Donald Trump won back the Oval Office and took charge of the government amid the strongest poll numbers of his political career, but as the 100-day mark of his presidency approaches, Americans’ views of what he’s done so far have turned deeply negative, a new CNN poll conducted by SSRS finds. Trump’s 41% approval rating is the lowest for any newly elected president at 100 days dating back at least to Dwight Eisenhower – including Trump’s own first term. Approval of Trump’s handling of the presidency is down 4 points since March, and 7 points lower than it was in late February. Just 22% say they strongly approve of Trump’s handling of the job, a new low, and about twice as many say they strongly disapprove (45%). Since March, Trump has seen notable drops in approval from women and Hispanic Americans (down 7 points in each group to 36% among women and 28% among Hispanics). Partisan views of Trump remain broadly polarized, with 86% of Republicans approving and 93% of Democrats disapproving. But among political independents, the president’s approval rating has dipped to 31%, matching his first-term low point with that group and about the same as his standing with them in January 2021. The poll finds the president underwater and sinking across nearly all major issues he’s sought to address during his time in office, with the public’s confidence in his ability to handle those issues also on the decline. Trump’s approval ratings on economic issues have dropped notably since early March as the rollout of his tariff plan led to volatility in the stock market and worries about rising prices. On inflation, approval is down 9 points to 35%, and on tariffs themselves, it’s down 4 points to 35%. His marks for handling the economy are down 5 points to a career low of 39%; he hit his previous low once in his first term and again this March). Only about half (52%) express confidence in his ability to deal with the economy, down 13 points compared with a December CNN poll. “I’m disappointed. I didn’t vote for him. I was going to give him the benefit of doubt, because I figured, you know, he could do things to help the economy and … further disappointment,” said a 55-year-old Virginia resident who identifies as an independent and participated in the poll. She has worked for the federal government for more than two decades and asked that her name not be used. Following his far-reaching efforts to reshape the federal government’s workforce, Trump has lost ground on approval ratings for managing the federal government (42% approve, down 6 points since March) and only 46% express confidence in him to appoint the best people to office, down 8 points since December. Less than half (43%) see Trump’s actions as a necessary shake-up in Washington, while most (57%) say his approach to the presidency is unnecessarily putting the country at risk. Derek Steinmetz, a Democrat from Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, said he was most concerned by Trump’s “overarching disregard for the rule, and the norms, and the structure of our government. It was a concern the first term, but it’s much worse this time around because there are fewer guardrails in place.” Trump’s moves on foreign affairs – which have included a more friendly posture toward Russia in its war with Ukraine and ending many foreign aid programs – are also seeing majority disapproval (39% approve, 60% disapprove). Half say they have a lot or some confidence in his ability to handle foreign affairs, down from 55% before he took office. Even on immigration, an issue where Trump had outperformed his first-term high by 7 points earlier this year, the poll finds declining approval ratings and diminished confidence in Trump’s actions. Overall, 45% approve now, down 6 points from March, and 53% express confidence in his ability to deal with it, down from 60% in December. Trump earns narrowly positive ratings on only one issue tested in the poll: his handling of issues related to gender identity and trans people. Overall, 51% approve of his handling of that matter, including 90% of Republicans, 48% of independents and 16% of Democrats. “I’m actually quite glad he said that there’s only male and female. I was actually quite glad when that came out, when he put that into law, that there’s only male and there’s only female, that there’s no binary, he, she, they. There’s no they,” said Lisa Munson, a Maryland mother-of-three who voted for Trump, when asked what she considers to be Trump’s biggest accomplishment. Trump’s efforts at shaping arts, culture and American history, though, are far less popular, with 64% considering it inappropriate for him to take actions like seizing control of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and seeking changes in exhibits at Smithsonian Institution museums, an effort he delegated in part to Vice President JD Vance. Vance matches Trump’s 41% job approval rating overall in the poll, with 58% disapproving. Neither Trump nor Vance is viewed favorably by most Americans. Just 40% say they have a favorable view of the president and 34% a favorable view of Vance. Overall, Americans’ confidence in Trump to use the power of the presidency responsibly (46% confident, down 8 points) and to provide real leadership for the country (50% confident, down 9 points) have dropped sharply since December. Trump has issued a slew of executive orders directing changes to government practices and policy that have faced myriad challenges in court. “I’m not a big fan of these executive orders that Trump and all the other presidents issue constantly. In Trump’s case, I think that he goes overboard on these executive orders, and that’s why a lot of them get shot down by the courts, you don’t have the authority to do that,” said George Mastrodonato, a Trump voter and partially retired lawyer who lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico and participated in the poll. “I wish he would be a little more discreet and focus on the executive orders that he writes and issues that he could win in court. He seems to be like Yosemite Sam, you know? Blasting off with two guns in both hands, and some of them stick and some of them don’t.” Just over half of Americans (52%), including majorities of both Democrats and Republicans, say Trump’s second presidency will fundamentally change the country in a lasting way. A little more than a third (36%) say any significant changes Trump makes will fade once he leaves office, and only 12% say Trump’s second term will not result in significant changes to the country. Still, Americans are closely split on whether Trump has kept important campaign promises. Just shy of half, 48%, say he’s doing a good job of it, 51% a bad job – numbers that closely mirror this point in his first term. A 55% majority say he’s taken at least some actions to effectively address the nation’s problems, though only 28% believe he’s done things that have already started to help address the country’s problems. Mastrodonato, the Trump voter from New Mexico, also largely sees Trump as keeping his promises. “He’s doing what he said he would do. Some of his approaches, I would take a different approach, but, you know, he’s Donald Trump so, he’s going to do whatever he wants to do.” The CNN poll was conducted among 1,678 adults nationwide by SSRS from April 17-24, using a combination of online and telephone interviews. The survey samples were originally drawn from two sources – a probability-based online panel and a registration-based sample – and combined. Respondents were initially contacted by mail, phone or email. Results for the full sample have a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 2.9 points. CNN’s Emily R. Condon, Edward Wu and Aleena Fayaz contributed to this report.
CNN Poll: Trump’s approval at 100 days lower than any president in at least seven decades
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"CNN Poll Shows Trump's Approval Rating at Historic Low After 100 Days in Office"
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TruthLens AI Summary
As Donald Trump approaches the 100-day mark of his second presidency, a recent CNN poll conducted by SSRS reveals a significant decline in his approval ratings, marking a stark contrast to the strong poll numbers he experienced upon taking office. With only 41% of Americans approving of his performance, this figure represents the lowest approval rating for any newly elected president at this stage since at least Dwight Eisenhower's administration. The poll indicates a downward trend in Trump's approval, which has dropped 4 points since March and 7 points since late February. Notably, support among key demographic groups, such as women and Hispanic Americans, has also decreased, with only 36% of women and 28% of Hispanics expressing approval. Partisan divides remain pronounced, with 86% of Republicans approving of Trump compared to a staggering 93% of Democrats who disapprove. Independents, who previously showed more favorable views, have seen Trump's approval dip to 31%, reflecting concerns over his handling of critical issues and overall governance since taking office.
The poll highlights Trump's struggles to maintain confidence across various issues, particularly in economic management, where his approval rating has plummeted to a career low of 39%. Concerns surrounding inflation and tariffs have contributed to this decline, with only 35% approving of his handling of inflation and tariffs. Furthermore, Trump's approval ratings for managing the federal government and foreign affairs have also diminished, with only 42% approving of his governance of federal agencies and a mere 39% approving of his foreign affairs strategy. The survey indicates that public confidence in Trump's ability to lead responsibly has waned, with only 46% of Americans expressing confidence in his leadership. While Trump has garnered some positive feedback regarding gender identity issues, overall, his administration's actions are viewed skeptically by the public. The poll results suggest a growing discontent with Trump's approach, with many Americans feeling that his presidency is posing risks rather than providing necessary reforms. As he continues his term, the implications of these approval ratings may significantly shape his political agenda and relationship with the electorate.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights the significant decline in President Donald Trump's approval ratings as he approaches the 100-day mark of his presidency. This CNN poll reveals that his current approval rating of 41% is the lowest for any newly elected president in at least seventy years, indicating a stark shift in public perception.
Public Sentiment Analysis
The poll indicates that Americans' views on Trump's performance have turned negative, with only 22% expressing strong approval, while 45% strongly disapprove. This reflects a growing discontent among various demographics, particularly women and Hispanic Americans, whose approval ratings have dropped notably. The report underscores a polarized political environment, with a stark contrast between Republican and Democratic views on the president.
Impact on Key Issues
Trump's handling of major issues such as the economy and inflation is also under scrutiny. His approval ratings on economic matters have seen significant declines, particularly following the rollout of his tariff plan, which has contributed to market volatility and inflation concerns. This erosion of public confidence in his economic management could have implications for his administration's future policy initiatives.
Political Implications
The article seems to aim at portraying a sense of urgency regarding Trump's declining popularity, which could influence his political capital moving forward. Given that independents make up a crucial voting bloc, their dissatisfaction could signal potential challenges for the Republican Party in future elections.
Media Influence and Public Perception
By presenting these statistics, the article appears to shape public perception about Trump's effectiveness in office. The focus on approval ratings and demographic breakdowns may serve to mobilize dissent against his administration, particularly among those who feel disenfranchised by current policies. The language used in the article is straightforward and factual, but the selection of data points could imply a narrative of failure.
Comparative Context
When compared to other political news, this article aligns with a broader trend of critical reporting on Trump's presidency. It suggests that his administration faces significant challenges, which may resonate with audiences who are already skeptical of his leadership.
Potential Economic Repercussions
In terms of market impact, negative sentiment around Trump's presidency could influence stock prices, particularly in sectors sensitive to economic policy changes. Investors may closely monitor how these approval ratings translate into actual policy shifts and market responses.
Global Perspective
From a global standpoint, the implications of a declining approval rating could affect the U.S.'s foreign relations and standing on the world stage. A president perceived as struggling domestically may find it challenging to assert leadership in international matters.
AI Influence in Reporting
There’s a possibility that AI tools were employed in crafting this article, particularly in analyzing polling data and public sentiment. Such tools could streamline the presentation of complex information, ensuring clarity in reporting. However, the article's tone and narrative direction reflect traditional journalistic practices rather than AI-generated content.
This analysis indicates that the article is grounded in factual reporting, supported by polling data, and serves the purpose of informing the public about Trump's current standing. The framing of the article, however, may carry an implicit agenda to rally opposition and provoke discussion about the current administration's effectiveness.