Former President Donald Trump is known to have placed substantial emphasis on approval ratings as the ultimate measure of success. In light of this perspective, recent findings revealing his dwindling popularity indicate an alarming scenario. Just last week, surveys by Gallup, Reuters/Ipsos, and Fox News suggested that Trump’s 100-day approval metrics fall behind those of his predecessors Joe Biden, Barack Obama, and George W. Bush.
However, the newest survey data suggests a more in-depth historical review is required to identify a President who has lost favor this quickly. A Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll conducted between April 18-22 with a sample size of 2,464 US adults suggests just over a third (39%) approve of Trump’s handling of his presidential duties. This represents a significant decrease from February, where 45% of respondents expressed approval.
A separate poll commissioned by CNN and undertaken by SSRS placed Trump’s approval slightly higher, at 41%. These recent developments contribute to a decline observed since March, where a mere 40% of American adults expressed satisfaction with Trump’s performance according to a poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.
This decline was recorded prior to Trump’s drastic tariff announcement, a move that sent waves of shock through the stock market, leaving a major impact on citizens’ retirement plans in its wake. The Washington Post notes that it is not uncommon for a president to experience a drop in approval ratings during their term, but such a rapid decline in popularity is less common.
Other demographic data from CNN’s survey suggested a loss of ground with specific groups of voters. Only 36% of female voters approved Trump’s performance, marking a significant disappointment within this electorate. Furthermore, just 28% of Hispanic Americans expressed approval, indicating a disconnect with this vital demographic.
These disappointing ratings triggered Trump’s outrage on Truth Social last week. However, he has, thus far, remained silent on the recently revealed ratings. Insights drawn from a 2023 interview might give us a hint of his potential reaction to these declining figures.
During the interview, he acknowledged that with high approval ratings, ‘you can be the meanest, most horrible human being in the world.’ He strongly emphasized that ratings reign supreme, overshadowing any specific behavior or personality traits a person may possess.
To Trump, whether ‘you can be nice, or you can be mean, you can be evil, you can be horrible. You can be crude or elegant,’ ratings constitute the only thing that truly matters. The current state of affairs, characterized by dwindling approval ratings, provides an unwelcome reality check on the interplay between ratings, public approval, and leadership consequences.