Trump Boosts Public Engagement Amid 40% Approval Ratings

President Donald Trump, who has spent much of his second term in office either at the White House or at his private club, is now preparing to venture out more frequently to promote his administration's agenda. This shift comes as his approval ratings have dipped below 40%, according to recent polls, and as concerns grow over his economic policies and their potential impact on the economy.

Trump is scheduled to visit Detroit's suburbs on Tuesday to deliver a speech highlighting his administration's achievements since taking office. In May, he plans to deliver commencement speeches at two graduation ceremonies and embark on a trip to the Middle East. These planned outings come at a time when polls indicate that support for his economic plans has waned, and foreign leaders and investors are worried about the potential economic downturn his policies could cause. Trump is also under pressure to secure his first legislative victory, particularly with the tax reform bill.

Trump's routine has been relatively consistent: working days at the White House and weekends at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, where he enjoys golfing and dining with supporters and aides. This pattern has drawn criticism, especially after his full-scale tariff measures triggered market panic and heightened economic anxiety among Americans. Trump's inner circle believes that now is the perfect time for him to "get back on the road," rally his supporters, and promote his policy agenda.

According to a poll conducted by the Washington Post and ABC News, only 39% of Americans approve of Trump's job performance, down from 45% in February. A recent Fox News poll identified inflation and tariffs as the two issues most negatively impacting Trump's approval ratings. A CNN poll found that fewer than 40% of Americans approve of his handling of the economy.

Trump's first overseas trip of his second term was an unexpected visit to the Vatican for the funeral of Pope Francis. During this trip, he briefly met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss the Russia-Ukraine conflict before returning to his residence in New Jersey. Trump's reluctance to leave his comfort zone has raised questions about whether he is missing opportunities to reassure the public and avoid being portrayed as detached from the people.

One notable example occurred earlier this month when, following the announcement of new tariffs on April 2, the stock market plummeted, and Trump chose to attend a dinner with members of the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Tour in South Florida and participate in a club championship. Mike Dubke, Trump's first White House communications director, noted that while Trump has the ability to dominate cable news, frequent in-person visits to various locations might not be as crucial for him as they are for other presidents. However, Dubke also pointed out that Trump's connection with ordinary Americans could be weakened when he stays at Mar-a-Lago for extended periods.

According to data compiled by White House reporters and media outlets, by April 29, Trump had made a total of 13 domestic trips outside the Washington, D.C. area, including visits to his residence. In his first week in office, he traveled to North Carolina and California to survey damage from hurricanes and wildfires, attended a rally in Las Vegas, and visited Miami. Since then, his travels have primarily been to his private club in South Florida, a historic estate built by Marjorie Merriweather Post and purchased by Trump in 1985. He has visited the area nine times and twice to a golf club in New Jersey.

A White House official noted that the 78-year-old Trump does not seem eager to schedule many trips during his second term, especially since world leaders and business executives are willing to visit him in Washington or Palm Beach if needed. Trump's golf outings, dinners, and meetings with allies and donors are often conducted behind closed doors. He has attended various sporting events, including the Super Bowl, NASCAR's Daytona 500, the NCAA wrestling championships, and the UFC.

On Tuesday, Trump will visit the automotive manufacturing center in Macomb County, Michigan, to celebrate his 100th day in office and deliver a speech. The region is home to many blue-collar workers whom Trump claims to protect through tariffs. A Trump advisor hopes to see the president engage more with the public, possibly through a series of events promoting the tax cut plan, which is more popular with voters. The advisor believes that Trump gains energy from interacting with supporters at signature rallies, and these events sometimes inspire new policy ideas.

Consumer confidence has declined in Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, states that Trump won in the last election. Although Michigan's confidence index improved in April, Pennsylvania's index has dropped significantly since December. Employment has decreased in Georgia and Nevada, states that Trump won in the last election. Unemployment rates have risen in Arizona, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.

Many of Trump's allies believe he does not need to travel personally to convey his message, such as visiting a manufacturing plant in Wisconsin. Another advisor noted that Trump can attract significant attention without leaving the White House. Every time the president speaks to the media, it is broadcast live on cable news channels, as it was during the cabinet meeting this month. This advisor pointed out that Trump is focused on working at the White House, and his busy schedule is evident to Americans. Cabinet officials have traveled across the country and appeared in local media.

White House spokesperson Anna Kelly stated that Trump has signed over 100 executive orders and engaged with blue-collar workers, educators, parents, and families through numerous events. He regularly answers questions from local and national media, bringing the entire nation closer to the nation's capital. Conant noted that arranging presidential trips is logistically complex and that staying in the White House can sometimes be more efficient. However, he added that it is easy to fall into the trap of communicating only with the media in the Oval Office.