New Poll Shakes Washington: Trump's Disapproval Rating Hits Record High of 56%

A significant new survey has unveiled a stark reality for President Donald Trump: his disapproval rating has soared to an unprecedented 56 percent, the highest level recorded since he took office. Conducted by ABC News and The Washington Post, this poll also pinpoints his approval rating at a new nadir of 36 percent, marking a critical juncture just six months into his presidency.

This latest figure surpasses Trump’s previous low of 37 percent approval observed in mid-April.

To put this into perspective, the Gallup daily tracking poll has shown Trump’s average approval rating hovering around 39 percent, suggesting a consistent struggle to gain widespread public support.

Historically, newly inaugurated presidents often enjoy a "honeymoon" period with the American public, characterized by elevated approval ratings.

However, Trump’s tenure has diverged sharply from this pattern. His current approval rating stands lower than any other president at this point in their first term since Dwight D. Eisenhower. For comparison, Bill Clinton, following the contentious start of his first term in 1993, maintained a 43 percent approval rating, while Gerald Ford, who assumed office under extraordinary circumstances in 1974, registered 48 percent approval.

The poll delves into the specific issues contributing to this downward trend.

A significant portion of the public expresses disapproval of Trump's handling of healthcare, particularly his administration's efforts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). Fifty percent of respondents disapprove of his approach to healthcare, while only 27 percent approve, indicating deep public skepticism regarding his policy direction.

The shadow of the Russia investigation also looms large.

A striking 60 percent of Americans believe Trump’s campaign either intentionally or unintentionally assisted Russia in interfering with the 2016 presidential election. Furthermore, 61 percent harbor doubts about the President's honesty and openness regarding contacts between his campaign and Russian officials, underscoring persistent concerns about transparency and potential collusion.

While Trump receives relatively better marks on the economy, with 41 percent approving and 38 percent disapproving of his performance, this positive sentiment isn't enough to offset the broader dissatisfaction.

His handling of North Korea also presents a mixed picture, with 42 percent approving and 46 percent disapproving, reflecting the complexities and anxieties surrounding international relations.

The survey also highlights significant demographic divides in Trump’s support. His base remains firmly entrenched among Republicans, with 82 percent expressing approval.

Yet, even within his own party, a notable 17 percent disapprove. Among independents, disapproval is a strong 65 percent, and among Democrats, it reaches a near-unanimous 93 percent. Strongest support comes from white evangelical Protestants (70 percent approval) and white working-class voters (54 percent approval), though these groups alone cannot counteract broader national sentiment.

In summary, the ABC News/Washington Post poll paints a challenging picture for the Trump administration.

With record-high disapproval and record-low approval, the findings suggest a president struggling to resonate with a majority of Americans, signaling potential headwinds for his policy agenda and political future.