A recent poll from Rasmussen Reports, a firm frequently touted by Donald Trump, has delivered a harsh reality check for the former president. The survey reveals that 48 percent of Americans believe Joe Biden performed better during his time in office than Trump, who garnered only 40 percent support. This stark contrast in public opinion signals troubling waters for Trump as he gears up for the midterm elections.
Rasmussen’s Revelations
The findings from Rasmussen, a polling group that Trump often champions on his social media platform, Truth Social, have stirred controversy. Mark Mitchell, the head pollster, took to X (formerly Twitter) to state, “If an election were held TODAY between Trump and Biden, Biden would win.” He acknowledged that while many arguments could be made against the validity of this statement, the numbers speak for themselves.
Political strategist Chris D. Jackson highlighted the significance of Rasmussen’s results, noting that they align with two other recent surveys from YouGov and Harvard CAPS/Harris. Jackson remarked, “Three polls in one week all say the same thing. A majority of Americans believe Joe Biden was a better president than Donald Trump. When even Rasmussen shows it, you know how bad things have gotten for Trump.”
Declining Confidence in the American Dream
More concerning for Trump than the Biden comparison is the revelation that 58 percent of respondents do not see the “golden age of America” he has repeatedly promised. Only 27 percent believe they are living in a period of exceptional wealth and prosperity, with the remaining 15 percent unsure. This marks a significant shift from January when 52 percent of respondents expressed optimism about the nation’s economic future.
Trump has consistently maintained a bullish outlook on the economy, asserting in recent interviews that he is “very proud” of its performance. He claims that billions in tariff revenues are boosting the national coffers and that numerous manufacturing plants are primed for reopening. Yet, this optimism sharply contrasts with public sentiment, as a staggering 64 percent of those surveyed in a recent SSRS/CNN poll indicated a desire for more action to alleviate the rising cost of living.
Immigration Policy Under Fire
The former president’s hardline immigration stance, once seen as a cornerstone of his political identity, is also facing backlash. A new NBC poll reveals that 72 percent of Americans believe Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) should either be reformed or abolished, especially in light of recent tragic incidents in Minneapolis. Additionally, two-thirds of respondents disapproved of ICE’s operations, suggesting a significant shift in public opinion that could jeopardise Trump’s support in upcoming elections.
Why it Matters
The results of these polls indicate a seismic shift in the American political landscape, with Trump’s once-solid base now showing signs of fracture. As the midterms approach, discontent with the economy and immigration policies could prove detrimental to his campaign. With nearly half of the electorate favouring Biden’s presidency over Trump’s, the former president faces an uphill battle to regain trust and support among voters. As the political climate grows more volatile, the implications for both Trump and the Republican Party could be profound, potentially reshaping the contours of American politics in the years to come.
