President Donald Trump has asked for an election fraud investigation into several national news outlets after multiple polls showed his approval ratings dropping near the 100-day mark of his second term. The polls showed public support for Trump at some of its lowest levels.
How have Trump’s approval ratings shifted?
Multiple polls have reported declines in Trump’s approval rating. A CNN survey found his approval at 41%. The New York Times/Siena College poll showed a 42% approval rating. The Washington Post survey noted that more than 40% of Americans strongly disapprove of Trump’s performance. Analysts say the data reflects broad disapproval of Trump’s policies and leadership style.
What accusations has Trump made against polling firms?
Trump has alleged that pollsters and news organizations are manipulating results to damage his presidency. In a series of posts on Truth Social, Trump labeled outlets like The New York Times, ABC News and even Fox News as “fake news” and accused them of conducting “fake polls.” He claimed that pollsters should be investigated for “election fraud,” although there is no election currently underway.
Trump’s comments referenced Republican pollster John McLaughlin, a longtime supporter, who dismissed unfavorable polls as biased. Trump also repeated accusations that polling organizations suffer from “Trump Derangement Syndrome.”
Has Trump taken legal action against pollsters before?
Trump’s criticism of pollsters echoes previous actions. In December 2024, he sued Iowa pollster Ann Selzer and the Des Moines Register after a poll inaccurately predicted he would lose the state. A motion to dismiss Trump’s lawsuit argued that incorrect polling is not legal fraud. After the November 2024 election, Selzer announced she would be leaving public election polling.
Historically, Trump has shown a willingness to pursue legal and political action against those he claims have misrepresented his political standing.
How do polls reflect Trump’s broader political standing?
Despite lower national approval ratings, Trump’s core base appears to remain loyal. A Pew Research poll found that 70% of Republican voters and Republican-leaning independents still support his policies. Surveys following Trump’s recent address to Congress showed strong approval among viewers, though both the CBS and CNN polls sampled more Republicans than Democrats.
Experts say that polling outcomes can vary significantly depending on sampling methods, the partisan makeup of respondents and how survey questions are framed. Analysts caution that poll results during highly polarized periods, like Trump’s second term, should be interpreted carefully.
