Trump’s 36% Approval Sinks as Bullying Tactics Backfire at Home and Abroad
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Aug 24
Trump’s 36% Approval Sinks as Bullying Tactics Backfire at Home and Abroad
1 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Aug 24
Summary
CNN’s poll of polls put Trump at 36% approval and 63% disapproval, with the latest report arguing his coercive style is driving both domestic backlash and foreign resistance.
Pew’s survey of 36 countries found 76% had no confidence in Trump and 57% viewed the United States unfavorably, showing his unpopularity abroad is spilling over onto the country.
His threats have increasingly failed to deliver results: judges blocked several executive actions, opponents were energized rather than cowed, and allies resisted pressure over Iran, South Korea and Gaza.
Recent examples cited include 50% tariffs on many Canadian goods, threats against Oman, and pressure on European and Asian allies—moves that widened rifts without securing compliance.
The broader conclusion is that Trump’s repeated threats and retreats have weakened his leverage, feeding the “TACO” label and undercutting goals from Iran policy to alliance burden-sharing.