“The fundamentals are strong,” insisted campaign advisor Chris LaCivita. “Jobs are up, wages are rising, inflation is cooling. Feelings don’t change the facts.”
Still, even Republicans admit that low approval ratings can become self-fulfilling. Once the perception of unpopularity sets in, it can be hard to rally lawmakers and voters.
The Bottom Line
The new polls are a wake-up call for the Trump administration. They highlight frustration with the economy, discontent with his leadership style, and doubts about his ability to unite the country.
But if history is any guide, Donald Trump thrives in moments like these. Every time he’s been counted out, he’s found a way to prove the experts wrong.
As he said before boarding Air Force One this week: “The fake news says the numbers are down. I say America is going up. We’re winning — and the best is yet to come.”
Whether those words are prophecy or bluster remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Trump is once again betting that belief will matter more than numbers.
