President Trump's approval & our view of the direction of the country
Bottom Line: This is a weekly story to get a reality/temperature check regarding what's really going on with public opinion of the President and our view of the direction of the country. First here's the high point, low point and current ratings for President Trump...
- Trump's lowest ratings: 37% approval and 59% disapproval: -22% (8/4/17)
- Trump highest approval ratings 45% approval and 43% disapproval (1/27/17): +2%
- Trump's current ratings: 44% approval and 53% disapproval: -9%
There’s a lot that’s pretty interesting as we look at President Trump’s initial approval ratings in 2019. This isn’t your typical political glide into a new year for the President. It’s one that’s two weeks into a partial government shutdown. And here’s the thing. President Trump’s approval rating is one point higher than it was three weeks ago – the last time I updated this story. What does that tell you about what we really think of all of the this? Two weeks in and most Americans haven’t even blinked and noticed any issues with a quarter of the federal government in shutdown mode. It’s the latest clear reminder that the MSM doesn’t have the influence it wants or once did. It’s also telling me that President Trump will almost certainly hold his ground and fight for border wall funding.
Also, as has been the case throughout his term thus far, the more informed and engaged someone is politically – the more likely they are to approve of President Trump.
- With adult only samples his rating over the past week averaged: 40%
- Registered voters: 45%
- Likely voters: 47%
Also, President Trump has a positive approval rating in 25 states including Florida as we start the new year.
Looking at the direction of the country this week...
Where we stood on Inauguration Day:
- Right Direction: 30%
- Wrong Track: 59%
- Net: -29%
Today:
- Right Direction: 38%
- Wrong Track: 55%
- Net: -17%
Change: +12% under Trump
This is where we’re seeing some of the negativity wash through with the political noise of the day and perhaps nervousness over the stock market’s recent woes. Our collective optimism is off 5 points from a few weeks ago but again – it's interesting that President Trump’s ratings are holding up in the face of this... It figures to be an interesting year.