Conservative political commentator Bill Mitchell recently asserted on social media that former President Donald Trump's popularity within the Republican Party has grown since his election, claiming he is "MORE POPULAR with the GOP than when he was elected." Mitchell further stated that Trump is the "MOST POPULAR PRESIDENT THIS CENTURY at this point in his presidency," and is "running 6 points ahead of Obama." These claims highlight ongoing discussions regarding Trump's enduring influence within the Republican base.
Recent polls consistently indicate that Donald Trump maintains strong approval among Republican voters, often ranging between 70-80% even after his presidency. Data from sources like Pew Research Center and Gallup show that his approval among Republicans was around 80% at the time of his 2016 election and remained consistently high, frequently in the high 70s to low 80s, throughout his term and into his post-presidency. This suggests a solidified base of support that has, at times, surpassed his initial election-period approval within the party.
While Mitchell's tweet specifically claims Trump is "6 points ahead of Obama" in popularity at this stage, broader analyses offer a more nuanced comparison. The Brookings Institution and Council on Foreign Relations have noted that Barack Obama's post-presidency approval among Democrats typically remained in the high 80s to low 90s. In contrast, Trump's approval among Republicans has generally hovered in the high 70s to low 80s, indicating that direct comparisons of specific leads can vary significantly depending on the poll and timeframe.
Bill Mitchell, known as an American conservative political commentator and radio host, gained prominence for his vocal support of Donald Trump and the MAGA movement during the 2016 presidential campaign. His commentary often reflects a strong pro-Trump stance, emphasizing the former president's continued political strength and appeal to his base. Such statements underscore the persistent loyalty and engagement of Trump's supporters in the current political landscape.