Analysis: Trump gave himself high marks. Polls, markets, courts, allies paint a different picture
A Trump-Established Narrative
President Trump gave his new administration high marks in a bullish speech to Congress on Tuesday, arguing he is making fast work of his promised agenda on immigration, the economy, international trade, and global conflicts, and that the U.S. is stronger for it. “We have accomplished more in 43 days than most administrations accomplish in four years or eight years — and we are just getting started,” Trump said during his speech, which resembled a State of the Union address. Trump’s largely rosy assessment was backed by many Republicans, who applauded often throughout the speech, and there is evidence to support some of his claimed successes. At the southern border, for instance, illegal crossings have dwindled, just as Trump promised — though not to their lowest level ever, as Trump claimed Tuesday.
Contrasting Evidence
However, other indicators of success for a new president — including public polling, economic markets, court rulings, and the remarks of foreign allies — paint a far more nuanced picture. In some cases, they support the opposing view of congressional Democrats and other critics that Trump’s policies have made the nation far weaker in a stunningly short period of time by disrupting core government services, rattling global financial markets, sparking trade battles, abandoning U.S. allies, and providing little of the economic relief most desired by struggling Americans.
A Divided Public
According to an NPR/PBS News/Marist poll conducted last week, 45% of Americans approved of the job Trump is doing, while 49% disapproved. That is a high approval rating for Trump, who had a 38% approval rating at the end of his first term, but historically low for a new president ahead of his first address to Congress, according to Gallup and other polling figures. An additional CNN poll, also conducted last week, put Trump’s approval rating at 48%.
Economic Concerns
Americans are also not overly optimistic about the path the country is on. According to the Marist poll, 53% of Americans said the state of the union is not very strong or not strong at all, 54% said the country is moving in the wrong direction, and 56% said Trump was rushing to make changes without properly considering the impacts.
International Reactions
Reactions from around the world were not as positive. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused the Trump administration of instigating a “dumb” trade war that would harm average Americans. “We don’t want this. We want to work with you as a friend and ally,” Trudeau told Americans. “And we don’t want to see you hurt either, but your government has chosen to do this to you.”
Courts and Markets
U.S. and global financial markets were clearly rattled by the tariffs and escalating tensions between the U.S. and its partners. Stocks have tumbled in recent days, wiping out much of the gains seen since Trump was elected on a business-friendly platform. The volatility was mirrored on the domestic front, where Trump and his administration have riled Democrats and some Republicans with sweeping cuts to the federal workforce and other policies targeting vulnerable communities and constitutional rights.
Conclusion
While Trump’s speech presented a rosy picture, the evidence suggests a more complex and challenging reality. The president’s policies have sparked widespread concerns, both domestically and internationally, and have had a significant impact on the economy and global markets. As the administration moves forward, it will be important to continue monitoring the situation and evaluating the effectiveness of its policies.
FAQs
* What is the current approval rating of President Trump?
+ According to an NPR/PBS News/Marist poll, 45% of Americans approve of the job Trump is doing, while 49% disapprove.
* How do Americans feel about the state of the union?
+ According to the Marist poll, 53% of Americans said the state of the union is not very strong or not strong at all, 54% said the country is moving in the wrong direction, and 56% said Trump was rushing to make changes without properly considering the impacts.
* How do international leaders feel about Trump’s policies?
+ Reactions from around the world have been negative, with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accusing the Trump administration of instigating a “dumb” trade war that would harm average Americans.
