The longest ever government shutdown and a raging debate over the wall didn’t do much harm to President Donald Trump’s approval rating this month, according to CNN. President Trump’s approval rating was at a low of just 40 percent at the conclusion of the shutdown, but has rebounded dramatically in the days since.
Just three weeks after the shutdown, President Trump’s approval rating was at a 41.5%. This week, Breitbart revealed that his approval rating had jumped again – this time to 52%. The latest leap in approval happened over the course of just 10 days, and is based on a variety of factors:
- Strong Economy Growth: The highlight of Trump’s presidency has been steady economic growth for the country. More Americans view this as a favorable development, though it has been downplayed by critics and the media.
- Low Unemployment: It is easier for those seeking work to find jobs under President Trump; the most recent unemployment figures released in early February show 303,000 jobs were created in January, continuing the trend. The healthy unemployment figures are likely contributing to the bump in approval rating as well.
- The Wall: Many Americans agree with President Trump and want a wall to prevent illegal immigration at the border. His resolve in this matter is resonating with key conservative demographics and contributing to the leap in approval rating.
- The Compromise: While President Trump’s approval rating dropped to 41% during the shutdown, once a compromise was attained, his figures rebounded swiftly, as the polls from Rasmussen clearly show.
Past presidents have also seen fluctuating ratings in polls. Experts say that an approval rating over 40% makes the current President a strong candidate for re-election to a second term. Approval ratings for other recent presidents are detailed below:
- Barack Obama: Low of 40%, High of 58%, average 49.1, ratings steadily rose throughout his terms.
- George W. Bush: Low of 25%, High of 90%, average 62.2%ratings fluctuation due to 9/11 and aftermath
- Bill Clinton: Low of 37%, High of 73%, average 49.6 ratings fluctuated throughout his presidency
Other modern presidents averaged between a low of 45.5% (Jimmy Carter) to a high of 74.2 (Lyndon Johnson), according to Gallup polls.
Ratings are based on a simple, yes or no model; participants are asked if they approve of the president’s performance. Answers show trends that align with current events; the highest peak ever belongs to George W. Bush; his 90% rating came in the weeks following 9/11, while Bill Clinton’s low of 37% came amid an investigation and impeachment scandal.
President Trump’s approval ratings have also fluctuated with news trends, dropping a bit during the government shutdown, then rebounding higher than ever after its conclusion and the release of yet another month of outstanding unemployment figures.
While his overall presidential rating remains to be seen, the recent approval jump and current rating are good signs for the 2020 election and for President Trump going forward.
~ Liberty Planet
