Trump Celebrates Poll Win Over Critics, But Numbers Tell Different Story

Massachusetts poll shows Trump's approval higher than some MAGA figures, but overall approval remains low

Apr. 19, 2026 at 10:24am

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A dynamic, fragmented painting depicting a Trump campaign rally, with the crowd and Trump's figure repeated in overlapping geometric shapes and bold, contrasting colors, conveying the fractured political landscape.The president's boasts over a state poll mask deeper political divisions and sagging approval ratings.Lowell Today

President Donald Trump is touting a Massachusetts poll that shows him with a higher approval rating than some of his MAGA critics like Tucker Carlson and Candace Owens. However, the same poll indicates Trump's overall approval rating remains low, with just 39% of respondents approving of his job performance and a majority saying their lives have become more difficult in the past six months.

Why it matters

Trump's victory lap over the poll results highlights his continued efforts to rally his base, even as broader polling data suggests he is struggling with the general electorate. The story underscores the political divides in the country and Trump's ongoing battles with critics within his own movement.

The details

The UMass Lowell poll found that only 31% of Republicans had a favorable view of former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, compared to 24% who viewed him unfavorably. In contrast, 77% of Republicans indicated a favorable view of Trump. Trump quickly took to Truth Social to mock Carlson and other MAGA figures like Candace Owens and Alex Jones. However, the same poll showed Trump's overall approval rating at just 39%, with 57% of respondents saying their lives had become more difficult in the past six months. The poll also found that 65% of respondents believed the U.S. was spending too much on Trump's war with Iran, and 87% supported criminal investigations of individuals named in the Epstein files, in which Trump's name appears more than 38,000 times.

  • The UMass Lowell poll was conducted in April 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who is touting the poll results as a victory over his critics.

Tucker Carlson

A former Fox News host and prominent MAGA figure who was viewed unfavorably by 24% of Republicans in the poll.

Candace Owens

A MAGA blogger who responded to Trump's taunts by saying it may be time to 'put Grandpa up in a home'.

Alex Jones

A MAGA figure who responded to Trump's attacks by calling him 'a rotting husk' of his former self.

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What they’re saying

“'It's easy! Tucker is a Low IQ person - Always easy to beat, and highly overrated!!! So are Megyn Kelly,'Candace'(Really Dumb and mentally ill!), and Bankrupt Alex Jones, who is completely 'fried.''”

— Donald Trump, Former President

“'It may be time to put Grandpa up in a home.'”

— Candace Owens, MAGA Blogger

“'a rotting husk' of his former self.”

— Alex Jones, MAGA Figure

What’s next

The poll results are likely to further inflame tensions within the Republican party as Trump continues to battle with critics within the MAGA movement.

The takeaway

Trump's victory lap over the poll results highlights his continued efforts to rally his base, even as broader polling data suggests he is struggling with the general electorate. The story underscores the deep political divides in the country and Trump's ongoing battles with critics within his own movement.