The Decline of Trump's Approval Ratings during COVID-19

According to the most recent Gallup poll, Trump’s approval rating is 43% (a fall from the 49% approval seen in March) whereas his disapproval rating is 54% (a jump from the previous rating of 45%). These results are indicating that people have not been happy with Trump’s performance in the last month, which is a big contrast from high approval at the beginning of his response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This is probably happening because Trump’s performances at press conferences have caused a lot of controversies, with people claiming that he clearly has no idea what he is doing with the current situation. If we analyze one of his most recent press conferences, for instance, we can observe the dynamics present in the atmosphere and what role he plays in sending a message (which functions as a script) to the audience.

In a recent press conference, Trump’s claims that there were some states “without any problem” in terms of coronavirus cases caused an uproar in the media. Some may say that he was simply referring to the fact that this just meant few cases in certain states; however, professionals have pulled data from sources that prove that even the most minimally affected states have at least a few hundred cases. For example, CNN’s Daniel Dale even called Trump a “serial liar” when pointing out Johns Hopkins’ data on cases in Wyoming, which is the least affected state (but still showed 296 cases). Many other reporters and even members of his audience at conferences have gotten very upset from Trump’s claims, and it isn’t just because of this initial claim. As Mast states in his book The Performative Presidency, he talks about how “ Symbols and plots are given life and communicated to publics by men and women inhabiting their political roles, striding the stage” (10). This refers to the role of actors, including politicians, in their performances to the media. These performances hold some autonomy in that the performer may choose how he wants to interpret the script and operate in the symbols and stories that his audience already recognizes. 

When applying this to the COVID-19 pandemic, we notice that many of these symbols are medicine, sickness, community, and fear. Trump is aware of these symbols, but he is also aware of what American’s expect in his performance. For instance, I can say for myself that my expectations in his performance are a clear solution on how to respond to the pandemic in an efficient and productive way while trying to prevent further panic. Many other Americans probably also expected the same. So, when Trump responds to our concerns, he definitely wants to say things that are meant to make us feel at ease, such as the claim that some states are barely affected by the virus. However, this does not take into account the roles of doctors and other professionals, who have proved that these claims are almost exclusively false and that they may do more harm than good. These doctors and professionals also stand in the audience, so they have a role as well. Collectively, the audience has autonomy in the performance since their own personal beliefs and experiences shape how they interpret these claims (Mast, 11). As a result, it makes sense that there would be a great variety in responses to Trump’s press conference speeches. However, the professionals that debunk his claims have a role that goes greater than just observing and interpreting; since they have some form of social power, they can also give their own performances that have their own reach and scope throughout the American audience (Mast, 13). This is what allows other audience members to hear out these doctors and professionals and take what they say seriously. When coupled with panic and confusion, the natural response for a person living through the pandemic is to look to medical professionals for the answer. Since there are several discrepancies between the claims of the professionals and Trump, the American people may start to see Trump as untrustworthy, and their fear may fuel their distress. 

As Trump puts out more and more false information, I would only expect that his approval ratings would continue to fall. Based on what we know about performance, I think the best way for him to combat this is to better comprehend the symbols and expectations in place for his audience to produce a performance with more accurate and helpful information. During times like these, the last thing we would want to do is add to the panic. 

References:

Dale, Daniel, et al. “Fact Check: Trump Wrongly Declares Some States Don't Have 'Any Problem' with Coronavirus.” CNN, Cable News Network, 17 Apr. 2020, www.cnn.com/2020/04/16/politics/fact-check-trump-april-16/index.html.

Enten, Harry. “Trump's Approval Rally Has Disappeared.” CNN, Cable News Network, 19 Apr. 2020, www.cnn.com/2020/04/19/politics/trump-approval-rating-rally/index.html.

Mast, Jason L. The Performative Presidency Crisis and Resurrection during the Clinton Years. Cambridge University Press, 2012.