Former President Donald Trump's political standing has taken a significant hit, with his approval rating collapsing to a record low of just 34% according to a damning new poll. The Politico/Morning Consult survey reveals the lowest numbers of his political career, painting a bleak picture of his post-presidency influence.
Vaccine Mandate Backlash Fuels Decline
The survey, conducted between August 27-30, indicates that a staggering 63% of Americans now disapprove of Trump's performance. Political analysts attribute this dramatic slide to growing frustration with his handling of the pandemic, particularly his recent comments opposing vaccine mandates.
Trump's vaccination stance appears to have backfired spectacularly, with only 40% of respondents approving of his pandemic response overall. This represents a notable decline from previous months and suggests his base may be fracturing over this critical issue.
Republican Support Shows Cracks
Perhaps most alarming for Trump is the erosion of support within his own party. The poll shows his approval among Republicans has dipped to 78%, down from the mid-80s he typically enjoyed during his presidency. While still strong, this decline suggests his iron grip on the GOP base may be weakening.
Meanwhile, Democratic disapproval remains nearly universal at 94%, indicating the former president has failed to make any inroads with opposition voters since leaving office.
Broader Political Implications
This polling data arrives at a critical juncture for the Republican Party, which remains deeply divided over pandemic response measures. Trump's declining numbers may empower other GOP figures to challenge his leadership and steer the party in new directions.
The timing is particularly significant as the country continues to battle the Delta variant and debates over vaccine mandates dominate political discourse at both state and federal levels.
Political commentators suggest these numbers could influence the upcoming midterm elections, with candidates potentially distancing themselves from Trump's controversial positions on public health measures.
