Trump’s Primetime Address to Congress: Approval Ratings and Action-Packed First Weeks
Published on: October 2023
President Trump to “TELL IT LIKE IT IS”
In an eagerly anticipated speech scheduled for Tuesday evening, President Donald Trump promises to deliver a straightforward account of his administration’s early accomplishments. This marks his first major speech to Congress in his second term.
“TOMORROW NIGHT WILL BE BIG,” Trump declared in a social media post, signaling the significance of the address, which is themed “The Renewal of the American Dream.” The president intends to highlight the extensive activities during his first six weeks back in the White House.
A Record of Accomplishments or Controversies?
Since his inauguration on January 20, Trump has claimed to have achieved the “Best Opening Month of any President in history,” as he flaunted his myriad accomplishments—some controversial—over the past several weeks. However, as his administration progresses, public sentiment remains divided.
TUNE IN: LIVE COVERAGE OF TRUMP’S ADDRESS TO CONGRESS TONIGHT ON FOX NEWS
Polling Data: A Nation Divided
Recent polling indicates that Americans are split on Trump’s overall performance, with a Marist College poll revealing a 45% approval and 49% disapproval rating, while a CNN survey shows a slightly better 48% approval to 52% disapproval. In contrast, other polls, including one from CBS News, report more favorable ratings for the president.
The Partisan Divide
The partisan divide in the approval ratings is stark; the majority of Democrats express dissatisfaction with Trump’s performance, whereas Republicans overwhelmingly endorse his actions. This division underscores the polarizing nature of Trump’s presidency.
Interestingly, Trump’s current approval ratings signify an improvement compared to his first term in 2017, where he began with a negative approval rating and remained underwater throughout his presidency. According to political analysts, this could be attributed to stronger Republican support this time around.
Rapid Actions and Executive Orders
During the first six weeks of his second term, Trump has continued to move at an incredibly fast pace, signing a remarkable 82 executive orders. This unprecedented activity is intended to reaffirm his campaign promises and rapidly implement his agenda. This includes significant measures such as a crackdown on immigration and imposing high tariffs on major trading partners like Canada and Mexico.
Public Perception: A Mixed Bag
Despite the progressive momentum in his administration, Trump’s approval ratings are notably lower than those of recent predecessors after similar timeframes in office. Political experts suggest this discrepancy reflects a shifting political landscape where traditional honeymoon periods are absent.
According to political science professor Daron Shaw, who is part of the Fox News Decision Team, the political climate has solidified around Trump, resulting in more robust backing from his party compared to his first term. However, the ratings also reveal that neither Trump nor former President Joe Biden enjoyed the typical leeway granted to new presidents.
Comparative Approval Ratings
While Trump’s approval ratings fluctuate around the average of recent national polls, experts point out that compared to Biden, Trump’s standing on issues such as the economy and crime is notably better. Shaw notes, “Trump’s rating on the economy is about minus four, which is 25 points better than Biden,” emphasizing that economic concerns remain central to his political success.
Moreover, as Trump navigates his presidency, the issue of inflation—critical to the American public—could pose challenges in the future. Veteran political scientist Wayne Lesperance commented, “If prices remain high, he’s going to have trouble,” indicating that economic conditions will continue to significantly impact Trump’s political fortunes.
Conclusion
As President Trump prepares to address Congress, the intersection of public opinion, party loyalty, and policy actions creates a complex narrative of his administration’s early days. While his decisive actions and rapid pace may energize his base, lingering economic issues could hinder broader approval. The upcoming address to Congress serves not only as a platform for the president to outline his vision but also as a moment of reckoning for how the nation perceives its leader in these critical early stages of his second term.
