There is so much to be said about Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 presidential election. I’m sure you’ve probably noticed that this year, things just seem different. And you’d be right. Recent polling shows there’s been a dramatic shift in how Americans perceive the Trump transition compared to eight years ago.
CNN’s Harry Enten shared insights that highlight the significant change in public sentiment, suggesting a new era of optimism surrounding Trump’s leadership.
“Take a look here,” Enten began, pointing to data from November 2016. At that time, Trump's net approval during his transition was only "plus one point." Enten emphasized, “That was well, well, well below the historical norm.” Fast forward to today, and Trump’s approval during this transitional phase has skyrocketed to +18—a remarkable 17-point increase. “The bottom line is this: if eight years ago Americans were lukewarm on Donald Trump, at this particular point, they’re giving him much more of the benefit of the doubt,” Enten noted. “A lot more Americans are in love with this transition.”
And then there's his numbers with young people. Would you believe that 65% of voters under 30 approve of the Trump transition?
Trump is as popular with the youth today as Obama was in 2008. Seismic shift. https://t.co/Yd7Cuypm8t
— Dr. Ben Braddock (@GraduatedBen) November 24, 2024
Not only has public perception improved, but attitudes toward Trump’s upcoming presidency have also undergone a striking transformation. “Eight years ago, 53% of Americans were scared or concerned… Now, the shoe is on the other foot,” Enten explained. Today, 53% of Americans say they are “excited or optimistic,” signaling a “flip flop” from the apprehension many felt in 2016.
This newfound optimism isn’t just about the transition. As Enten explained, “it’s not just that they like what Donald Trump is doing right now. They’re optimistic for the future.” Compared to eight years ago, when skepticism and fear dominated, Americans are now more hopeful about Trump’s ability to lead effectively.
Interestingly, this shift in sentiment extends beyond Trump’s supporters. According to Enten, Democrats—who were fervently opposed to Trump in 2016—seem to have softened, albeit from a place of fatigue. “I think one word to describe Democrats now is just they’re exhausted; they’re tired,” Enten remarked. He attributed this to Trump’s unique ability to wear out his opposition. Today, only 44% of Democrats are motivated to oppose Trump, with the majority either indifferent or, surprisingly, somewhat supportive.
The data illustrates a seismic shift in American politics. Enten concluded, “This is really a very different picture from eight years ago. The American folks are much more behind Donald Trump than they were back in November of 2016.”
JUST IN: CNN analyst breaks down 17-point surge for President-elect Donald Trump compared to 2016.
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) November 25, 2024
"You go back to Nov. 2016 - look at this. He was just +1 point. That was WELL below the historical norm. Look at where we are today - significantly higher. +18 points. That's 17… pic.twitter.com/R45IWlrExn
It's really feeling good to be on Team Trump!
