Trump approval sinks as Americans criticize his major policies, poll finds
Category: News & Politics
Via: robert-in-ohio • last year • 31 commentsBy: Dan Balz, Scott Clement, Emily Guskin
S E E D E D C O N T E N T
As he nears the end of his first 100 days in office, President Donald Trump is facing growing opposition to his ambitious and controversial agenda, with his approval rating in decline, majority opposition to major initiatives, and perceptions that his administration is seeking to avoid complying with federal court orders, according to a Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll .
No president in modern times has moved more swiftly than Trump to remake so many parts of government, as well as some outside institutions. The moves range from shrinking and reshaping the executive branch to upending the global economic order to cracking down on illegal immigration to challenging leading universities.
The initiatives have caused significant disruption to individuals, institutions and financial markets. They have produced a flurry of lawsuits from opponents, which Trump is contesting. There are few bright spots in the survey for the president, and none of his policies tested in the poll enjoy majority support.
Trump’s overall approval rating is lower than it was only two months ago. The poll shows that 39 percent of adult Americans approve of the way Trump is handling his job, compared with 55 percent who disapprove, including 44 percent who disapprove strongly. In February, those numbers were 45 percent positive and 53 percent negative.
Among registered voters, the deterioration has been even larger. In February, 48 percent of registered voters gave him positive marks, compared with 51 percent negative. Today those numbers are 42 percent positive and 55 percent negative, a swing from net negative three percentage points to net negative 13 points.
Trump’s approval rating is lower than for any past president at the 100-day mark in their first or second terms. At a similar point in their first terms as president, 42 percent approved of Trump and 52 percent approved of President Joe Biden. Most presidents enjoy a honeymoon during their first months in office, only to see their ratings decline later in the first year. Trump may be an exception.
Trump has seen a decline of 10 points among White people without a college degree, a key part of his political coalition; he is also down 13 points among adults under age 30 and 11 points among those who say they did not vote in November.
For the most part, Trump is holding on to support from his Republican base, including many who say federal judges are trying to interfere with his legal authority. On one big policy, most Americans say they think Trump’s tariffs will create more manufacturing jobs in the United States, as he has predicted, even if they see the tariffs as raising prices.
The findings suggest that the president has overinterpreted the meaning of his victory over former vice president Kamala Harris by pursuing policies that have generated dissatisfaction from the public. In broad strokes, the judgment of his presidency so far is that a majority think Trump has exceeded his authority, a majority say the economy is worse and about half say that U.S. leadership in the world has become weaker. The economy, once a clear attribute for Trump, has become one more source of public disapproval about his presidency.
For all the negative findings related to the president’s actions, the poll offers little comfort for Democrats. Americans trust Trump over congressional Democrats by 37 percent to 30 percent when it comes to dealing with the country’s major problems — another 30 percent trust “neither” — and see the Democratic Party as somewhat more out of touch “with the concerns of most people” than either the president or the Republican Party.
There is a significant partisan split on rating the president — and on virtually everything else in the survey. More than 9 in 10 Democrats disapprove of the way Trump is doing his job while more than 8 in 10 Republicans approve. But 15 percent of Republicans give him negative marks, marginally more than did so eight years ago, when 10 percent of Republicans said they disapproved of his work at the 100-day mark. Last November, Trump captured 94 percent of Republicans’ votes, according to exit polls .
In the survey, independents, a group Trump narrowly lost in November, break heavily to the negative, with 33 percent approving and 58 percent disapproving. Among independents who lean Republican, Trump’s approval has dropped from 76 percent to 63 percent since February.
On specific issues, more than 6 in 10 disapprove of his handling of the economy, U.S. relations with other countries, applying tariffs to imported goods and his navigation of the recent turmoil in financial markets. Smaller majorities disapprove of his management of the federal government and the way he is looking out for average Americans. Even on immigration, the president’s signature issue, 53 percent disapprove of the way he is handling things, though there are elements of his policies that do enjoy support.
Most Americans say the president is “going too far” trying to expand the power of the presidency, in laying off government employees to cut the size of the federal workforce, in closing federal agencies, and by taking measures against political opponents. A bare majority (51 percent) say he has gone too far in trying to end efforts to increase diversity in the government and private workplaces, while 48 percent say he has gone too far with his policies to deport undocumented immigrants. Half say Trump is handling these deportations about right or “not going far enough.”
More than 3 in 4 oppose reductions in federal funding for medical research ; 7 in 10 oppose the administration’s efforts to increase the government’s role in the operation of private universities; 2 in 3 oppose his effort to end birthright citizenship, an issue the Supreme Court will hear soon; and more than 6 in 10 oppose shutting down the Education Department, cutting back on environmental regulations on oil and gas drilling, and freezing foreign aid that provides food and health services to people in poor countries.
About 6 in 10 oppose deporting international students who have criticized U.S. policy in the Middle East, while Americans are roughly split over sending undocumented immigrants suspected of being gang members to an El Salvador prison without a court hearing, with 51 percent opposed and 47 percent in support.
One of the biggest clashes has been between the administration and Harvard University. The administration has sought to impose orders on the operations of Harvard, and the university has in turn sued, claiming a violation of its constitutional rights. About 2 in 3 Americans say they take Harvard’s side of this confrontation.
Trump won the election last year largely on the issues of immigration and the economy. On the economy, many viewed him as a better steward than either Biden or Harris, and his economic ratings were generally positive during his first term in office. That is not the case today.
Today, his economic approval rating is 39 percent positive and 61 percent negative. That compares with 45 percent positive and 53 percent negative only two months ago, before he announced the bulk of his tariffs on nations around the world. His disapproval is the highest recorded for Trump in a Post-ABC poll and his approval is the lowest recorded. Notably, his approval on the economy is only two points better than Biden’s 37 percent roughly a year ago.
Overall, more than 7 in 10 Americans say the economy today is either “not so good” or “poor,” identical to findings in February. Despite the absence of change in the general assessment of the economy, a majority (53 percent) say the economy has grown worse since Trump took office in January.
In December, 62 percent of swing-state voters predicted Trump would do an excellent or good job handling the economy, his best issue in that Post-Schar School poll . Almost half expected his presidency to help their personal finances (46 percent), while 31 percent expected their finances to suffer. In the new poll, about half say their financial situation is about the same as it was when Trump took office in January, while roughly 4 in 10 say they are worse off and 1 in 10 say they are better off.
Looking ahead, more than 7 in 10 say they think Trump’s policies will result in an economic recession in the short term, including 51 percent of Republicans. Looking further into the future, barely 3 in 10 think Trump’s policies will put the U.S. on a stronger economic foundation.
Americans see a president who is seeking to expand his authority and flouting the rule of law. A near majority (49 percent) say he is moving the country away from its founding principles, compared with about one-third who say he is moving the country closer to those principles.
More than 6 in 10 say the Trump administration does not respect the rule of law, and more than half say the administration is not committed to protecting the rights and freedoms of Americans. Six in 10 say the president, since taking office, has gone beyond his authority, and 56 percent say those actions are not justified.
Trump and administration lawyers have clashed with federal judges repeatedly in recent weeks, and in this area the public sides with the judges rather than the administration. Two in 3 say judges should have the authority to block a policy until a trial is held if they think the policy will harm people and is illegal.
More than 6 in 10 say they think federal judges are trying to enforce existing limits on Trump’s authority, compared with slightly more than 1 in 3 who say these judges are trying to interfere with the president’s authority. And about two-thirds say they think the administration is trying to avoid complying with court orders.
Large majorities of Democrats and independents side with the courts and judges, but Republicans side with the president on these questions. A narrow majority of Republicans (53 percent) say a federal judge should not have the authority to block administration policy. More than 6 in 10 Republicans say they think the administration is trying to comply with court orders, and 2 in 3 say federal judges are trying to interfere with the president’s authority to act.
The Post-ABC-Ipsos poll was conducted online April 18-22 among 2,464 U.S. adults. The sample was drawn through the Ipsos KnowledgePanel, an ongoing panel of U.S. households recruited by mail using random sampling methods. Overall results have a margin of error of plus or minus two percentage points.
Discus the poll rsults and why people feel the way they do.
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Approval is falling fast
Among registered voters, the deterioration has been even larger. In February, 48 percent of registered voters gave him positive marks, compared with 51 percent negative. Today those numbers are 42 percent positive and 55 percent negative, a swing from net negative three percentage points to net negative 13 points.
Specific issues -
More than 3 in 4 oppose reductions in federal funding for medical research ;
7 in 10 oppose the administration’s efforts to increase the government’s role in the operation of private universities;
2 in 3 oppose his effort to end birthright citizenship,
A main issue that Trump ran on was the economy
Today, his economic approval rating is 39 percent positive and 61 percent negative. That compares with 45 percent positive and 53 percent negative only two months ago, before he announced the bulk of his tariffs on nations around the world.
Trump's approval ratings —especially among his base— are the strongest ways to influence this madman. Trump does not care about many things outside of himself, but he relies upon adoration by his followers.
Unfortunately he has surrounded himself with spineless sycophants who will spin everything in his favor, but he will still not be able to avoid seeing consistent reporting on his disapproval ratings.
Further, this might give the GOP some spine. If congressional Rs calculate that Trump is hurting them politically, the tide will start turning.
Until midterms, this is the best we can hope for. There is essentially no chance that Trump will magically become a rational individual who views the office of the presidency as a solemn duty to benefit the people rather than a cool toy and a license to do whatever Trump wishes to do.
I don't worry and fret about things I cannot change or poll numbers that change daily. My life hasn't changed since Trump was elected, but my hopes for the recovery of our democracy from Biden's corrupt and idiotic policies have risen considerably. I suspect that millions of other Americans feel the same way. Until and unless the progressives see the error of their insane and radical ways, it is unlikely they will even take back the House
There is a big difference of not worrying about bad decisions by Trump and denying same.
I don't think he has made any bad decisions, although the execution and timing could have been better on some.
And he saved us from four years of hell from the horrible Harris
Let's start with threatening and then executing ridiculous tariffs. Are you seriously admitting that you do not understand why that was a bad decision? Investors and business leaders sure as hell understand why this is a problem.
Next, let's go to Ukraine. Trump claimed he could end the war with a phone call (of course that was bullshit). But when he tried to negotiate peace what does this master negotiator do? Instead of putting Putin at a greater disadvantage to encourage him to negotiate, the 'Art of the Deal' buffoon publicly gives Putin propaganda where the PotUS publicly declares that Ukraine started the war and that Zelensky is a dictator with a 4% approval rating. Then he attacks Zelensky in the Oval Office and tells the world that Ukraine has no cards (has lost the war). Then he pulls back intelligence and support while Putin increases his attacks on Ukraine.
You seriously want to admit that you do not understand why weakening our ally and strengthening the position of our enemy, the aggressor, the idiot who started the Ukraine war is a bad decision given the objective is to negotiate peace?
There are many more examples, but it is pointless to bother if you cannot get past these two.
It's idiotic to continue to support the conflict in Ukraine. Let the Europeans handle it
Finding all the waste and fraud and fiscal abuse that has been going on was necessary.
Most other countries were taking advantage of the US when it came to fair trade, so tariffs became an excellent bargain tool
Wow - clear winner for understatement of the year
Trump has created chaos in everything he touches and lies or exaggerates with every waking breath
Let's say is what plays out and when Europe steps moves troops into an active training role, provides more weapons and ammunition and support - then Russia purposely or "accidentally fires on a NATO force does Trump have the morals, the courage and the "Ameri ccan" in him to support an Article 5 response from NATO
Or does he simply pat Putin on the ehad again
Deflection. The point is that Trump said he would end the war and has set out, ostensibly, to do that. I just laid this out and instead of responding honestly you throw up your hands and claim that we should just leave it to others. No, Greg, that is NOT what Trump set out to do. So has he fucked this up or not?
I did not even mention this, but yes I am entirely in favor of getting rid of fraud and waste. But the way Trump has gone about it has been a disaster. There is no plan. This is coarse grain slash and burn. This is not intelligence, it is chaos.
Sure, tariffs could be used as a bargaining tool. Although that is not the intent. But Trump certainly could have done so. But he did not. Instead of sitting down privately and demonstrating the 'Art of the Deal', the chief buffoon publicly announces to the world that he is imposing 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada unless they meet his demands on Fentanyl (an excuse). A belligerent public threat to two of our closest trade partners and, even more stupid, he then changed his tune from Fentanyl to "ripping us off". This idiot claims that Mexico and Canada are ripping us off yet he was the guy who 'negotiated' our current trade deal.
Then he makes matters much worse by going after all of our trade partners and imposing ridiculous tariffs (do not even make sense) under the confused and economically wrong theory that a trade deficit with a particular nation means they are "ripping us off". Trump is an idiot. He does not understand trade, global economics, and nobody seems to be able to get through his thick skull that he is just screwing the American consumer.
He said he would end the war in 24 hours, 1 day as I recall - and despite protestations now he said it many many times
He lied then as he continues to lie about most things nwo
I certainly hope so
Well, you have convinced me. No way should Trump run for a third term. He is sunk./S
As for midterms. Democrats are shooting themselves in the foot as fast as they can by defending illegal immigrant gang members; and literally using lawfare to it's fullest against anything Trump is trying to get done. We all know who to blame for the waste in tax payer money fighting these frivolous lawsuits and far leftist over reaching federal district judges.
Democrats have nothing to offer except fear mongering and hate.
Chances are they will win the House; but as Democrats fleeing the Senate are proving that is the most they can hope for.
Once he got in office he was able to drop the talking points and start the revenge tour.
His supporters are one of his retribution targets, they didn't find him or give him the 11k + votes he needed to swing Georgia and he expected a "landslide" from his entire base that he did not get.
He didn't get a landslide this time either so no mystery why he is hammering down policies that hurt red state and blue states alike.
He even denied disaster aid to Sarah Huckabee Sanders who supported him whole heartedly. The Carolinas aren't going to get the continuing disaster aid they need either.
How can any voter from any political party support a man who is that vindictive and grievance driven when you look at these horrific policies driving us all backward economically.
That is what is so incredible (and disappointing). Trump is the worst PotUS, by far, in our lifetimes and arguably the worst PotUS we have ever had. Yet no matter what he does his supporters pretend that everything is just fine and instead start talking about Biden and the Ds.
The political discussions are no longer about differences in ideology and policy. We are now at a stage where Trump supporters are literally denying reality and inventing an alternate reality. Just like Trump does.
freepress
You are right - his actions prove his low character and the fact that he cannot be believed or trusted
My apologies for not commenting on your article as I've been made by certain members here to feel that as a Canadian living outside of the USA I do not have the right to SPEAK MY MIND about American political issues, wherein I have been attacked with off topic irrelevant historical whataboutisms to taunt me, so my comments on American political issues will be limited to those I post on my own groups where I will welcome comments from members wherever they happen to live.
Buzz
You have the right and my person al desire to say anything that you wish about my articles, my comments on other articles or whatever - I value you input and perspective on all issues.
I think we have agreed and disagreed over the years on many things and still managed to maintain a friendly, civil discourse.
You sir are a gentleman where there are few
I will miss your input
It's only on American politics that some members feel I'm not entitled to comment.
Buzz
I value your input on all topics and your opinion on politics is at times the only objective one (no agenda)
I respect your decision but will miss your comments
Hey Buzz, we've had our share of disagreements in the past, but the present intense past time perusing my plagiarised posts bearing know fruity weight loss dietician that got paid , and went fishen under vege tables of the butcher blocked in by Lew Al Cinder blocker wearing a cross, a cross body blocker of someone's sun of a have a gun will travel till they unravel the confetti from the Pa. Raid with submersible floats in the Dellunaware of the banker who bought the farmer from Farmers Insurance who got the job of banker, and monopolized on the monetary assets while playin the people as if he were on top of a steep hill to send coast to coast with out shifting the automatic trans fanatic from Philly, also known as the Philly Phanatical radical radio active stationary desk mover, and shaker of hand maids that make beds squeak till they are weak daily, cause the cleanser was Haley, and lit up he has US, yet theirs' some definite signs of life being emmitted by the propaganda pushers and purveyors of inexcusable lies trying to bring about a capitulating collapsing country, but, not tis of thee, cause its MY Country Tis of THee, and every other citizens' who honors our Constitution and not attempts constant retribution from those just doing their job , and people are beginning to wake, to what has always been fake, and some will never capitulate, because of the hate, and the childish rants from one i can't stance, so it took one once against what i and we stood fore thoughts beyond that of a single desperate wanna be despot, put on de spot wear under pans had pot, to piss in one hand, while applauding with the other, while seated which amounted to a not standing for it ovation that re-vealed the location of the calves and thighs running the vegan meat market till met up with a rundown on the , finally, signs of my moniker, possibly know longer ruling, and that would be awesome for US....'
and Buzz, don't let dix dictate watt you can be heard on, you have a right just as they, to say that which you want and or wish to say, for free speech wasn't meant to be exclusive for Americans alone, it is for all, and i'll do it for free, cause I love me some free for alls cause as i recalls at the end of Newsvine I found it to be oh so fine without moderators to flag that which could say much, and often did, cause i'm serious about still being a kid, no kidding, unles goated into it
Thank you Ig.
She's begging him to send aid
The NYT curates a bunch of polls. Here's today's list:
Trump said to throw all those crooked polsters in jail, which leaves about three that had him approved. Yep, it's the crooked poles, cause plumb crazy would be out of level witht he dishevel in the White Power house of window Panes
Bob
It looks unanimous to me
The man with orange hair will calk it up to "a few main stream media members" with an agenda against him
Why should he change his story now
It's depressing, isn't it?
More every day - even someone who agrees with a given policy should be appalled by the manner in which he acts and conducts himself