For the first time in years, more Americans now view President Trump favorably than unfavorably, a notable shift that could spell good news for him heading into the 2024 election. Gallup’s latest poll shows that 50% of Americans have a favorable opinion of Trump, compared to 48% who don’t. This is a massive turnaround from where he stood back in 2016 when only 36% viewed him positively. Despite the constant media attacks, it seems that Trump’s appeal is growing, especially when compared to his main rival, Kamala Harris, who is having a much harder time winning over the public.
The Gallup numbers are striking when you consider the historical context. Most winning presidential candidates enjoyed favorability ratings close to or above 60%. Yet, in today’s deeply polarized climate, both Trump and Harris are weighed down by high negative ratings. However, Trump’s current 50/48 split is his best showing across his three presidential campaigns, which is saying something given the media’s relentless attempts to paint him as toxic. Even more encouraging for Trump is that 31% of respondents view him very favorably—a solid core of support that is passionate and energized.
Meanwhile, Harris is struggling. Only 30% of Americans have a very favorable opinion of her, while a staggering 34% have a highly negative view. Even among those who are less extreme, Harris’s numbers are still underwater, with 18% leaning positive versus 16% leaning negative. In other words, she’s fighting an uphill battle just to keep pace with Trump’s improving image.
What’s more, Trump’s ceiling of unfavorable ratings appears to be baked into his public persona. Voters who dislike Trump have long made their views known, but his favorability among undecideds is on the rise. By moving toward the center on key economic policies—promising tax breaks for car buyers and eliminating federal taxes on tipped wages—Trump is appealing to voters across the political spectrum.
Meanwhile, Harris faces a fractured Democratic base. She’s losing support among younger, pro-Palestinian voters who are increasingly disillusioned with her stance on foreign policy and may sit out the election altogether. All things considered, this new polling indicates a Trump advantage as election day looms, leaving Harris and the Democrats scrambling to regain ground.
Leave a Comment