Where does Trump stand with Americans hours before his primetime speech to Congress?

###President Trump Vows to “Tell It Like It Is” in Anticipated Speech to Congress

President Donald Trump is set to address a joint session of Congress on Tuesday evening, marking his first major speech since beginning his second term in office. The highly anticipated address, themed “The Renewal of the American Dream,” is expected to highlight the president’s aggressive agenda and accomplishments during his first six weeks back in the White House. Trump, known for his bold communication style, has hyped the event on social media, declaring, “TOMORROW NIGHT WILL BE BIG.” This speech comes as the nation remains deeply divided over Trump’s performance, with recent polls showing split opinions on his leadership.

###A Nation Divided: Approval Ratings Reflect Partisan Split

Despite his administration’s fast-paced start, Trump’s approval ratings reflect the polarized political landscape. A Marist College poll for PBS News and NPR puts his approval at 45%, with 49% disapproving, while a CNN survey shows 48% approval and 52% disapproval. However, other polls, such as one conducted by CBS News, indicate slightly better numbers for the president. These figures highlight the partisan divide, with Democrats overwhelmingly disapproving of Trump’s actions, while Republicans express strong support. Political analysts note that Trump’s approval ratings have improved compared to his first term, which began with negative numbers. This shift is attributed to solidified Republican backing, a stark contrast to his first administration when he faced criticism from both Democrats and some Republicans.

###A Flurry of Activity: Trump’s Early Actions in Office

Trump has wasted no time in implementing his agenda, signing 82 executive orders since his inauguration. These actions include controversial measures on immigration, tariffs on major trading partners like Canada and Mexico, and freezing foreign aid to Ukraine. Trump has emphasized his accomplishments, tweeting, “Best Opening Month of any President in history.” Yet, the rapid pace of his executive actions has left some questioning whether the public can keep up. Lee Miringoff, director of the Marist Institute for Public Opinion, noted, “It’s been a flooding-of-the-zone here every day, often multiple times a day.” The public’s reaction to these swift changes is mixed, with some viewing Trump’s decisiveness as progress, while others feel overwhelmed by the speed of policy implementation.

###Comparisons to Biden: A tale of Two Presidencies

Trump’s approval ratings, while improved from his first term, are lower than those of recent predecessors at this stage in their presidencies. In contrast, President Joe Biden enjoyed higher approval ratings during his first six months in office, though his numbers declined significantly following controversies such as the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. Biden’s approval ratings remained underwater for much of his presidency, with his handling of inflation and immigration contributing to public dissatisfaction. Trump, on the other hand, has managed to maintain solid Republican support, which has bolstered his standing despite ongoing controversies. Analysts warn, however, that Trump’s ratings may continue to slip as his policies begin to impact Americans’ daily lives more directly.

###The Economy and Inflation: Key Factors in Trump’s Political Fortunes

While Trump’s approval ratings are holding steady, his administration faces significant challenges, particularly on economic issues. Inflation, a central theme of his campaign, remains a critical concern for many Americans. Political scientist Daron Shaw noted that Trump’s handling of the economy is a relative strength, with a rating of minus four, compared to Biden’s performance. However, Shaw warned, “If prices remain high, he’s going to have trouble.” Trump’s strongest issue currently is crime, where he holds a plus ten rating. Imm民igration is another area where the president has made significant strides, resonating with his base and swing voters.

###Looking Ahead: Can Trump Sustain Momentum?

As Trump delivers his address to Congress, he faces the dual challenge of maintaining Republican unity and winning over independents. His speech is expected to emphasize his vision for the American Dream, showcasing his policies and achievements. While his approval ratings are stabilizing, the president must navigate the complexities of governance and public perception. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Trump can sustain his momentum or if his numbers will decline as his policies take full effect. For now, the nation waits to hear how Trump plans to lead the country forward in a deeply divided political climate.