In the ever-shifting landscape of American politics, where every poll and survey can shape public perception, one trend stands out as particularly damning for former President Donald Trump. Harry Enten, CNN's chief data analyst, has uncovered a staggering fact that truly takes the cake: since March 29, 2025, not a single poll has shown Donald Trump with a positive net approval rating. This is not just a statistical anomaly; it's a damning indictment of Trump's second term in office.
What makes this trend even more striking is the context in which it occurred. Trump's approval rating has been on a downward spiral, dropping from a net average of +6 in January 2025 to -20 today. This is officially the lowest point of his second term, and it's not just the aggregate numbers that are telling; every single poll since March 29, 2025, has shown Trump with a net negative approval rating. This is a staggering 413 days in a row, during which Trump has been underwater in every poll.
Enten attributes this precipitous drop in approval to Trump's war on Iran and skyrocketing gas prices. A CNN/SSRS poll conducted between April 30 and May 4 provided some truly disastrous numbers for the president. The poll showed that the Iran war was having a negative effect on personal finances, with 75% of respondents stating that it was having a negative effect and only 8% believing it was having a positive effect. The poll also revealed that 76% of people considered the current cost of living to be their top economic problem.
Trump's unpopular war in the Middle East led Iran to close the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world's oil passes, resulting in high gas prices. This, in turn, has had a significant impact on everyday Americans, who have been hit hard by the economic fallout. Enten argues that people specifically voted for Trump to bolster the economy, and no amount of 'signature pieces of either legislation or events' during his second term have been able to distract from the impact of his policies on everyday Americans.
The poll results are particularly damning for Trump, with 67 points underwater for the Iran war. This is a stark reminder of the impact that Trump's policies have had on the American people, and it's no wonder that his approval rating has been in freefall. The question now is whether this trend will continue, or whether Trump will be able to turn things around in the remaining time of his term. One thing is certain: the American people are watching, and they are not happy.
In my opinion, this trend is a stark reminder of the importance of economic policies in American politics. While Trump may have had some successes in other areas, his economic policies have clearly not lived up to the hype. The American people are feeling the pain, and it's time for leaders to take notice. The question now is whether Trump will be able to turn things around, or whether this trend will continue to be a damning indictment of his presidency.
