The number two Republican in the U.S. Senate went on Twitter this morning to boast about a new Gallup poll showing that Donald Trump’s approval rating is now at 43%. And of course he was immediately mocked on social media for pointing out something that most presidents would rather keep secret.
Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) apparently was trying to boost morale among the Republican base by touting the new Gallup poll. In that poll, just 43 percent of American voters say the approve of President Donald Trump, while 54 percent disapprove.
“Trump’s Rating on Economy Still Top Strength, Hits New High,” wrote Coryn, who then posted a link to Gallup’s latest poll showing approval of Trump stuck in the low 40’s.
Trump's Rating on Economy Still Top Strength, Hits New High https://t.co/66v1RyJvQC
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— Senator John Cornyn (@JohnCornyn) March 5, 2019
While it’s true that 56 percent of voters in the Gallup survey said they approve of Trump’s handling of the economy, just 42 percent approved of his handling of his signature issue of immigration, while only 37 percent approved of his handling of corruption in government.
Given that Trump’s approval ratings are still historically low at this point in his presidency compared to past presidents, Cornyn’s tweet was showered with ridicule by many followers. Check out some of the responses below.
43% is a new high. LOL.
— Hunter’s laptop #5 (@realworldrj) March 5, 2019
https://twitter.com/ArmisteadOwen/status/1102895524049506305
Trump has a 43% approval rating. Horrendous in this good of an economy.
— DrSquishy (@DrSquishy) March 5, 2019
https://twitter.com/DCclone/status/1102893906600083456
Three points is within the margin of error. 😂😂😂 His approval likely did not go up. Even if it did….are you bragging about 43%? 😂😂😂 That doesn’t win elections, buddy. Thankfully.
— Jill (@JillayneMC) March 5, 2019
A big majority of the country really hates him. Great news.
— Elon Musk made TWITR suck (@nycjaneyvee) March 5, 2019
John Cornyn’s tweet is a bit surprising in that it appears to be a desperate attempt to find some good news at a time when the leader of his party is under attack from every direction. Cornyn is also up for reelection next year, and Republicans in Texas are in panic mode as it appears their state may soon be turning blue.
Since he took office Trump’s approval ratings have been very low, and they continued at very low levels right through last November’s midterms. Most people believe that is a big reason there was a massive Blue Wave election that saw Democrats win back control of the House of Representatives.
If a 43% approval rating for the president is all John Cornyn has to brag about, then his chances of being reelected next year do not appear to be very bright.
I am a lifelong Democrat with a passion for social justice and progressive issues. I have degrees in writing, economics and law from the University of Iowa.
