CNN Analyst Highlights Trump’s Declining Approval Ratings Ahead of Midterms

CNN analyst Harry Enten recently highlighted a significant decline in former President Donald Trump’s approval ratings, which could have serious implications for the Republican Party as the midterm elections approach. During a segment on December 1, 2023, Enten discussed the latest findings from a Gallup poll that reported Trump’s job approval at just 36%. This figure marks the lowest approval rating of his second term, a stark contrast to his earlier ratings.

Enten conveyed that this trend could spell “disaster” for Republicans if the numbers do not improve before the elections. He pointed out that Trump’s current approval rating is reminiscent of the 34% he received just after the January 6 Capitol riots, underscoring a troubling trajectory for the former president. “We’re talking about a drop of over 20 points in the wrong direction for the president of the United States,” Enten stated, emphasizing the significance of the negative 24-point net approval rating.

The poll indicated that Trump’s disapproval rating has surged to 60%, reflecting a more than 10% increase since February 2025, when it was below 50%. Enten’s analysis compared Trump’s performance with historical figures, revealing that only former President Richard Nixon had worse approval ratings at this stage of a second term. Nixon’s net approval rating was minus 36 points before his resignation, while Trump’s current rating places him below both George W. Bush and former Presidents Harry S. Truman, Lyndon B. Johnson, Barack Obama, and Bill Clinton.

Viewers reacted strongly to Enten’s findings on social media, with many comments highlighting the implications of the declining ratings. One user remarked, “I knew Trump’s approval rating would go way down once the impact of the Big Beautiful Bill started affecting people.” Another commented, “Trump’s approval just hit a pathetic 36%, the worst second-term start since Nixon, and already cratering faster than his casinos.” The sentiment reflected a growing concern among constituents regarding Trump’s viability as a candidate for future elections.

Despite the unfavorable polling data, Trump appeared to dismiss the findings. In a post on Truth Social, he claimed to have the “highest Poll Numbers, ever,” suggesting that his accomplishments in the economy have not yet been fully recognized. This divergence between public sentiment and Trump’s self-assessment raises questions about his strategy moving forward.

As the midterm elections draw closer, the Republican Party faces an uphill battle if these approval ratings persist. The implications of these polling trends could shape the political landscape significantly, influencing not only Trump’s prospects but also the overall performance of Republican candidates across the country.