The mainstream media doesn’t hand out wins to Trump very often. But now they can’t help but do so.
And an ex-MSNBC powerhouse just came out in support of Donald Trump.
Chris Matthews Champions Trump’s Enduring Appeal
Former MSNBC host Chris Matthews asserted that President Donald Trump is gaining widespread support among Americans, challenging recent polls that indicate declining approval ratings.
Speaking to journalist Charlie Rose, Matthews declared, “To be honest with you, the country is moving towards Trump,” dismissing Gallup and CNN polls showing Trump’s approval at 37% and 41%, respectively.
He argued, “These polls, they come out and show him not doing well — I don’t buy that. His strength is still greater than the Democratic strength. He is a stronger public figure than the Democratic people.”
Matthews contrasted Trump’s commanding presence with former President Barack Obama’s charisma, stating, “Trump has strength. And I think that’s what all voters look for. They want a president who is a strong figure. And he’s got it. It’s just there. And half the country buys it.”
Polls Reflect Mixed Public Sentiment
Recent surveys paint a more complex picture, with an Associated Press-NORC Center poll from July placing Trump’s approval at 40%, lower than other second-term presidents at similar points.
Gallup and CNN polls similarly reflect a dip, with disapproval rates hovering above 50%, a decline from earlier in his term.
However, Trump’s support within the Republican Party remains strong, with CNN reporting 88% GOP approval and Quinnipiac noting 90%, a slight increase from prior surveys.
Trump emphasized this resilience on Truth Social, stating, “My Poll Numbers within the Republican Party, and MAGA, have gone up, significantly, since the Jeffrey Epstein Hoax was exposed by the Radical Left Democrats and, just plain ‘troublemakers.’”
Trump’s Handling of Epstein Case and Public Perception
The Epstein case has intensified scrutiny of Trump’s administration, with the Department of Justice and FBI concluding in July that Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide in 2019 and had no incriminating client list.
Trump has dismissed ongoing speculation as a “hoax” driven by political opponents, leveraging his strong GOP support to counter criticism.
Matthews’ comments align with Trump’s narrative, suggesting that his decisive leadership style resonates with voters seeking strength over divisive controversies.
Matthews Praises Trump’s Strategic Moves
Matthews previously commended Trump’s handling of Harvard University’s alleged antisemitism issues, stating in April that the administration was “smart” to target the school’s grant funding, saying it sent the right message amid rising antisemitism concerns.
This marks a shift for the left-leaning former host, who left MSNBC in 2020 after decades on “Hardball.”
