Kenneth T. Walsh

One thing Americans hate is when a crisis spirals out of control and their president shows no ability or no willingness to improve matters or makes them worse. This seems to be where President Trump finds himself with his escalating trade war.

As the stock market sags and a trade war deepens, a new CNN poll finds that only 45% of Americans approve of President Donald Trump‘s job performance and 54% disapprove. On the Number One issue of the economy, only 44% approve and 56% disapprove. Tough times for the White House.

President Trump’s job approval is mediocre, largely because of inflation, Americans’ top concern. Consumer confidence drops, as has confidence of investors, financial markets; 55% of Americans disapprove of Trump’s handling of the economy, according to Washington Post text poll.

President Trump in his address to Congress serves notice that he will continue to aim a wrecking ball at the federal bureaucracy and the Biden agenda. His big problem remains lack of success in taming inflation. His speech was not reassuring on this score.

Democrats in Congress preparing to protest President Trump and his policies at the State of the Union address tonight. Republicans preparing shows of support. This event is becoming political theater. Very predictable and dull. Will many Americans watch for long?

Donald Trump’s clash with Ukrainian leader Zelenskyy was a vivid example of how Trump is basing so much of his presidency on anger, grievance and resentment. He seeks to punish those who oppose or question his decisions or seek to limit his power. Is this the way to govern?

As President Trump intensifies attacks on the status quo in Washington, including the federal bureaucracy and many government agencies, resistance is rising. Among Trump’s increasingly aggressive opponents are Democratic state attorneys general, Democratic members of Congress.

Bad news for President Trump. Washington Post/Ipsos poll finds 53% of Americans disapprove of his handling of the economy and 45% approve; 73% rate economy “not so good” or “poor.” Nine of 10 worry about higher food prices and 3 of 4 are negative about gas and energy prices.

President Trump risks over-reaching. Many Americans consider his purge of federal workers a worthy goal to save money but are concerned he goes too far and damages effective govt. Also, Trump’s criticism of Ukrainian President Zelensky undermines Ukraine war effort, critics say.

Cutting through the clutter and background noise in the news world, the most troubling story of the last few days for Donald Trump has been the increase in inflation. Cutting inflation was supposed to be his top priority and high prices remain Americans’ biggest concern.

Reality check: Donald Trump, Elon Musk and their “government efficiency” teams are missing the point. The only ways to effectively cut the deficit and reduce national debt are to cut big spending programs such as Social Security, Medicare and national defense and/or raise taxes.

President Trump throws opponents off balance as he imposes such massive change on the federal government that critics are having a hard time keeping track. He’s cutting foreign aid, slashing the government work force, taking action against foes and overhauling myriad policies.

Donald Trump runs the risk of over-reaching as he seeks to boldly expand presidential powers. This is a problem presidents tend to have when they regard themselves too much as historic figures destined for greatness. Emboldened, they go too far, alienating and scaring people.

A second aviation disaster this week— in Philadelphia, after the fatal collision in D.C.— raising a big concern: How safe is it to fly? All the more reason for the government and the media to figure out why these disasters happened and how to prevent them in the future.

President Trump is picking up where he left off in his first term when it comes to relations with the mainstream media — more hostility, clashes, anger. It goes both ways. The tug-of-war has resumed. Both sides have credibility problems, which will worsen amid more polarization.

Is President Trump over-reaching as he attacks Washington establishment and status quo? Possible examples: Pausing federal grants and loans, stopping efforts to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, deporting many undocumented immigrants. Pushback expected in Congress, in court.

President Trump tightens grip on Washington. New Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed by Senate, triggering big changes at Pentagon. Kristi Noem’s confirmation at Homeland Security also triggers transformation. Trump installs loyalists to change course as fast as possible.