Historically, Trump’s approval ratings have remained steady but polarized. He did not experience the traditional “honeymoon” period seen by past presidents. For comparison, Bill Clinton once reached 66 percent approval, Barack Obama peaked at 59 percent, and Ronald Reagan at 63 percent. The highest recorded approval in modern history came after the September 11 attacks, when George W. Bush briefly reached 90 percent. On the other end of the spectrum, Richard Nixon’s approval dropped to 24 percent during the Watergate scandal.
Trump’s base remains highly engaged and loyal, and that support continues to shape Republican primaries. However, broader public opinion is more divided. Among independent and moderate voters—who often determine the outcome of national elections—Trump’s ratings are consistently lower.
As the 2026 election cycle approaches, Johnson’s statement highlights an important distinction: While Trump remains a dominant figure within his party, national approval ratings tell a different story. Understanding that difference is essential to interpreting political momentum and voter sentiment across the country.