New Poll Spells Disaster For Trump

Strong disapproval of Donald Trump has reached a new high, according to a new national poll, as the president again drew attention for an unusual claim involving China and a sport popular in North America.

The poll shows that 46% of Americans now say they strongly disapprove of Trump’s job performance, the highest level recorded during his current term. The increase underscores deep partisan divisions and persistent resistance to his presidency, even as his overall approval rating has remained relatively stable in recent months.

Trump’s net approval rating — the difference between approval and disapproval — stands at minus 13.7 percentage points, placing him underwater with voters. At the same point in his presidency, Joe Biden had a higher net approval rating, according to historical polling averages.

While Trump continues to maintain solid support among Republican voters, analysts say the growing intensity of opposition could pose challenges heading into the midterm elections, when control of Congress will again be at stake. Historically, the president’s party often loses seats in midterm contests, a trend that can be exacerbated by low approval ratings.

The poll’s release coincided with renewed attention on Trump’s remarks about China, in which he claimed the country would move to ban a sport widely played and watched in North America. The assertion, made without evidence, prompted confusion and criticism, with no indication from Chinese officials that such a ban is under consideration.

Trump has frequently used provocative or unconventional statements to dominate news cycles, a strategy that has energized supporters while further alienating critics. Pollsters note that while overall approval has not dramatically shifted, the rise in strong disapproval suggests opinions about the president are hardening.

With the midterm elections approaching, the depth of voter opposition — not just overall approval — may prove to be a key indicator of political risk for the White House and Republican lawmakers aligned with the president.