President Donald Trump is experiencing a decline in his approval ratings amidst a backdrop of political turbulence marked by the recent government shutdown. On November 12, Trump enacted a bill that ended the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, which lasted for 43 days and significantly affected millions of Americans, leaving many struggling to meet basic needs such as travel and food security.
In addition to resolving the shutdown, Trump has promised economic relief to Americans facing financial difficulties, suggesting that most citizens would receive $2,000 in stimulus checks. However, there has been no confirmation regarding the implementation of this plan, adding to the uncertainty felt by many.
Further complicating Trump’s political landscape, new revelations concerning his ties to accused sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein have emerged, as House Democrats released emails that spotlight their connection. In these communications, Epstein suggested that Trump “spent hours at my house” with one of Epstein’s victims and possible knowledge regarding the girls involved. The White House has dismissed these allegations as a deliberate smear campaign.
As for Trump’s approval ratings, recent data paints a concerning picture. According to Real Clear Politics, from October 24 to November 13, Trump’s approval averaged at 42.3%, with a disapproval rate of 54.7%. A Gallup poll reported a 41% approval, while a Reuters/Ipsos poll indicated that only 40% of respondents viewed his presidency favorably. The New York Times also reflected a similar trend with a 41% approval versus 55% disapproval as of November 14. Other surveys, including those from the Associated Press and The Economist, further corroborate the trend of declining approval.
When compared to his first term, Trump had an average approval rating of 41% and left office in 2021 with a rating of just 34%. His current ratings align closely with other past presidents, with Joe Biden’s approval also sitting at around 40%, and notable figures like Barack Obama and Bill Clinton enjoying much higher averages during their respective terms.
It is worth noting that presidential approval ratings have been considered a crucial barometer of political success for decades, reflecting public sentiment about a president’s performance. However, experts caution that the current polarized political environment may skew these ratings and reduce their reliability.
As the political landscape evolves, the outcome of Trump’s current measures—including economic promises and responses to ongoing controversies—will undoubtedly affect his standing with the American public and may play a significant role as the country moves towards future elections.