In a stark assessment, CNN's senior data analyst Harry Enten has declared President Donald Trump's approval rating to be "stuck on empty," suggesting no signs of recovery for the beleaguered president's public image. Enten's analysis, based on his own aggregate of polling data, paints a dire picture of Trump's political standing, with his approval ratings hitting a new low.
During an appearance on CNN, Enten presented a graphic that visually demonstrated the steady decline in Trump's net approval rating. "This is a president who is stuck on empty, and it is just... I mean just look at this," Enten commented, emphasizing the lack of upward momentum for the president.
A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll has provided the latest evidence of this downward trend, revealing that Trump's approval rating has plummeted to just 33%. This figure is accompanied by a soaring disapproval rate of 65%, indicating a significant loss of public confidence in the president's ability to lead.
The poll also revealed that the intensity of support for Trump among his Republican base is waning. While 82% of Republicans approve of Trump's job performance, only 35% of them strongly approve, suggesting a less fervent level of commitment to the president.
Democrat voters, on the other hand, appear to be coalescing around an alternative candidate, with the poll showing a slight edge on the generic ballot. A total of 35% of Americans expressed a preference for a Democratic candidate, compared to 29% who would vote for a Republican. The poll's margin of error is plus or minus 2.9 percentage points, surveyed among 1,215 U.S. adults from Aug. 21 to Aug. 24.
Despite the polling data painting a grim picture, President Trump has remained undeterred in his self-assessment of his presidency. On Thursday, he took to social media, posting a graphic ranking U.S. presidents, with himself at the top, labeled "Greatest." The graphic placed other esteemed presidents, such as Abraham Lincoln and George Washington, in lower tiers.
This stark contrast between the public's perception and Trump's self-perception raises questions about his ability to connect with the American electorate. It also highlights the potential challenges he may face in the lead-up to the 2026 elections, as the polls suggest a growing number of Americans are turning away from his leadership.
In a further illustration of the divide in the country, the poll also showed that Trump's claims of noncitizen voting have not gained widespread acceptance. Just 13% of Americans strongly approve of Trump's performance in this area, while 49% strongly disapprove.
The CNN analyst's comments come at a time when Trump's presidency is facing increasing scrutiny and criticism. His administration has been marred by numerous controversies, including the Freedom Fuel lawsuit and the ongoing mail-in voting debate. The president's unconventional approach to governance and his tendency to make bold, sometimes controversial statements have further eroded his public image.
As the nation prepares for the 2026 elections, the question remains: can Trump's approval ratings turn around, or is his presidency doomed to remain stuck in the political doldrums? Only time will tell, but for now, it appears that the president is facing a daunting challenge in regaining the trust and support of the American public.
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