When confronted with the falling approval ratings in a Fox News interview, Trump didn’t blink. He dismissed the numbers as “garbage from bad pollsters” and even took a swipe at Fox itself.
“I told Rupert Murdoch, get yourself a new pollster — because this one stinks,” he declared.
To Trump, polls are just another tool of the media establishment — another weapon designed to weaken him. And to many of his supporters, that defiance is exactly why they remain loyal.
Why Approval Ratings Matter
Still, experts warn that the numbers shouldn’t be dismissed. Approval ratings aren’t just about pride. They shape the political landscape.
“When a president’s approval dips below 45%, lawmakers in his own party start to think differently,” explained historian Elaine Berns. “They become less willing to take risks for him, especially with midterm elections on the horizon.”
The historical pattern is clear: presidents with approval below 45% often see heavy losses in Congress during midterms. That’s why Trump’s latest numbers are rattling Republicans, even those who normally stand firmly behind him.
What Americans Are Angry About
The poll also revealed what’s driving dissatisfaction across the political spectrum.
Among Republicans, more than a third said they’re frustrated with tariffs, which some believe are hurting the stock market and raising consumer prices.
Among Democrats and independents, the concerns are more about tone and trust.
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