President Trump’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic is receiving poor grades from the public.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll, taken June 22-23, finds that only 37% of the public approves of Trump’s handling of the pandemic. A New York Times/Siena College survey, conducted from June 8-22, shows that only 38% approve.
Trump’s approach to the pandemic has been widely criticized. Over the weekend, he caused more controversy when he suggested at his Tulsa rally that the United States should slow down testing for the coronavirus. His aides said he was joking, but on Monday, Trump said he wasn’t kidding.
Respondents seem to be more interested in safety over the economy. By 55%-34%, the public thought the federal government’s priority should be containing the coronavirus versus reopening the economy, according to the New York Times/Siena poll, a stance at odds with Trump’s push to resume commerce.
The Times poll also shows Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden with a large lead over Trump, 50%-36%. Biden has a 10-point lead in the Reuters poll.
Respondents also dislike Trump’s handling of the George Floyd protests. Sixty-two percent of respondents in the Times survey said they disapprove to 29% who approve.
The one bright spot for Trump is the economy. The Times poll shows that 50% approve of his handling of the economy to 45% who disapprove.
