⚖️ New Polling Data Sparks Media Spin—Here’s What Voters Really Need to Know
In a recent release from Rasmussen Reports, a polling agency trusted by many conservative Americans, President Donald J. Trump’s approval rating dipped slightly—prompting a media firestorm. But the reality behind the numbers tells a much deeper story about where voters truly stand.
As of Friday’s Presidential Tracking Poll, 49% of likely U.S. voters approve of President Trump’s job performance, while 50% disapprove. These figures include 33% who strongly approve, compared to 40% who strongly disapprove. That puts Trump’s net approval at -7, marking the first time during his second term that Rasmussen has reported a negative rating.
📊 Understanding the Numbers: Is Trump Really Losing Support?
This minor dip is being amplified by left-wing media outlets like Newsweek, which quickly published an analysis highlighting the shift. But let’s put it into context.
According to a Newsweek average of 10 recent national polls:
- Trump’s approval sits at 47%
- Disapproval stands at 49%
Compare that to early March, when he stood at 49% approval and 47% disapproval. That’s just a 2-point shift—hardly the seismic collapse some media would have you believe.
📈 Snapshot: How Different Polls Stack Up
Here’s a breakdown of recent Trump approval ratings from various pollsters:
- ✅ RMG Research (March): 52% approve, 45% disapprove
- ⚖️ TIPP Insights (March): 44% approve, 45% disapprove
- 📅 TIPP Insights (January): 46% approve, 41% disapprove
- ⚖️ Marquette University (March): 46% approve, 54% disapprove
- 📅 Marquette (January): 48% approve, 52% disapprove
- 📉 Reuters/Ipsos (March 31–April 2): 43% approve—down slightly from 47% earlier this year
💰 Are Tariffs and Inflation Behind the Shift?
According to Newsweek, some voters are expressing concerns about the impact of President Trump’s new tariff policy—particularly on consumer prices and inflation.
The Marquette University Law School poll found that 58% of respondents believe tariffs may hurt the economy, and a significant portion expressed worry that inflation could grow under new economic policies.
Still, the broader economic picture remains complex—and many economists argue that tariffs can strengthen domestic industries in the long run, especially manufacturing and energy.
🇺🇸 Conservative Voters Over 50 Still Back Trump in Strong Numbers
Despite media noise and slight poll shifts, President Trump’s base—especially voters aged 50 and older—remains firmly behind him. That demographic continues to express confidence in his leadership on border security, national defense, Second Amendment rights, and economic revival.
🗣️ One Wisconsin voter told a local news outlet:
“I don’t care what the polls say. I trust Trump to keep us strong at home and feared abroad.”
📅 Flashback: Comparing Trump to Biden at This Same Point in Time
It’s worth comparing these numbers to Joe Biden’s approval rating on April 5, 2021—when he was still in his political honeymoon:
- Biden approval: 54%
- Biden disapproval: 42%
Fast forward to today, and Biden’s numbers have plummeted due to inflation, global instability, and a chaotic southern border. Meanwhile, Trump remains a formidable figure with consistent backing from conservative voters.
💬 What This Means for 2026 and 2028
With the 2026 midterms and a potential 2028 Trump re-election campaign looming, these approval ratings matter—but not in the way some headlines suggest.
Trump’s support among core Republican voters remains resilient, and his ability to drive the national conversation, dominate the news cycle, and rally tens of thousands at events proves he’s still the most influential political figure in America.