Trump's Approval Rating Plummets

·44 min

Dana Bash opens the hour from Washington. She sets tomorrow night's second address before Congress against a country that seems to be moving further against Trump, then leans on a fresh CNN poll to show the pressure building around him. Trump's approval stands at 36 percent, lower than President Biden's at this point four years ago and down 12 points from a year ago. The concern is not just the topline. Only 32 percent say the president is focused on the right priorities, while 68 percent say he is focused on the wrong things. Trump pushes back with confidence, saying the economy is the greatest ever, that there is more activity than ever, and that tomorrow night's speech will be long because there is so much to cover. Kristen then starts with independents, which the segment treats as one of the most revealing parts of the poll. The discussion also reaches back to January 2021 and January 6 as a contrast point for Trump’s standing, using that comparison to sharpen the sense of volatility. The hour keeps circling back to the same question: what does this polling mean for the speech, the timing, and the White House’s ability to shape the moment? The segment treats the address as a direct test of whether Trump's message can outrun the numbers.

As heard by us

A brisk look at Trump heading into a major address with weak poll numbers.

Dana Bash opens by setting President Trump's second address before Congress against a sour public mood, and the segment moves quickly to the new CNN poll.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

You want the political stakes before Trump’s address to Congress.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify