Trump Faces Criticism as Approval Ratings Plummet Ahead of Congressional Address

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump is set to address a joint session of Congress on Tuesday night amid plummeting approval ratings, with a recent CNN poll showing 52% disapprove of his performance in office. With just over a month in his second term, Trump asserts he has a “resounding” mandate from voters, aiming to use his speech to justify his controversial decisions thus far.

Polling data reveals that Trump’s approval rating stands at 45% as he faces scrutiny from both parties. A separate survey indicates that only 34% of respondents approve of how Elon Musk is managing personnel changes across federal agencies, with 49% expressing disapproval. Dean Lacy, a government professor at Dartmouth College, forecasts Trump’s approval will remain around 50% for the foreseeable future. “He has roughly a 40-45% approval from those who support him and an equal percentage who oppose him, which is unlikely to change significantly,” Lacy stated.

The CNN poll, conducted from Feb. 24-28, also suggests that a majority believes Trump has not adequately addressed pressing national issues. This sentiment is echoed by more than half of respondents, who indicate Trump has exceeded his authority since taking office.

As Trump prepares for the address, he might also encounter tension from congressional Democrats who plan to invite fired civil servants to the event, including federal workers dismissed amid budget cuts and agency streamlining efforts championed by Musk. Among those invited are military veterans who lost their jobs unexpectedly, highlighting the growing dissatisfaction with the administration’s employment policies.

Democratic representatives are leveraging the event to underscore disparities in White House priorities, contrasting with Trump’s focus on economic policies and public safety concerns. Notably, Trump has emphasized his commitment to tackling inflation, which 58% of poll respondents identify as a critical factor in their voting decisions; yet, only 32% approve of his handling of this issue.

While Trump attempts to rally support, he continues to face backlash from various factions within the Republican Party. Lacy commented on the challenges ahead, stating, “The larger issues will undoubtedly surface as we approach the next elections. Republicans are struggling to find common ground with Trump while addressing their constituents’ concerns effectively.”

During his address, Trump is expected to highlight his administration’s achievements, claiming that he has achieved more in his term than many prior presidents. However, many polls indicate a persistent lack of confidence in his approach, particularly regarding the economy and rising living costs.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt echoed Trump, asserting that the administration remains focused on economic recovery and inflation relief. “We’re doing everything we can to rectify the situation and bring down costs for Americans,” she assured during a press briefing.

As the joint session unfolds, political analysts will closely monitor Trump’s interactions and responses to the gathered audience, especially in light of recent protests and pushback from opposition lawmakers. The outcome of this address could set the tone for Trump’s upcoming initiatives and his party’s strategy as they approach the next election cycle.