CNN Data Guru Debunks Trump's 100% Approval Claim

Harry Enten provides a 'reality check' on the president's inflated polling numbers.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 9:19am

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CNN data analyst Harry Enten has pushed back on Donald Trump's claims of 100% approval among MAGA supporters, noting that the president's overall approval rating is at an all-time low in his second term. Enten cited multiple polls, including a Fox News survey that showed Trump's disapproval rating at 59%, to demonstrate that the former president is facing his highest unpopularity since taking office.

Why it matters

Trump's inflated claims about his approval ratings highlight his continued tendency to distort facts and mislead the public. As the 2026 election approaches, it's crucial for voters to have an accurate understanding of the president's standing, particularly as his policies on issues like the ongoing war in Iran have caused economic turmoil.

The details

The poll Trump cited, from NBC News, actually found that only 30% of respondents considered themselves MAGA supporters, and of that group, 100% approved of the president. However, the full sample showed Trump's approval at just 44%, with 54% disapproving. Enten noted that Trump's disapproval rating has reached an all-time high of 59% in recent Fox News and New York Times polling.

  • On March 24, 2026, Trump cited a 'CNN poll' that he claimed showed 100% approval among his supporters.
  • On March 25, 2026, Enten appeared on CNN's 'The Source with Kaitlan Collins' to provide a 'reality check' on Trump's inflated polling claims.

The players

Harry Enten

A data analyst and journalist who works for CNN, known for his data-driven analysis of political trends and polling.

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States, who has a history of making exaggerated claims about his popularity and approval ratings.

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What they’re saying

“Donald Trump has never been more unpopular in his second term in office.”

— Harry Enten, CNN Data Analyst

“I'll give you a reality check. Look, President Trump is quite popular with MAGA. MAGA very much enjoys this [Iran] war. They very much love the president. But of course, they are just a certain portion of the electorate. When you expand it out. The reality check is this. Donald Trump has never been more unpopular in his second term in office.”

— Harry Enten, CNN Data Analyst

What’s next

As the 2026 election approaches, it will be important for voters to closely examine polling data and fact-check any claims made by political candidates about their popularity and support.

The takeaway

This story highlights the importance of data-driven analysis and fact-checking in the political sphere, especially when it comes to claims about approval ratings and public support. It serves as a reminder that even high-profile figures like the president can distort the truth, and that it's crucial for the media and the public to scrutinize such claims.