A recent Forbes report highlighted President-elect Donald Trump's rising popularity, reaching a seven-year high, with most Americans endorsing his transition efforts. A CNN/SSRS poll further solidified this trend, revealing that a majority believe Trump will perform well in his second term and approve of his current transition management.
This positive public sentiment contrasts sharply with the atmosphere eight years ago during Trump's first transition. A 2016 Pew Research Center survey indicated significantly lower approval for his cabinet choices and policy explanations.
The obvious question arises: What accounts for this shift in public opinion?
While some might attribute it to the unpopularity of the outgoing Biden administration, there's more to the story. Eight years ago, Trump's victory stunned many, particularly within mainstream media and political circles. This shockwave rippled through the nation, influencing public perception.
The media's immediate negative reaction to Trump's 2016 win contributed to a sense of unease. Their constant criticism and predictions of disaster fueled public anxiety. However, after years of investigations and legal battles, much of the public has grown skeptical of the media's narrative.
Trump's current approval also surpasses his previous high of 49% achieved in early 2020. This is remarkable considering the tumultuous events of the past five years. While the contrast with President Biden's performance undoubtedly plays a role, it doesn't fully explain the surge in Trump's popularity.
The key factor is Trump himself. Americans are drawn to his optimism and ambitious goals. They prefer his unapologetically patriotic stance to what they perceive as a managed decline under the previous administration. The public's weariness of negativity and the desire for a hopeful future are driving Trump's approval upward.
Furthermore, the erosion of trust in mainstream media has worked in Trump's favor. Their continued criticism now holds less sway, and their disapproval may even be bolstering his support. The public is increasingly tuning out the negative voices and focusing on Trump's message of optimism.
Trump's popularity stems from a combination of factors: public appreciation for his optimism and patriotism, disillusionment with the previous administration, and declining trust in a critical media. The question now is how high his approval can climb as he addresses key issues like border security, defense, deregulation, and tax cuts. If his policies resonate with the public, his popularity may continue to rise.
