Recent Trends in Trump’s Approval Ratings: A Timeline Analysis

Trump’s Approval Ratings Hit Record Lows Amid Government Shutdown and Controversies

October 13, 2023

Former President Donald Trump is facing a significant decline in approval ratings, reaching a second-term record low of 45%, according to recent polling data. This drop comes as the nation grapples with a government shutdown and various controversies surrounding Trump’s administration.

In a survey conducted by Morning Consult from October 10-12, Trump’s disapproval rating surged to 53%, marking a troubling trend for the former president as he navigates his second term. This decline is echoed in other recent polls, including a Reuters/Ipsos survey from October 3-7, which found that only 40% of respondents approved of Trump’s job performance, while 58% disapproved.

The ongoing government shutdown, which began on October 1, has exacerbated Trump’s approval woes. A significant 54% of respondents in the Economist/YouGov poll expressed disapproval of Trump’s handling of the shutdown, with 41% blaming both Trump and Congressional Republicans for the impasse, compared to 30% who held Democrats responsible.

Despite these challenges, Trump’s core support among Republicans remains robust, with approximately 90% of GOP voters still backing him. However, his overall approval rating has seen a notable decline since the start of his term, with an average approval rating of just 42%, slightly higher than his first term’s average of 41%, according to Gallup.

The former president’s recent actions, including deploying the National Guard to Chicago amid rising crime rates, have sparked mixed reactions. While 65% of respondents in a Harvard CAPS/Harris poll believe Democrats should end the shutdown by accepting the Republican spending plan, a slim majority (53%) still blame Republicans for the ongoing crisis.

In addition to domestic issues, Trump’s foreign policy decisions have also come under scrutiny. He recently proposed a new plan to end the Israel-Hamas conflict, which has garnered some support from both sides, although a final agreement remains elusive. Furthermore, Trump’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in August has raised concerns among voters, with many believing he is too closely aligned with Russia.

As Trump navigates these turbulent waters, his approval ratings serve as a barometer for his political future. With the 2024 presidential election on the horizon, the former president faces mounting pressure to address the issues that have contributed to his declining popularity. As the government shutdown continues and controversies unfold, it remains to be seen how Trump will respond and whether he can regain the trust of the American public.