WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s approval rating has plummeted to a historic low of 39%, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll released Sunday. The data, arriving just days after a marathon State of the Union address, reveals that 60% of Americans now disapprove of the President’s leadership, a figure not seen since the aftermath of the January 6 Capitol riots.
The ‘Silent Support’ Defense
Facing a barrage of negative data, the President has dismissed the findings, pivoting to a familiar narrative of uncounted followers. During a recent speaking event, Trump appeared unfazed by the polling, characterizing the lack of public enthusiasm as a tactical advantage.
“It just amazes me that there’s not more support out there,” Trump told supporters. “We actually have a silent support… that’s probably how I won [the election].”
The President’s “silent majority” claim comes as even traditionally friendly outlets, including Fox News, have highlighted the deteriorating numbers. While Trump maintains his core base, the poll indicates a significant erosion among independents and a growing “strong disapproval” camp, which now sits at 47%.
A Marathon Address Amid Domestic Turmoil
The polling slump provided a grim backdrop for Tuesday’s State of the Union address. Lasting 1 hour and 47 minutes, the speech was the longest in American history, surpassing Bill Clinton’s 2000 record. Trump utilized the platform to tout a “Golden Age” for America, though the rhetoric frequently veered into attacks on political rivals and controversial health claims.
The President notably claimed a link between paracetamol (acetaminophen) and autism in children, a statement that drew immediate condemnation from the medical community. A “gold-standard” review published in The Lancet last month debunked such claims, asserting no causal link between the common painkiller and neurodevelopmental disorders.
Key Drivers of the Approval Crater
The administration is grappling with several volatile issues that appear to be dragging down public confidence:
The Epstein Files: Despite campaign promises to release the full Jeffrey Epstein investigative files, the Department of Justice, led by Attorney General Pam Bondi, has faced intense scrutiny for withholding documents. Specifically, recent reports from the House Oversight Committee suggest the DOJ suppressed pages alleging sexual abuse by high-profile figures.
Political Violence: The September 2025 assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Utah has left a lingering sense of instability. While the suspect is in custody, the event intensified a national debate over political polarization.
Economic Friction: Following a Supreme Court ruling that struck down several of the administration’s tariffs, Trump’s plan to pivot toward a 15% global tariff has sowed doubt. The poll shows 64% of Americans now disapprove of his handling of trade and tariffs.
Historical Context and the Road to Midterms
To find a comparable lack of public support, historians point to Harry Truman, whose approval sank to 22% in 1952. While Trump remains above that floor, the downward trend is alarming for Republican lawmakers. In September, the percentage of Trump voters who believe the country is on the “wrong track” rose from 17% to 22%, signaling cracks in the MAGA coalition.
With the 2026 midterms approaching, the President’s ability to convert “silent support” into tangible votes will be the ultimate test of his administration’s resilience.
