Trump’s Approval Slips as Shutdown Drags On

Approval Ratings Slip as Shutdown Drags On

President Donald Trump’s approval rating has declined as the federal government shutdown enters its third week and controversy grows over the domestic deployment of National Guard troops in Chicago. The combination of these two developments has weighed heavily on public perception of his administration. Jack Gruber / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Polls Show Growing Public Disapproval

An Economist/YouGov poll conducted from October 4–6 found Trump’s approval rating at 39%, with a 3.5% margin of error, based on responses from 1,648 U.S. adults. According to the survey, 41% of Americans blame Trump and Republicans for the shutdown, while 30% fault Congressional Democrats, and 23% believe both parties share equal blame.

A separate Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted from October 3–7 placed Trump’s approval rating at 40%, with a 3-point margin of error. The poll also revealed that 58% of Americans think the president should only deploy armed troops in response to external threats, suggesting disapproval of the Chicago troop deployment. Cody Scanlan/The Register / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Broader Polling Averages Confirm Downward Trend

As of October 10, Trump’s average approval rating stood at 45.3%, according to RealClearPolitics, and 43%, according to The New York Times. A Gallup poll taken between September 2 and 16 showed 40% approval—consistent with the prior month’s figures—but still among the lowest ratings for any modern U.S. president at the same stage of their term.

Gallup’s historical data further indicates that Trump’s ratings during both his first and current terms remain below the levels achieved by most of his predecessors. Jack Gruber-USA TODAY via Imagn Images

Public Sentiment on Shutdown Responsibility

Polling data contradicts President Donald Trump’s claim that Democrats are to blame for the government shutdown over demands for expanded health care coverage. Surveys indicate that most Americans hold the Republican-led administration more accountable for the ongoing stalemate. Political analysts warn that this perception could influence voter sentiment and reshape the political landscape ahead of future elections. Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Domestic Troop Deployment Adds to Political Strain

The deployment of National Guard troops in Chicago and the criticism surrounding it represent another major development during the ongoing shutdown. Polls reflect a noticeable unease among Americans, highlighting shifting public sentiment toward the administration’s handling of recent events. Sawyer Bengtson / Unsplash