House Speaker’s Claim vs. Poll Reality
House Speaker Mike Johnson recently appeared on CNBC and boldly claimed that Donald Trump enjoys a 90% approval rating. He praised the president, saying, “His approval ratings are skyrocketing,” and referenced a CNN story suggesting Trump reached an unprecedented 90% approval — a claim that caught many by surprise.
Polls Tell a Different Story
However, several polls paint a very different picture. CNN’s own poll, published July 17, found only 42% of Americans approve of Trump’s job performance, and just 37% believe he prioritizes the right issues. Similarly, a Reuters/IPSOS survey reported a 41% approval rate, while The Economist found 55% of respondents disapprove of Trump.
The most favorable recent poll, from Rasmussen Reports on July 18, showed 50% approval, still far from the 90% figure Johnson touted.
Where Did the 90% Come From?
So, how did Johnson arrive at the 90% number? According to MSNBC, Johnson likely focused solely on Republican approval ratings, which the CNN poll pegged at 88%. He appears to have rounded this up and presented it as an overall national approval rate.
Historical Context
Despite the Trump administration’s claims, Trump is far from America’s most popular president. According to AZ Central, Bill Clinton holds the highest approval peak at 66%. Ronald Reagan follows with 63%, and Barack Obama peaked at 59%. At the bottom, Richard Nixon recorded a low 24% approval.
Trump’s approval after his first 100 days in office was also historically low, worse than any president in the past 60 years. Current polls show his approval rating hovering around the same 42% mark he held early in his first term.
While House Speaker Johnson touts Trump’s soaring popularity, multiple independent polls suggest otherwise. The president’s approval remains below 50%, reflecting a divided nation and a legacy still very much in flux.
