MSNBC host Chris Hayes highlighted new polling data on Thursday to underscore the mounting backlash President Donald Trump faces from voters and members of his own party over his $1.776 billion slush fund, exorbitant White House ballroom project, and other controversies.
Approval Rating Hits New Low
“His approval rating is already in the 30s,” said Hayes. “Today, he hit a new low of 31% approval in one poll. That’s below freezing! And also, in case you filled up your car recently, gas isn’t getting any cheaper. But Trump wants you all to know that everything is totally fine.”
The “All In” host cited results from a new poll published Thursday by the American Research Group, which found that only 31% of registered voters approve of Trump’s job performance. Hayes noted that many GOP lawmakers increasingly share that sentiment.
Senate GOP Revolt
“It could not be clearer that Trump has completely alienated Senate Republicans,” he said. “And many may want revenge of their own. In fact, today, one anonymous member of the Senate GOP caucus, after this catastrophic caucus lunch they held today, texted a Punchbowl News reporter to say the majority is quote, ‘melting down.’”
Hayes referenced Tuesday’s Senate advancement of legislation aimed at ending the war in Iran, which saw more Republicans defying the president. Among them was Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), who switched sides after losing a primary in which Trump endorsed his opponent.
Bipartisan Bill to Block Slush Fund
Hayes also noted that Democrats could soon gather the necessary votes for a bipartisan bill to block Trump’s “Anti-Weaponization Fund.” A new lawsuit alleges Trump would use this fund to finance far-right extremists who participated in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) called the fund “stupid on stilts” earlier this week and “absurd” for potentially benefiting those who assaulted police officers. Hayes also suggested that Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) might distance herself from Trump ahead of her reelection.
Thune's Dilemma
Hayes argued that the growing rift among Senate Republicans puts Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) in a difficult position. Thune currently lacks the votes to affirm Trump’s slush fund but also “likely does not have the votes to stop a bill blocking it.”
“So, what’s the big plan?” Hayes asked. “How is John Thune going to dig his way out of this jam? How’s he going to extricate himself? Well, he came up with a brilliant idea today. Ready for this? He just sent everyone home for the rest of the month. ‘That’s it, we’re done!’”
He continued, “Throwing in the towel, right? ‘We’re not going to do it, because you can’t have a vote against the slush fund if the Senate isn’t in session.’ The problem is, it’s not going to go away. In fact, it’s likely to get worse as we get closer to the midterms. Especially because Donald Trump seems to get less popular by the day.”
