Donald Trump is grappling with a significant drop in his approval ratings, according to a recent Gallup poll. On December 1, 2023, CNN analyst Harry Enten highlighted the troubling figures during a discussion with host Sara Sidner. The poll reveals Trump’s job approval rating has plummeted to 36%, marking his lowest approval score since he recorded 34% shortly after the events of January 6, 2021.
Enten characterized the current situation as potentially disastrous for the Republican Party if these trends persist through the upcoming mid-term elections. He noted, “I mean, it’s a disaster if it holds until the mid-term elections,” emphasizing the stark shift in public sentiment.
The recent poll indicates that Trump’s net approval rating has decreased dramatically, now standing at a negative 24 points. Enten pointed out that this represents a decline of over 20 points compared to earlier assessments. In January 2023, Trump had a net approval rating that was effectively breaking even, at minus one point. The current numbers reflect a drastic change, highlighting a significant erosion of support.
Enten stated, “We’re talking about a drop of over 20 points in the wrong direction for the president of the United States.” The poll also revealed that Trump’s disapproval rating has surged to 60%, a more than 10% increase from February 2023, when it was just below 50%.
In making comparisons with historical precedents, Enten noted that Trump’s ratings are the lowest for any president at this stage of their second term, excluding Richard Nixon, who had a net approval rating of minus 36 points before his resignation. This places Trump in a challenging position, as his numbers are worse than those of other former presidents, including George W. Bush, Lyndon Baines Johnson, and Barack Obama.
The public reaction to Enten’s analysis has been notable. Comments on social media highlighted the stark implications of Trump’s declining approval, with one user stating, “Trump’s approval just hit a pathetic 36%, the worst second-term start since Nixon.” Others echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that Trump’s actions may only lead to further declines in public support.
Despite the concerning data, Trump projected confidence on social media platform Truth Social, claiming he has the “highest Poll Numbers, ever,” while asserting that his economic policies will eventually receive the appreciation they deserve. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the ramifications of these approval ratings could significantly influence the Republican Party’s strategies leading up to the mid-term elections.
