Trump’s Approval Numbers Fall Far Short of GOP Claims, New Polls Reveal
Recent polling data is casting doubt on House Speaker Mike Johnson’s recent claim that Donald Trump holds a staggering 90% approval rating.
In a recent CNBC interview, Johnson praised Trump’s popularity, stating, “There’s never been a president that high,” in reference to an alleged 90% approval. However, a CNN poll released on July 17 tells a very different story—only 42% of Americans currently support the former president, with just 37% believing he’s pursuing the right goals.
Other polls echo this skepticism. A Reuters/Ipsos poll shows 41% backing Trump’s leadership, while The Economist found that 55% of respondents disapprove of him. Only Rasmussen Reports offered a more favorable figure, with 50% expressing support—still well below Johnson’s figure.
So, where did the 90% number come from? It appears to stem solely from Trump’s standing within the Republican Party. The CNN data shows that 88% of GOP voters support him, a number Johnson seems to have exaggerated, ignoring his unpopularity among the wider electorate.
Historically, other presidents have enjoyed higher approval across the board. Bill Clinton peaked at 66%, Ronald Reagan at 63%, and Barack Obama reached 59%. On the other end of the spectrum, Richard Nixon still holds the record for the lowest overall rating at 24%.
Trump’s approval rating during his first 100 days in office was the lowest for any modern president in six decades. While his base remains loyal, national polling paints a much more divided picture than Johnson’s upbeat portrayal suggests.