Former President Donald Trump’s favorability and approval ratings have been approaching their highest mark on record, according to data from RealClearPolitics and FiveThirtyEight. The high watermarks suggest that Trump is entering the November election with increasing momentum.
Trump’s favorability rating in the RealClearPolitics average is less than one point below his highest approval rating, which was marked in April 2024. His approval rating in the FiveThirtyEight average is also less than one point behind his greatest approval rating, notched in February 2024.
The surge in Trump’s popularity comes despite several ongoing legal battles and a conviction in a New York State court, as well as a failed assassination attempt against him, earning him the nickname “Teflon Don.” Americans have been reflecting positively upon his presidency, with polling showing that the longer Trump is out of office, the more positive their views on his time in the White House become.
The economy appears to be the main driver behind this positive reflection, particularly as prices continue to soar under the current Biden-Harris administration. Many Americans feel that they had more disposable income when Trump was in office, and that it now feels like they are making more money but not seeing it, due to increasing levels of debt.
According to a recent report from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on household debt, American families owe a record $1.14 trillion on their credit cards, with credit card balances increasing by $27 billion in the second quarter of 2024, a 5.8% increase from last year.
Despite these economic challenges, Trump’s favorability and approval ratings remain strong, suggesting that his supporters still view him as an effective leader and are eager for his potential return to politics in the future.