Trump's Approval Dips: Epstein Case Sparks Discontent
Approval Ratings Hit New Lows
President Trump is experiencing significant challenges in his second term, with approval ratings reaching new lows. A significant factor contributing to this decline is the ongoing controversy surrounding Jeffrey Epstein.
Public Disapproval and Demand for Transparency
A recent poll by Economist/YouGov reveals that:
- 61% of people disapprove of how Trump is handling the Epstein investigation.
- 82% of Americans want the government to release all documents related to the case.
Historical Context and Political Impact
Trump's approval ratings in July of both his first and second terms are the lowest among modern presidents, according to Gallup. The Epstein controversy has been a persistent issue for the Trump administration.
Justice Department's Stance
On July 7, the Justice Department released a memo stating that no further disclosure of criminal case documents was needed. This decision came after they had hinted at releasing a "truckload" of Epstein files in March. Notably, even some Republicans are advocating for more transparency, a rare occurrence given their usual support for Trump.
Fluctuating Approval Ratings
Trump's approval rating has seen significant fluctuations:
- January: Started at +6.2 percentage points
- March 13: Turned slightly negative
- April 29: Reached a low of -7.2 percentage points
- July 22-23: Almost reached the April low again
- August 4: Average approval rating margin was -4.8 percentage points (RealClearPolitics)
Broader Implications
The Epstein controversy has become a hot topic, with both political parties calling for more transparency. The Economist/YouGov poll indicates that Trump's overall approval rating is -15 percentage points, the lowest in his second term.
Historically, Trump's approval ratings are lower than those of other modern presidents. In July of his first years in office, both as the 45th and 47th presidents, his ratings were the lowest, according to a Gallup poll.