In a striking segment on El-Balad, CNN’s chief data analyst Harry Enten illuminated a troubling trend for President Donald Trump’s approval ratings, revealing that not a single poll since March 2025 has shown a positive net rating. This drastic decline, highlighted in Enten’s Aggregate, portrays a once-ascendant political figure now grappling with a net average approval that has plummeted from +6 in January 2025 to a staggering -20 today.
Understanding the Decline: Data-Driven Insights
Enten’s analysis lays bare the ramifications of Trump’s policies, particularly his administration’s ongoing conflict with Iran and its impact on domestic financial stability. Specifically, Trump’s approval ratings have entered a downward spiral over the last 413 days, marked by negative sentiment across various issues. According to Enten, this consistent negative feedback is symptomatic of more than just temporary discontent—it reflects a profound disconnect between Trump’s policy decisions and public sentiment.
| Metric | January 2025 | August 2025 | Today (May 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Net Approval Rating | +6 | -9 | -20 |
| Iran War Impact (Underwater Rating) | N/A | N/A | -67 |
| Tariffs Impact (Underwater Rating) | N/A | N/A | -49 |
| Tax Law Impact (Underwater Rating) | N/A | N/A | -16 |
The Broader Context: Economic Ripples and Political fallout
As Enten pointed out, Trump’s tanking approval ratings are tightly linked to the ongoing war in Iran, which has caused a significant spike in gas prices and exacerbated economic challenges for everyday Americans. The latest CNN/SSRS poll indicates a mere 8% of respondents view the Iran war favorably; conversely, 75% see it negatively affecting their lives. This sentiment echoes far beyond U.S. borders—countries like the UK, Canada, and Australia are feeling the effects through fluctuating oil prices and tightened budgets, as global markets respond to disruptions caused by geopolitical tensions.
The fallout of such approval ratings also raises concerns for stakeholders across the political spectrum, from Republicans who support Trump’s policies to Democrats looking to leverage this discontent. Enten’s clear forecasting serves as a tactical warning for the GOP: the electorate is becoming increasingly dissatisfied, and Trump’s traditional base may not hold strong in the face of poor economic indicators.
Localized Ripple Effects Across Markets
The ramifications of Trump’s approval crisis will resonate across various regions:
- United States: Economic discontent could lead to a backlash against the Republican Party in upcoming elections, jeopardizing key races.
- United Kingdom: Rising fuel prices contribute to a cost-of-living crisis, prompting debates over energy policy.
- Canada: Similar economic frustrations may inspire criticism of government trade agreements influenced by U.S. foreign policy.
- Australia: Increased oil prices will likely affect transportation costs, complicating the economic landscape for consumers.
Projected Outcomes: What Lies Ahead
Looking ahead, several developments may unfold in response to these shifting dynamics:
- Policy Reassessment: Expect Trump to pivot on certain international and economic policies, as mounting pressure could compel him to appease disillusioned constituents.
- Rising Opposition: Increased activity from both within and outside the GOP may arise—challengers could seize the moment to galvanize support in anticipation of the next election cycle.
- Public Messaging Shift: Trump may ramp up media engagement strategies, redirecting narratives to regain favor, particularly concerning economic recovery efforts.
As political tides shift, the next few weeks will be critical for observing how Trump’s administration engages with this dire reality. In the face of continuous polling downturns, the ability to adapt will determine not only Trump’s standing but also the broader trajectory of American political discourse.
