Polls show Trump is unpopular but carries clout

WASHINGTON — United States President Donald Trump has historically low approval ratings, but would still have voters’ support in a row with Congress, polls suggested on Wednesday (Feb 22).

Fresh surveys showed Mr Trump's popularity is languishing – threatening to sap his political capital just weeks into a four-year term.

A Quinnipiac University poll reported 38 per cent of voters think Mr Trump is doing a good job, while 55 per cent believe otherwise.

That is unparalleled for a modern president so early in his term. 

Perhaps worse for the White House, 63 per cent of voters said Mr Trump is not level-headed and 55 per cent said he is not honest.

For any normal politician, those numbers would be disastrous – emboldening political rivals and encouraging allies to keep their distance.

Many in Washington are already looking toward Congressional elections in 2018, which present a challenge for incumbent Republicans.

Mid-term elections often serve as a referendum on the president, and Democrats are baying to retake 24 seats and control of the House of Representatives, which would put a serious check on Mr Trump's agenda.

Against that backdrop, Republicans may be stuck between an unpopular president and public opprobrium.

Congressional Republicans privately fret that opposing Mr Trump could invite angry tweets, a grassroots firestorm and perhaps even a Trumpite challenger in the next party primary.

They may have reason to worry.

A Pew Research poll released on Wednesday showed rank-and-file Republicans are still likely to back Mr Trump in an argument with party lawmakers.

“About half of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents (52 per cent) say that if Trump and Republican congressional leaders disagree on an issue, they would be more likely to trust Trump,” Pew said.

“About a third (34 per cent) say they would trust (Republican) leaders if they have a disagreement with the president.” AFP