President Donald Trump believes he has an explanation for his declining approval ratings.
Recent polls show his numbers slipping, but Trump is not accepting the premise. Speaking at the White House during an event honoring families of victims killed by undocumented immigrants, he dismissed the data and implied the surveys do not reflect reality.
“It just amazes me that there’s not more support out there,” he said. “We actually have silent support. I think it’s silent. I think that’s how I won.”
President Trump addresses his dropping approval numbers heading into tonight’s State of the Union address:
“It just amazes me that there’s not more support out there. We actually have a silent support. That’s how I won, I got probably got 85 million votes.” pic.twitter.com/OorjVFu9R1
— The American Conservative (@amconmag) February 24, 2026
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His argument is simple. If the support is not visible, it must be hidden.
The timing of his remarks is notable. A new poll conducted by The Washington Post in partnership with ABC News and Ipsos found that 60% of Americans disapprove of his job performance. Nearly half, 47%, strongly disapprove.
Another survey released by CNN found that only 32% of respondents believe Trump is focused on the right priorities. 68% said he is not paying enough attention to the country’s most pressing problems.
Independent voters are showing signs of retreat. Younger voters appear less enthusiastic as well. Both blocs were important to Trump’s electoral coalition. Now the numbers suggest erosion.
Trump did not dwell on the statistics. Instead, he pivoted to familiar territory. He repeated his claim that he built the strongest economy in the world and indicated he would emphasize that record again in his upcoming national address.
The event itself had moments that drew attention for other reasons. In the middle of his remarks, Trump paused to acknowledge a woman in the audience who had struggled with eye problems. “I gave her money to fix her eyes,” he said. “The doctor ripped me off, but that’s ok.”
The aside added to what was already an unconventional appearance. The president reflected briefly on his own mortality and revisited grievances about past elections.
Immigration remained the central theme. Trump argued that coverage of crimes committed by undocumented immigrants does not receive sufficient attention. “This should be important for everybody, including the media, but they don’t cover it fairly, I tell you that. It’s shocking,” he said.
“These are sick people that don’t cover stories like that—or don’t cover them, which is even worse.”
He also offered strong praise for Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and border adviser Tom Homan. Noem has recently faced scrutiny over enforcement practices and reports concerning her relationship with senior adviser Corey Lewandowski.
Trump brushed aside the controversy.
“They’ve been incredible for the job they’ve done. They take nothing but abuse, but they’re pretty hardened to that because they know they’re doing the right thing.”
Featured image via X screengrab
