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Trump's Approval Rises Amid Ongoing Government Shutdown Protests

10/21/2025

43 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

As the U.S. government shutdown enters its third week, a CNN analysis shows President Donald J. Trump’s net approval up one point.
Forty-eight percent of Americans blame him for the shutdown, down from sixty-one percent during the 2018 shutdown.
Disapproval among male voters rose from 45 percent in August to 53 percent in October.
Protests have erupted nationwide, with thousands participating in the "No Kings" demonstrations.

History

Historical Context

The 2018 U.S. government shutdown, lasting 35 days, was the longest in history, triggered by a dispute over funding for a border wall proposed by President Donald Trump. This impasse reflected deepening political polarization, as 380,000 federal workers were furloughed. The shutdown's aftermath saw a significant decline in public trust, mirroring sentiments from previous shutdowns, such as the 21-day deadlock in 1995-1996.

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Story summary

As the U.S. government shutdown enters its third week, a CNN analysis shows President Donald J. Trump’s net approval up one point.
Forty-eight percent of Americans blame him for the shutdown, down from sixty-one percent during the 2018 shutdown.
Disapproval among male voters rose from 45 percent in August to 53 percent in October.
Protests have erupted nationwide, with thousands participating in the "No Kings" demonstrations.

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