Donald Trump, as the President-elect of the United States, is perceived to be managing the transition well and is expected to handle governance effectively after taking office, according to a poll. The CNN survey, conducted with 1,011 voters and released on the 11th (local time), indicates that 54% believe Trump will perform well when he returns to the White House next month, and 55% approve of his presidential transition so far.
In a similar 2016 survey conducted before his first term, 53% also believed he would perform his duties well, showing consistent sentiment. Moreover, 68% think Trump can bring change to America, with 48% feeling it will be a positive direction.
CNN analyzed that Trump seems to be in a honeymoon phase with the public as he prepares to return to the White House after losing the previous election under largely negative approval ratings. However, Trump’s current approval is lower than that of recent U.S. presidents before their inaugurations. Barack Obama had 79% pre-inauguration support according to CNN, Joe Biden 66%, George W. Bush 65%, and Bill Clinton 62%.
Regarding economic policy, 39% expressed ‘strong trust’ in Trump, a figure higher than for George W. Bush (29%), Bill Clinton (20%), and Ronald Reagan (26%). ‘Trust’ responses were 27% and 26% for economic and immigration policies, respectively. However, only 30% ‘strongly trust’ his foreign policy, and 29% trust he will use presidential powers responsibly. Only 26% strongly trust he will appoint the best talent to public office.
In contrast, 68% oppose President Joe Biden’s pardon of his son Hunter Biden, with 32% supporting it. Furthermore, 54% oppose Jack Smith, the special counsel investigating Trump’s election reversal efforts, announcing he will drop charges, compared to 45% who support it.