Trump’s Foreign Policy Approval Ratings on the Rise

Harry Enten, a senior data reporter at CNN, pointed out on Wednesday that former President Donald Trump’s foreign policy approval ratings have seen a significant increase since the start of his first term.

According to aggregated data, Trump’s approval rating for foreign policy has jumped from 35% to 43% since November 2018, the month he took office. It seems that, at least for now, Americans are feeling more positive about his approach to international conflicts compared to previous presidents during their second terms.

Enten noted, “This is one area where Donald Trump is performing much better than he did previously.” He elaborated that approval ratings at this stage were considerably higher—35% back in his first term has now risen to around 43%, marking an 8-point net gain. In comparing this with past presidents, both George W. Bush and Barack Obama had lower foreign policy approval ratings at this point in their own second terms, at 36% and 37%, respectively.

Moreover, Enten mentioned, “Currently, Trump enjoys a higher foreign policy approval rating than any other 21st-century president at this point in a second term.” Interestingly, no other president has completed a full second term since the turn of the century. It seems that Trump, perhaps, is eager to bolster his legacy, particularly through his foreign policy initiatives.

Currently, American sentiments regarding Trump’s handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict show a net approval rating of +3, in contrast to former President Joe Biden’s –37 by the end of his term. Despite some criticism from conservatives, including Tucker Carlson and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who have accused him of involving the U.S. in protracted wars, many Republicans still support his foreign policy strategies.

In recent developments, a peace plan proposed by Trump was backed by Israel and Hamas, including crucial stipulations like the release of hostages. The United Nations has also endorsed a plan for an international mission to aid Gaza’s reconstruction.

Looking ahead, traders see a 61% likelihood of normalized relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia under a potential Trump administration. Should these efforts succeed, Trump’s approval might rise even further. Recently, he met with the Saudi crown prince to discuss potential resolutions in the region.

Additionally, the U.S. is collaborating with Russia on a detailed plan aimed at concluding the ongoing war in Ukraine. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff has been actively involved in these discussions, with communications being made to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy about the current strategy.