CNN data analyst Harry Enten was left floored Sunday after new polling showed President Donald Trump’s support among independents has plummeted to staggering lows just shy of a year into his second term.
According to the new data, Trump’s net approval rating among independent voters fell by a stunning 42 points from January to December, from -1 to -43, a drop so severe that Enten compared the president to French oceanographer and filmmaker Jacques Cousteau, known for his undersea expeditions.
“We're talking about 43 points underwater come December, that is a decline of 42 points on his net approval rating!” Enten exclaimed. “Donald Trump is hanging out with Jacques Cousteau; that is how far underwater Donald Trump is with independents at this point!”
Driving Trump’s plummeting approval ratings were two key issues: the economy and immigration. On the economy, Trump enjoyed a +9 approval when he took office in January, an approval that fell by 25 points to -16 by December. On immigration, Trump’s approval fell by 15 points in the same time period, from +9 in January to -6 by December.
On overall approval, Trump suffered an 18-point decline from January to December. And, based on history, Enten concluded that it was likely Trump’s party would suffer a major defeat in the upcoming midterm elections.
“Based upon history, it doesn't look too good for the man in charge of the White House right now,” Enten said.
