RNC chairman Joe Gruters (R-FL) was asked about a recent Fox News poll showing that just over 60% of respondents disapproved of Trump’s job performance.Gruters, a Republican state senator from Florida, pushed back on the polling, instead pointing to Trump’s recent success in Republican primaries as the midterm elections begin to ramp up.
“He is well-supported by the party base, and the base loves the president,” Gruters said. “The president’s the leader of our party, and when he makes a decision, when he comes out and endorses candidates, those candidates usually win.”
Still, other surveys have similarly reflected weak approval numbers for Trump. A poll from the American Research Group found that 64% of respondents disapproved of the president’s performance, while RealClearPolitics’ polling average showed Trump with a 39.8% approval rating.
Voters are also continuing to grapple with the economic effects of the conflict with Iran, particularly at the gas pump. National gas prices averaged roughly $4.46 per gallon this week, though that marked a slight decline from the previous week. Inflation, meanwhile, reached 3.5% in March.
Despite those economic concerns and sagging approval ratings, Trump has continued to demonstrate his grip on the GOP through recent primary contests, with several of his endorsed candidates securing victories.
