In a recent CNBC interview, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson drew attention by stating that former President Donald Trump holds a “90 percent approval rating.” The comment quickly made waves, especially among Trump supporters, but national polling data tells a more complex story.

According to a CNN poll released on July 17, 42 percent of Americans say they support Trump, while only 37 percent believe he sets the right goals for the country—an important indicator of public confidence in his leadership. A Reuters/Ipsos survey similarly placed approval for Trump’s policies at 41 percent among registered voters. Meanwhile, The Economist/YouGov reported a 55 percent disapproval rating. Even Rasmussen Reports, which often shows more favorable numbers for Republicans, placed Trump’s approval among likely voters at 50 percent—far from the 90 percent cited by Johnson.

So where does the 90 percent figure come from?

A closer look at the CNN data reveals that 88 percent of self-identified Republicans said they approve of Trump. Johnson appears to have rounded that number up to 90 percent and presented it as a national metric. While the figure is accurate within the Republican Party, applying it to the general public is misleading. It overlooks the sharp political divide that shapes Trump’s national approval and gives the impression of broader support than the data shows.

Historically, Trump’s approval ratings have remained steady but polarized. He did not experience the traditional “honeymoon” period seen by past presidents. For comparison, Bill Clinton once reached 66 percent approval, Barack Obama peaked at 59 percent, and Ronald Reagan at 63 percent. The highest recorded approval in modern history came after the September 11 attacks, when George W. Bush briefly reached 90 percent. On the other end of the spectrum, Richard Nixon’s approval dropped to 24 percent during the Watergate scandal.

Trump’s base remains highly engaged and loyal, and that support continues to shape Republican primaries. However, broader public opinion is more divided. Among independent and moderate voters—who often determine the outcome of national elections—Trump’s ratings are consistently lower.

As the 2026 election cycle approaches, Johnson’s statement highlights an important distinction: While Trump remains a dominant figure within his party, national approval ratings tell a different story. Understanding that difference is essential to interpreting political momentum and voter sentiment across the country.