Trump Defends Record-Low Approval Amid Midterm Push and Press Purge

Key points

• A new Reuters poll places Trump's approval rating at 32%, a historic low, with only 24% of Hispanic Americans approving of his performance.
• Trump told reporters he was 'doing great' and dismissed CNN as 'fake news' before heading to Nebraska to support Republican senator Pete Ricketts.
• The president signed an executive order allowing anyone to purchase tax-free red-dyed diesel, a move he described as 'very good' during a rally.
• Trump announced he would pay for taxpayer-funded pro-Trump ads himself using funds from the MAGA, Inc. political action committee, responding to Democratic calls for an investigation.
• Politico was barred from traveling on Air Force One, continuing a pattern of excluding major media outlets despite a federal judge's temporary block on such bans.
• Beni Harmony, a former TV anchor and correspondent for Real America's Voice, was named assistant White House press secretary, filling the void left by Karoline Leavitt's departure.

Background

This development follows a sharp decline in Trump's approval ratings over the past month, driven by economic concerns and the Iran conflict. Previous coverage noted that Democrats hold a significant lead in generic ballot questions for the November midterms. The current polling data confirms this downward trajectory, with Latino voter support for the Democratic-controlled Congress doubling compared to two years ago.

How outlets are covering it

The Guardian highlights the disconnect between Trump's self-assessment and the data, noting his dismissal of critics as 'fake news.' In contrast, the Belleville News-Democrat and Capitol City Now focus on the administrative changes within the White House press office, detailing the appointment of Beni Harmony and the exclusion of Politico from presidential travel. While the primary source emphasizes the political fallout of low approval ratings, the secondary sources underscore the administration's consolidation of media control and personnel shifts.

Why it matters

The record-low approval rating signals a potential shift in power for the November midterms, where Democrats currently hold a significant advantage. The administration's aggressive stance on media access and the use of taxpayer funds for political ads could further polarize the electorate. Additionally, the executive order on diesel fuel and the appointment of a new press secretary indicate a continued effort to reshape policy and messaging ahead of the election.

What to watch

Watch for the outcome of the Nebraska rally and its impact on the local Senate race. Monitor the response from federal watchdogs regarding the use of taxpayer money for pro-Trump ads. Observe how the new press secretary, Beni Harmony, handles media relations and whether the exclusion of major news outlets from presidential travel continues to face legal challenges.