Donald Trump has achieved his first net positive favorability rating, according to the latest RealClearPolitics polling average, marking a historic moment for the president-elect.
For the first time since launching his political career, Trump’s favorability stands at 49.4%, exceeding his unfavorable rating of 47.4%. This tidal shift is particularly notable as just over six months ago, Trump was wrestling with a net disapproval rating of -12.8.
Trump’s road to this positive rating has been anything but conventional. Back on July 6, 2015, his approval stood at a mere 22.7%, with unfavorability soaring at 62%. Following his 2016 election win, his ratings fluctuated but never surpassed the 45% mark. Remarkably, his historical lows paired with numerous scandals, impeachments, and legal battles, including pending trials, seem to have galvanized his support heading toward the inauguration of his second term.
From December 4, when Trump first hit the 49.1% mark, to December 11, his favorability continued to climb, peaking at 49.4%. “For his supporters, he has made all the right noises around the economy and immigration,” said Mark Shanahan, American politics expert. This rise may be attributed to the perception of anticipation rather than actual performance, as Trump prepares to take office again on January 20, 2025.
Notably, Trump snagged the title of Time Magazine’s 'Person of the Year', utilizing this milestone to engage with supporters humorously. Following the announcement, he shared memes juxtaposing his mug shot with his Time cover, captioned 'How it started' versus 'How it’s going'. Such interactions seem to resonate well with his base, providing him with continued momentum.
Newt Gingrich, former Speaker of the House, commented on Trump’s saga, stating there is “no practical way” to explain his political resurgence within normal political structures, likening him to mythic figures from history. He noted, “this is almost like the various Scandinavian Beowulfs.”
The shift doesn’t just embellish Trump’s image among supporters; it’s also reflected politically as Trump secured 312 Electoral College votes against Vice President Kamala Harris’ 226. His wins spread across battleground states—Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin—marking his first Republican popular vote win since 2004.
Political analysts see this scenario as part of broader trends against the backdrop of dwindling approval ratings for President Joe Biden, which currently sit at -13.7% according to RealClearPolitics. This decline has allowed Trump to reclaim space within the American political narrative.
Despite experiencing significant controversies, including legal challenges and assaults on his character, Trump’s unfavorable perception seems to be declining. His unfavorability was previously higher than his favorability, from which he is now recovering remarkably fast. His political foes have also faced significant setbacks, driving home Trump’s image as resilient.
Historically, Trump’s favorability ratings exhibited notable peaks, hitting 44% at the end of 2016 and again two years later. Yet, it’s the stark difference from the summer of 2022—when his favorability had plunged to 36.8%—that emphasizes the dramatic turnaround. The numbers show Trump increasing his appeal more now than at any point earlier, including following the January 6 Capitol incident which cratered his ratings.
On the public front, responses from regular Americans have begun to reflect positive sentiments toward Trump. A survey from The Economist/YouGov found Trump's current approval at 49.4% as well, repeating similar favorable leanings presented by Morning Consult, where half of voters surveyed endorsed Trump favorably.
This polling prowess raises questions about the shifting political climate, as GOP lawmakers express their expectations for party solidarity during Trump’s impending presidency. Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski noted Trump’s administration is anticipating support from lawmakers to unify the party's direction.
These developments indicate Trump's unique ability to cultivate support even under challenging circumstances, demonstrating the ways public perception can flip with the right narrative and events. It paints Trump not only as the comeback kid but also provides insight on how he plans to leverage his popularity as he re-enters the political arena seeking to fulfill his promise of championing conservative policies.
His approach appears well-aligned with right-leaning perspectives on immigration and economics, crafting promises aimed at revitalizing interest. Reports suggest his upcoming political agenda is already being received positively, contrasting markedly with Biden's policies.
Even as questions linger about what reality may be even after the anticipated 'storm' of his second term, the prospect of Trump holding the reins of power once again has ignited conversations among political analysts and voters alike.
The question now stands: With mounting evidence of rising sentiments toward him, can Trump maintain this favorability as pressures mount upon him once he officially takes office? The response, as depicted by the current momentum, may well lie within the unpredictable tides of American political sentiment.