CNN Shocked by How Popular Donald Trump is in the Polls [WATCH]

President Donald Trump’s approval ratings have reached historic highs just weeks into his second term, prompting surprise from CNN commentators who noted the stark contrast from his first time in office.

CNN senior data reporter Harry Enten analyzed the latest polling data on CNN News Central Monday, highlighting how Trump’s approval ratings have consistently remained positive since returning to the White House.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa! Just 11 days, Donald Trump had a net positive approval rating during his first term,” Enten said.

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He then emphasized that Trump’s second term has been significantly different.

“Every single day of Trump’s second term so far, he has been on the positive side of the ledger. Twenty-one days, all three weeks. That’s already 10 more days than it was in his entire first term!” Enten noted.

His comments were reported by Mediaite as part of broader media reactions to Trump’s approval numbers.

A new CBS News/YouGov poll found that Trump now holds a 53% approval rating, a level he never consistently achieved in his first term.

The poll also showed that Americans increasingly believe Trump is following through on his campaign promises.

In April 2017, only 46% of respondents said Trump was keeping his promises. By February 2025, that number had risen to 70%.

“You know, I think one of the things that’s so important for politicians is for folks to believe what they’re saying and that they’re keeping their campaign promises,” Enten told CNN News Central host Sara Sidner. “So I think this gives you a pretty gosh darn good idea of what may be going on.”

“Holy smokes… Whoa… We’re living in A Different World…”

Trump’s had a net positive approval rating for all 21 days of his 2nd term vs. just 11 days during his entire 1st term!

Big reason? 70% say he’s doing what he promised vs. just 46% who felt that way by April 2017. pic.twitter.com/Tj3jSAv0rL

— (((Harry Enten))) (@ForecasterEnten) February 10, 2025

Trump’s policy initiatives have played a role in his rising approval, particularly his efforts on border security and foreign affairs.

• Border Security: The CBS/YouGov poll found that 64% of Americans support Trump’s decision to send troops to the U.S.-Mexico border, while 59% back his deportation efforts.
• Foreign Policy: Trump’s handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict received a 54% approval rating.

Additionally, Trump’s approval rating in deep-blue New York has reached 41%, according to a Siena College poll—the highest level of support he has seen in the state since December 2016.

As Trump continues to push major policy reforms, some Democrats have expressed frustration with his governance style.

Several lawmakers have criticized Trump’s appointment of Elon Musk to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), arguing that Musk has been given too much authority in reshaping federal agencies.

Despite these concerns, the CBS/YouGov poll found that 51% of Americans approve of Musk’s influence in government, with many believing his efforts are necessary to eliminate wasteful spending.

Trump’s highly visible engagement with the media has also contributed to his approval ratings.

• Super Bowl Interview: Trump participated in a pre-game interview with Fox, a tradition that President Joe Biden declined for the past two years.
• Press Access: Unlike Biden, Trump frequently fields questions from reporters on Air Force One and in the Oval Office.

The poll found that Americans view Trump as tough (69%), energetic (63%), focused (60%), and effective (58%).

While Trump’s overall approval remains high, some policies have faced criticism:

• Deportation Facilities: 52% of respondents oppose Trump’s plans to build large-scale deportation centers.
• Economic Concerns: 66% of Americans believe he is not doing enough to address the cost of living.
• Gaza Strategy: Trump’s proposal for a U.S. takeover of the Gaza Strip received just 13% approval, with 47% opposed.

Historically, presidents see a honeymoon phase in their first months, but maintaining high approval ratings is difficult.

Biden initially had strong numbers when he took office in 2021, but his approval plummeted following the chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal.

The CBS News/YouGov poll surveyed 2,175 adults between February 5-7, with a margin of error of ±2.5 percentage points.

With Trump’s approval ratings soaring early in his second term, the coming months will determine whether he can maintain his political momentum or face similar declines as past administrations.

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