specifics from this particular poll – which came from NPR, PBS News, and Marist – the broader picture shows 39% of Americans approving of his performance, while a substantial 56% disapprove, with 5% remaining unsure. However, it’s that 26% who *strongly* approve that really catches the eye, especially when contrasted with the 51% who *strongly* disapprove.
It’s a statistic that has certainly sparked a lot of conversation, and frankly, it’s hard not to be taken aback by it. For some, this 26% is still seen as far too high a number, a testament to a segment of the population that remains resolutely committed to him, regardless of the circumstances. The sentiment expressed is that perhaps these individuals are the most ardent supporters, the “ride-or-die” base that Trump can consistently count on, no matter what. There’s a sense that this group would likely support him no matter what, even in the face of highly questionable actions or policies.
The poll results have also led to some rather blunt assessments of who constitutes this 26% who strongly approve. A recurring theme is the idea that this group might be characterized by a lack of critical thinking, or perhaps, as some commenters put it rather starkly, a measure of “stupidity” or even “evil.” There’s a palpable frustration that even after all the events and controversies, such a significant percentage of people still hold him in such high regard. The sheer unlikelihood of these figures for some observers leads to questioning the demographics, with suggestions ranging from those who are fiercely fundamentalist to those who harbor deeply ingrained prejudices.
Indeed, the idea of “self-inflicted misery” is brought up, suggesting that for some, unwavering support for Trump is about a desire to provoke or “own” those with opposing viewpoints, even if it means enduring significant personal or national hardship. This perspective paints a picture of a political alignment driven by emotion and identity rather than policy or pragmatic governance. The persistence of such strong approval, even when viewed through this lens, is what many find so baffling.
The poll also suggests that this 26% represents a solid, unwavering core of support, a “floor” that Trump seems to consistently maintain. This is a point of concern for many, as it implies a level of loyalty that transcends conventional political metrics. The notion that he could “cancel Christmas” and still garner strong approval from this base highlights the almost cult-like devotion that some perceive. For some, this steadfastness is less about policy and more about a shared ideology or a deep-seated belief system.
There’s also a prevailing feeling that this 26% might be the most vocal and visible segment of his support, particularly on social media. This visibility can create an impression of broader support than might actually exist, leading to a skewed perception of public opinion. The sheer volume and intensity of their online presence can overshadow the opinions of the silent majority or those who disapprove more quietly.
Looking at the broader numbers, while 39% approve overall, the stark contrast between the 26% who *strongly* approve and the 51% who *strongly* disapprove paints a picture of a deeply polarized electorate. The fact that over half of Americans strongly disapprove is also a significant finding, indicating a strong negative sentiment towards Trump’s leadership. The 5% who are unsure, while a minority, also represent a potential area for persuasion or further understanding of public sentiment.
For many, the surprise isn’t just that there’s strong disapproval, but that the *strong approval* number remains as high as it does. This poll appears to suggest that despite whatever political landscape has unfolded, Trump has managed to solidify a dedicated base of support that is unwavering in its conviction. This enduring loyalty, even in the face of significant opposition and scrutiny, is what makes these poll numbers, particularly the 26% figure, so compelling and, for some, profoundly disheartening. It highlights a deeply entrenched political division that shows no signs of abating, with a significant portion of the population remaining steadfast in their strong approval of his job performance.