As the country grapples with the spread of the coronavirus, more Americans say approve President Donald Trump’s handling of the job.
According to a new Gallup poll released on Tuesday, 49% of Americans say they approve of Trump’s handling of the job — the highest approval rating Trump has received in a Gallup poll.
Trump previously received a 49% approval rating in February around the time the Senate voted to acquit him of two impeachment charges.
His approval ratings among Independents rose eight points to 43% since last week. Meanwhile, his approval among Democrats ticked up from 7% to 13%.
It’s not unusual for presidents to see a boost in their approval ratings, as Gallup notes, “Historically, presidential job approval has increased when the nation is under threat.”
“During these rallies, independents and supporters of the opposing party to the president typically show heightened support for the commander in chief,” the polling outlet noted.
While Trump’s approval rating jump is not as high as rallies past presidents have seen during times of crisis, Gallup suggests, “Significant rally effects appear to be a relic of the past as political polarization in presidential approval ratings has reached new levels.”
Other leaders around the world saw an increase in their approval rating as well as they handle coronavirus outbreaks in their countries. French President Emmanuel Macron saw a 13-point increase in his approval ratings as his country has grappled with the coronavirus.