President-elect Donald Trump has divided the nation on his first job approval poll, according to Rasmussen Reports.
According to the survey released Friday, just as many in the country approve of Trump's work as disapprove:
- 47 percent approve of Trump's job so far;
- 47 percent disapprove of Trump's job so far.
A recent Gallup poll published Wednesday showed a near-identical result, and pointed out the the past three presidents-elect started their job approval polls at or above 65 percent. Gallup attributes the discrepancy to the high level of criticism Trump receives from Democrats.
- 17 percent of Democrats approve of Trump's transition;
- 53 percent of Republicans approved of President Barack Obama's transition;
- 46 percent of Dems approved of George W. Bush's transition;
- 50 percent of the GOP approved of Bill Clinton's transition.
According to Rasmussen, 22 percent of Democrats strongly or somewhat approve of Trump's transition.
"Transition approval ratings taken in December and January have tended to be higher than presidents' initial job approval rating after they were inaugurated," Gallup notes. "On average, recent presidents' transition approval ratings have been about eight points higher than their first presidential job approval ratings."
Gallup previously found that Trump's favorability rating after the election jumped to 42 percent, up from 34 percent before the election, but below previous presidents-elect who were rated favorably by 58 percent of voters or higher.
"Trump still has time to turn the tide and avoid starting his presidency with the lowest public support in Gallup's polling history, but that would largely entail gaining the support of independents and, in particular, Democrats — most of whom appear reluctant to back him."
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