Trump's Trade War Is Crashing His Approval Rating And Saving Democracy

After another weekend of Trump sabotaging the country with tariff talk, the stock market is crashing and so is Trump's approval rating, which is great news for democracy.

The Daily is political journalism committed to democracy, freedom, and the issues that matter to you. Please consider joining our community by becoming a subscriber.

Trump’s Political Death Spiral

We are currently witnessing something in American presidential politics that has never happened before.

It’s like America had a bad day at work, went out for a few too many drinks, woke up the next morning in a strange house, in a strange bed, with the ex that they can’t stand cuddled next to them.

The American people who voted for Trump are metaphorically sobering up, and seem to be realizing that they have made a terrible mistake.

The latest AP poll released on Monday finds Donald Trump with an overall net (-14) approval rating. 42% of the country approves of Trump, and 56% disapprove. This reality stands in contrast to Trump’s claims to NBC News that he has the highest approval rating of any Republican president in 100 years.

Believe it or not, the numbers are even worse than the topline.

Trump is disapproved by Independents by a margin of 62%-33%. Trump’s big issue is immigration, but on the issue, Trump’s approval rating is a net (-1). On government spending, Trump is a net (-5). On the Israel/Palestinian conflict, Trump is a (-10). On the issue of managing the federal government, Trump is at -12. Social Security is an issue where Trump has an approval rating of 41%, and is a net (-15). Trump is also a net (-15) on the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

However, Donald Trump’s worst issues are the economy and trade. On the economy, Trump’s disapproval is 58% with an approval of 40%, which puts him at a net of -18. Trump’s worst number comes on trade. Trump has an approval rating of 38% on trade and a 60% disapproval rating, which leaves him at a net of -22.

The American people aren’t buying what Trump is selling on trade, and as we will discuss below, the consequences are massive.