Critical Analysis
Find answers to the following questions using the visual above, any links below, your big brain, and your knowledge of American government and politics:
When you’re POTUS every day is Presidents' Day! According to the visual above, what is Donald Trump’s latest approval rating?
How does President Trump’s approval rating on inauguration day at the beginning of his second term compare to his current approval rating?
When someone’s disapproval rating is higher than their approval rating we say they are “underwater”. When did Trump’s ratings go underwater?
You might assume that to win office and become president you would have to have approval of more than half of the people, but actually 3 of the past 12 presidents came to office with less than 50% approval (underwater). Explain how the American system of elections makes it possible for someone to have less than 50% approval and still win a presidential election.
President Trump is not actually on the ballot in the 2026 midterm elections. Explain whether the midterm election is about Trump.
Presidential rally points are a rise in public approval of the president that follows a crisis as Americans "rally 'round the flag" and the chief executive. Do you imagine there is any event that could actually rally Americans to the same team to support President Trump today?
There are a number of points in the visual above where Trump’s approval took a dive. What should we call the opposite of a rally point? And which of the events shown above do you think had the biggest impact on Trump’s failing approval ratings?
According to the visual below, in how many states is Trump’s approval rating above water?
How do you think Trump’s abysmal approval ratings will impact the outcome of the midterm election?
In Federalist No. 70, Alexander Freaking Hamilton argues for a strong executive leader, as provided for by the Constitution, as opposed to the weak executive under the Articles of Confederation. He asserts, “energy in the executive is the leading character in the definition of good government. What do you think Hamilton would think about the current Trump presidency?
Write and Discuss
Take ten minutes to write about the question at the top of the page and then discuss with your classmates.
Act on your Learning
Contact POTUS TRUMP or tweet him at @RealDonaldTrump with one piece of advice about improving his approval ratings.
Get Creative
If you asked President Trump to describe his approval rating, what do you think he would say?
Learning Extension
Follow the daily interactive Trump approval ratings from FiveThirtyEight.
America is voting in our 2026 Midterm Elections! Can you predict which party will win control of Congress?
The winner of our classroom contest will win a $50 Amazon gift card for themselves and a $50 Amazon gift card for their teacher! To enter, complete your predictions in our online contest before midnight on November 3, 2026.
