President Donald Trump told The Washington Examiner’s Byron York that his approval rating is “around 60%,” rejecting recent polling that places him among the lowest‑rated presidents heading into the midterm elections. Trump described the poll numbers as “fake” and challenged the methodology of outlets such as The New York Times and Wedgewood Polls.
Trump’s response to the numbers
When York cited the RealClearPolitics average of 38.8% approval with 60.4% disapproval, Trump asked, “The job approval, they said it’s 37, 38? I’m not at 38.” He suggested his true rating is “somewhere in the 60% range” and added, “I don’t believe I could be beaten by anybody. I think that if I needed it, which I don’t, I think 60.” The president also referenced a CNN segment featuring chief data analyst Harry Enten, noting that among MAGA voters his rating is “close to 100%” and that he is “way up” within the Republican Party.
Polling snapshot
The RealClearPolitics composite, which aggregates dozens of surveys, shows President Trump at 38.8% approval and 60.4% disapproval. A separate Reuters/Ipsos poll released this week placed his approval at 31%, the lowest figure recorded for him across both of his presidential terms. The New York Times, in partnership with Siena College, reported a 34% approval rating, noting it is the worst for a president this close to the midterms, with only Harry Truman’s 33% in 1946 as a comparable historical low.
Trump’s criticism of poll sources
Trump singled out The New York Times for using Wedgewood Polls, a firm that recently admitted to fabricating data as a social experiment. The newspaper clarified it had not used the questionable polls in its calculations. Trump also praised CNN’s “nice polls” on his performance, despite his earlier attempts to limit the network’s access to the White House.
Context and implications
While the president’s confidence in a 60% approval rating reflects his belief in strong support among the Republican base, the national polling averages indicate a significant gap between his perception and the broader electorate. The discrepancy underscores the polarized political environment as the midterm elections approach.
President Trump’s administration continues to emphasize its policy achievements and voter enthusiasm, arguing that the polling numbers do not capture the full picture of his leadership and the nation’s direction.
Original reporting: 93.1 WIBC (Indianapolis) — read the source article.
