President Donald Trump kicked off the week with a furious meltdown over a string of recent polls showing his approval rating at some of the lowest levels of his presidency, dismissing the surveys as “fake” while insisting his actual standing with voters is stronger than ever.
In a frantic Truth Social post, Trump claimed that his “REAL Polling Numbers” are “the best they have ever been,” arguing that media organizations are publishing inaccurate surveys.
“My REAL Polling Numbers, not those made up by the Fake News Media, are the best they have ever been,” Trump wrote before touting what he described as major accomplishments, including tax cuts, employment gains, border security, foreign investment, developments involving Iran, and U.S. foreign policy.
He also urged supporters not to believe what he called “Fake Poll numbers,” accusing news organizations and Democrats of dishonesty.
Trump did not identify which poll or polls prompted his remarks, though several recent national surveys have shown declining public support for his administration.
A new CNN poll placed Trump’s approval rating at 34 percent, matching one of the lowest marks of his presidency. An AP-NORC survey found his approval at 33 percent, while a Quinnipiac University poll put it at 32 percent, the lowest figure reported in that survey.
Recent polling also suggests voters remain concerned about the economy, particularly rising living costs, as well as the ongoing conflict with Iran.
A CBS News/YouGov poll released last week found that 24 percent of respondents believe Republicans are helping address the cost-of-living crisis, while 36 percent said Democrats are doing a better job. Fifty-five percent said Republican policies are making the situation worse, compared with 38 percent who said the same about Democrats.
On broader economic issues, respondents were evenly split, with 32 percent saying Democrats have the advantage and 32 percent favoring Republicans.
Meanwhile, a Reuters/Ipsos survey found that roughly one-third of Americans support Trump’s handling of the war with Iran, while 69 percent—including a significant share of Republicans—said they were unclear about the administration’s objectives in the conflict.
Financial markets reacted Monday to Trump’s comments that negotiations with Iran could be progressing. Brent crude oil prices fell 4.5 percent to $83.98 a barrel after rising sharply last month, while U.S. crude dropped 4.6 percent to $80.74. Stock futures and bond markets also moved higher.
Historically, several recent two-term presidents posted stronger approval ratings at comparable points in their presidencies. Gallup data show Bill Clinton at 64 percent, Ronald Reagan at 61 percent, and Dwight D. Eisenhower at 58 percent. Barack Obama stood at 43 percent, George W. Bush at 37 percent, and Harry Truman at 39 percent during similar periods.
Trump has repeatedly dismissed unfavorable polling throughout his political career. Earlier this summer, after another round of weak surveys, he wrote on Truth Social: “MY REAL POLL NUMBERS ARE THE HIGHEST THEY HAVE EVER BEEN. THANK YOU!!!”
Republican strategist Douglas Heye told The New York Times that Trump’s response is consistent with his long-standing political approach.
“He’s always going to project strength regardless what the numbers are, and he’ll say they’re fake anyway,” Heye said.
When asked which specific polls Trump believes are inaccurate and what data support his claim of higher approval ratings, the White House referred reporters back to the president’s Truth Social post.
