Donald Trump's conviction and sentencing have undoubtedly stirred a whirlwind of emotions and speculations about his political future. Despite the controversies surrounding his presidency, his unwavering commitment to his beliefs and his ability to connect with a significant portion of the American public continue to resonate.

The Trump-Cyrus Connection:Trump's "magic" that has enabled him to maintain a level of popularity despite his legal troubles can be compared to the historical figure of King Cyrus of Persia.Known as Cyrus the Great, he was celebrated for his leadership and his role in liberating the Jews from Babylonian captivity.Like Cyrus, Trump is seen by his supporters as a liberator who challenges the status quo and fights for their values. This comparison is particularly poignant among evangelical Christians who see Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital as a modern parallel to Cyrus's ancient decree allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem.

Trump Approval Rating

According to recent polling data, Donald Trump’s favorability has been fluctuating. Let’s take a look at some of the numbers:

  • YouGov/The Economist (May 25-28, 2024):
  • Morning Consult (May 23-27, 2024):
  • YouGov (May 21-24, 2024):
  • Marist College/NPR/PBS NewsHour (May 21-23, 2024):
  • YouGov/The Economist (May 19-21, 2024):

Overall, Trump’s approval rating has been mixed, with some polls showing higher favorability and others indicating more unfavorable views. It’s important to note that these numbers can change over time, so keeping an eye on future polls will provide a clearer picture of public sentiment toward the former president.

Public Opinion After Guilty Verdict

Public opinion of former President Donald Trump has largely remained unchanged after he received a guilty verdict in his Manhattan hush money case last week, a pair of new polls shows.

ABC News/Ipsos Poll (May 31 - June 1, 2024)

  • Favorable: 31%
  • Unfavorable: 55%
  • Net result: Unfavorable +24
  • 50% of Americans agreed with the guilty verdict.
  • 49% said Trump should drop out of the 2024 election.

HarrisX Poll (May 30-31, 2024):

  • 51% of respondents found the trial “politically motivated.”
  • 30% said the guilty verdict made them more likely to vote for Trump.
  • 27% said it made them less likely to support him.
  • 44% said it had no impact on their vote.

Despite these challenges, Trump continues to lead Biden by a single percentage point nationally (43%-42%) according to the HarrisX poll. With leaners included, Trump leads Biden 51% to 49%.

Fundraising Success Amid Controversy

Despite the controversy surrounding his conviction and sentencing, Trump's fundraising efforts have continued to be successful. In May, the Trump campaign and the Republican National Committee raised a combined $141 million, with a quarter of the donors being first-time contributors this cycle. The campaign has also seen a surge in donations following Trump's conviction, with a one-day online haul of $53 million accounting for more than a third of the total May haul. This financial support is a testament to Trump's enduring appeal and his ability to connect with his supporters.

Tapping into Anxieties and Aspirations

Trump's ability to tap into the anxieties and concerns of many Americans, particularly those who feel left behind by the political establishment, has been instrumental in maintaining his popularity.

Based on various sources, including polls and surveys, here are some key issues that Trump's supporters feel are neglected by other politicians.

Immigration

Many of Trump's supporters are deeply concerned about immigration and border security. According to a Pew Research Center survey, 66% of Trump supporters view immigration as a "very big problem" in the U.S. Additionally, 82% of Republicans and Republican leaners favor substantially expanding the wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, reflecting their strong belief in the need for stricter border control and immigration policies​ (1)​​ (2)​.

Economy

Economic issues, including job loss to overseas markets, are at the forefront of concerns for Trump supporters. A Pew Research Center survey found that 62% of Americans believe the economic system in the U.S. favors the wealthy and powerful over the average person. Additionally, Gallup polling indicates that 55% of Americans feel the government is not doing enough to address income inequality, underscoring the economic anxieties that Trump's policies aim to address​ (3)​​ (4)​.

National Security

National security is a major concern for many Americans, including Trump supporters. Pew Research Center reports that 56% of Americans believe the government is not doing enough to protect the country from terrorism. This aligns with the sentiments of Trump's supporters, who feel that other politicians are not adequately addressing national security threats​ (5)​​ (6)​.

Healthcare

Healthcare reform is another significant issue. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, 64% of Americans believe the U.S. healthcare system needs major reform. A Gallup poll supports this, with 55% of respondents indicating that the government is not doing enough to address healthcare issues. Trump's efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act and replace it with new policies resonate with his supporters' desire for more affordable healthcare​ (7)​​ (8)​.

Law and Order

Concerns about crime and policing are significant among Trump's supporters. Pew Research Center data shows that 55% of Americans believe the government is not doing enough to address crime and law enforcement issues, which resonates with the law-and-order stance frequently advocated by Trump and his supporters​ (9)​.

Trade

Protecting American jobs and industries from unfair trade practices is another priority. A Pew Research Center survey found that 56% of Americans believe the government is not doing enough to protect American jobs from unfair trade practices, highlighting the economic nationalism that is a hallmark of Trump's trade policies​ (10)​​ (11)​.

Energy

Energy independence and reducing reliance on foreign oil are also key concerns. Pew Research Center data indicates that 62% of Americans feel the government is not doing enough to promote American energy independence, aligning with the Trump administration's focus on domestic energy production​ (12)​​ (13)​.

Education

Improving the quality and affordability of education is important to many Americans. Pew Research Center found that 63% of Americans believe the government is not doing enough to improve education, which reflects a key concern among Trump's supporters who advocate for better educational opportunities​ (14)​.

Veterans' Healthcare

Ensuring that veterans receive adequate healthcare is a significant issue. Pew Research Center reports that 64% of Americans believe the government is not doing enough to ensure veterans receive the healthcare they need. This is a critical concern for Trump supporters who prioritize veteran services​ (15)​.

Border Wall

The construction of a border wall is a contentious issue. Pew Research Center reports that 79% of Trump supporters favor building a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, viewing it as essential for national security and immigration control, despite opposition from other political groups​ (16)​​ (17)​.

Unapologetic and Direct Communication Style

It is no wonder people like Trump—he is unapologetic and direct in his communication. Unlike many politicians, he speaks his mind without sugarcoating his words, resonating with supporters who are tired of political correctness and nuanced language. By using phrases like "believe me" and "we're going to win so bigly," Trump emphasizes emotions and makes complex issues more relatable. His prolific use of social media, particularly Twitter, allows him to bypass traditional media and speak directly to his followers, creating a sense of immediacy and personal connection.

Emotional Connection and Loyalty

Trump's rallies and events are not just political gatherings; they are social occasions that offer excitement and a sense of belonging. It is no wonder people feel an emotional connection to Trump—he knows how to create a strong sense of community and shared identity among his supporters. These events provide a platform for maintaining a strong connection with his base. Supporters attend rallies because they believe in his ability to bring about positive change and enjoy the energy and spectacle of the events.

Personal Qualities Admired by Supporters

There are several personal qualities that make Trump so appealing to his supporters:

  • Confidence: Trump’s self-assurance is seen as a key factor in his ability to get things done.
  • Straightforwardness: He is blunt and honest, which supporters appreciate in contrast to typical political rhetoric.
  • Passion: His energy and enthusiasm are inspiring and infectious.
  • Authenticity: Trump’s willingness to speak his mind is viewed as refreshing.
  • Business Acumen: His success as a businessman is seen as evidence of his intelligence and strategic thinking.
  • Leadership: Trump has a unique ability to inspire and motivate others.
  • Charisma: His ability to connect with people is crucial in building a following.
  • Unapologetic Nature: Trump’s willingness to take risks and challenge the status quo is admired.
  • Loyalty: His loyalty to his supporters builds reciprocal trust and loyalty.
  • Vision: His vision for the country and willingness to take bold action are seen as essential qualities for a leader.

These qualities reinforce the emotional connection and loyalty of his supporters, making them feel part of a larger movement that champions their values and interests.

Unwavering Commitment: Sentencing and Beliefs

Trump's sentencing is a reflection of his unwavering commitment to his values and principles. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, Trump has remained steadfast in his dedication to these beliefs, a quality that has earned him the admiration and loyalty of many Americans. His supporters view his legal battles as politically motivated attacks on their shared values, reinforcing their determination to stand by him. This resilience is evident in the surge of donations and the large crowds at his rallies, even after his conviction.

Public Perception and Support

Supporters praise Trump for his ability to stay true to his beliefs despite significant adversity. They compare him favorably to other political leaders, noting his unique ability to turn legal and political challenges into rallying cries for his movement. In his public statements, Trump consistently emphasizes themes of perseverance, justice, and fighting against a corrupt establishment.

Legal Team Defends Trump's Integrity

Donald Trump's legal team has steadfastly maintained their commitment to upholding the law and preserving the integrity of the legal process. In the face of numerous accusations, including claims of evidence manipulation and perjury, no credible evidence has been presented to substantiate these allegations. This unwavering defense underscores the team's dedication to ensuring fairness and justice. Their approach reflects a deep commitment to defending not just their client, but the broader principles of justice. This consistency in their defense strategy aims to reassure the public and Trump's supporters that the legal process is being conducted with the utmost integrity.

Ensuring Fairness

The legal team's efforts go beyond just defending Trump; they are also focused on ensuring that the legal proceedings are conducted fairly. This involves challenging any procedural inconsistencies and advocating for a transparent process. Their dedication to fairness aims to fortify the public's trust in the judicial system, particularly among Trump's supporters who view the legal challenges as politically motivated.

Was Trump Being Framed?

Another question often raised by Trump’s supporters is, was Trump being framed? Many of his followers believe that the charges brought against him, particularly in the Manhattan hush money case, are politically motivated. This sentiment is echoed in the HarrisX poll, where 51% of respondents felt the trial was politically motivated. Trump's legal team has consistently argued that the charges are part of a broader effort to undermine his political career. While opinions on this matter are deeply divided along partisan lines, the belief that Trump is being unfairly targeted has strengthened his base's resolve to support him. This perception of being framed fuels the narrative that Trump is fighting against a corrupt political establishment, reinforcing his appeal as an outsider challenging the status quo.

The Future of Trump and His Campaign

With Trump's appeal remaining strong, the question arises: can Trump still be president? Amid the legal challenges, his supporters remain hopeful about his potential comeback in the 2024 election. The Trump campaign 2024 is already gathering momentum, with numerous rallies and events planned to galvanize support. His approval rating continues to be a topic of interest, reflecting his enduring impact on American politics.

Can Trump Still Be President?

Given the mixed approval ratings and the strong support from his base, one might wonder, can Trump still be president? Legally, Trump's conviction does not disqualify him from running for or holding the office of president. The U.S. Constitution does not prohibit a convicted felon from becoming president. Therefore, as long as Trump remains a candidate and secures enough support, there is nothing preventing him from potentially returning to the White House. The strong fundraising numbers and continued rally attendance suggest that his supporters are undeterred by his legal troubles and remain hopeful about his chances in the 2024 election.

Conclusion: Celebrating Trump's Impact

In conclusion, Trump's conviction has not diminished his popularity; instead, it has galvanized his base, drawing them closer together in support of their chosen leader. His ability to connect with voters on a personal level, address their anxieties, and offer a sense of community and purpose remains a cornerstone of his enduring appeal. As long as he continues to embody the qualities his supporters admire and addresses the issues they care about, Trump's influence on American politics will likely persist. With his unwavering spirit and loyal supporters, Trumpism has a promising future ahead. The Trump latest news continues to captivate audiences, and his presidency is remembered for its bold actions and significant impact. As the Trump campaign 2024 progresses, it is clear that Donald Trump's legacy will continue to shape the political landscape for years to come.