Staff Reports
Donald Trump’s latest venture into the White House is anything but silent as the critics seem to have pulled out their megaphones and set up camp. Yet, despite the din of disapproval from naysayers, Trump’s approval ratings are supposedly soaring higher than a kite on a breezy day. Based on recent polling data from CBS, Trump’s approval is standing at a robust 53 percent. This figure escapes the swamp of the critics, signifying a newfound appreciation from the voters that was remarkably absent during his first term.
In stark contrast to his tumultuous term from 2017 to 2021, the president’s current approval ratings suggest a win for the political playbook he seems to be unraveling. With younger voters, in particular, showing an impressive +10 margin at 55 percent approval, it seems that the “kids these days” are finding something redeeming in Trump’s antics—whether it’s his theatrics or his policies remains up for debate. Even among independents and Hispanics, there’s a glimmer of support that is surprising, especially when one considers the chaos that typically accompanies any mention of Trump.
Conversely, tariffs seem to be a sticky wicket. While support for Trump’s administration swells, his tariff plans are meeting resistance. It appears that many Americans prefer to keep their wallets intact rather than suffer from price hikes, a sentiment that rings especially loud against the backdrop of inflation. The lukewarm reception for tariffs, particularly on allies, seems to contradict his hearty endorsement of using punitive measures against China. The consensus is clear: price stability trumps economic policy experiments—at least for now.
Tragically for the critics, Trump’s immigration policies are garnering enthusiastic support, with a strong backing for mass deportations and deploying troops to secure the border. The backlash that surrounded his immigration agenda during his first term appears remarkably faded. With 59 percent supporting deportations and 64 percent favoring military presence at the border, it seems the American public has recalibrated its stance post-Biden. Clearly, a short-lived year under Democratic rule is making yesterday’s controversial policies today’s endearing proposals.
CBS Poll: Trump Is Popular, But One of His Top Priorities Is Even More So
https://t.co/WIsOmzHqe2— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) February 10, 2025
The approval calm for Trump doesn’t quite extend to all his proposals. The public shows skepticism about some of his more aggressive plans, like taking control of Gaza, reflecting a reality check on the complexities of foreign affairs. The endorsement of lofty projects such as those put forth by tech moguls like Elon Musk also depicts an ambivalent public; a split down the middle where nearly half of Americans feel the influence of Musk and cryptocurrency in federal spending should be minimized.
Nevertheless, a significant portion of the electorate remains optimistic about Trump’s regime, echoing sentiments of his assertiveness. The cultural tides appear to have shifted, largely moving away from the hysterical outrage that characterized his first term. Instead of avoiding the former president like a rabid animal, high-profile figures are now openly engaging with Trump, giving rise to headlines that both amuse and perplex the political landscape. All this comes down to one glaring reality: Trump, despite the noise, may well be playing the long game, and it might just be working.
