“As for hurricane relief, a solid 64% of Americans approve of the President’s handling of the situation.”
President Trump is enjoying a solid uptick in support following his response to the recent hurricanes that have lashed the south. With another hurricane having battered Puerto Rico, an American territory, Trump has more work cut out for him. However, with 64% of Americans approving of Trump’s handling of the last storms, versus only 25% who disapprove, another well-managed response could help the Trump administration build momentum.
Only 40% of Americans support the job President Trump himself is doing.
Such numbers are low by historical standards, but represent an improvement from previous numbers. Trump’s approval rating has hit as low as 38%. He came into office with an approval rating of only 44%, which was also low by historical standers. Presidents enjoy a honeymoon period and high support when first assuming office. 45% of Americans support Trump’s handling of the economy, versus 47% who disapprove. The economy is the strongest it has been in years. It remains unclear whether this is a result of any actions of the Trump administration or larger economic trends.
Only 36% of Americans support President Trump’s foreign policy. However, the poll was conducted from September 7th to 8th, weeks before Trump took the United Nations General Assembly by storm. Trump bashed North Korea, Iran, Venezuela, and others, while promising to put America first. It remains unclear whether the harsh and blunt talk will help or hurt the President’s approval ratings.
In the eyes of the American people, North Korea is becoming an increasingly imminent threat. In April, only 37% of Americans believed that North Korea represented an immediate threat. As of September, 50% of Americans view North Korea as an immediate threat.
As for hurricane relief, a solid 64% of Americans approve of the President’s handling of the situation. About 9 out of 10 Republicans approve of Trump’s response, while approximately 66% of independents also approve. 44% of Democrats approve, while 44% disapprove.
The 2018 midterms are fast approaching. The President’s approval ratings could go a long way towards determining whether or not the Republican Party can retain control of Congress. With Democrats across the country pushing for a major shakeup, the 2018 Congressional midterms could be one of the most contested elections in history.
Democrats were able to contest and nearly take traditionally solid Republican districts during the special elections to replace members of Congress who left to join the administration. The Jon Ossoff campaign in Georgia was able to raise tens of millions of dollars. Ossoff fell short in the polls, but by shockingly narrow margins. Georgia’s 6th district is one of the most solidly Republican districts in a Republican-leaning state.
