CNN Analyst Highlights Trump’s Falling Approval Ratings Ahead of Elections

CNN analyst Harry Enten has delivered a stark assessment of Donald Trump’s approval ratings, suggesting that a recent poll could indicate significant challenges for the Republican Party as it approaches the mid-term elections. Speaking on December 1, 2023, Enten referenced data from a Gallup poll that recorded Trump’s job approval rating at just 36%, marking his lowest score since the aftermath of the January 6 Capitol riots when he received 34%.

During his segment on CNN News Central with host Sara Sidner, Enten described the current approval rating as potentially disastrous for Trump and the Republican Party. He noted, “I mean, it’s a disaster if it holds until the midterm elections.” The analysis highlighted a significant shift in Trump’s net approval rating, which has dropped from a marginally negative -1 point in January to a troubling -24 points now. This represents a decline of over 20 points, a concerning trend for the sitting president.

Enten’s commentary provided context by comparing Trump’s current ratings to historical data of previous presidents. He observed, “The only one who’s worse, either among Republicans or Democrats at this point of their second term, is Richard Nixon.” Nixon’s approval rating had plummeted to -36 points before his resignation, while Trump currently stands at -24 points. In contrast, other former presidents, including George W. Bush, Harry S. Truman, Lyndon Baines Johnson, Barack Obama, and Bill Clinton all had more favorable ratings at similar points in their presidencies.

The poll also revealed an increase in Trump’s disapproval rating, which has risen to 60%, a notable jump from just below 50% in February 2025. Viewers of CNN reacted to Enten’s findings on social media platform X, expressing concern over Trump’s declining approval. One user noted, “Trump’s approval just hit a pathetic 36%, the worst second-term start since Nixon.” Another commenter remarked, “When you’re getting compared to Nixon in year six, it’s never good.”

Despite the negative data, Trump appears to remain unfazed. Last week, he took to Truth Social to assert that he has the “highest Poll Numbers, ever,” claiming that his economic policies will ultimately be recognized. Such statements contrast sharply with the polling data presented by CNN, which indicates that Trump’s current trajectory could lead to further declines in public support if trends persist.

As the mid-term elections approach, the implications of these approval ratings for Trump’s political future and the Republican Party’s overall strategy will likely be a focal point in the coming months. With the landscape shifting rapidly, both supporters and critics will be closely monitoring how these numbers evolve as the elections draw nearer.