Dems Gain Ground as Trump’s Net Approval Drops After Shutdown

New polling analysis from CNN’s Harry Enten shows Democrats emerging from the shutdown in a stronger political position, while Donald Trump’s approval rating has slipped to one of its lowest points of his second term.

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Enten reports that Trump’s net approval has fallen from –10 points before the shutdown to –15 points now, based on aggregate polling data. He says the numbers make it “clear Democrats won the shutdown.”

Democrats also appear to have expanded their edge in the generic congressional ballot. Before the shutdown, Democrats held roughly a 3-point lead, and polling now shows that margin widening. Some likely-voter samples show the advantage increasing even more.

Enten also notes that policy fallout could further benefit Democrats: ACA subsidy extensions still have majority public support, with polling showing around 70% of Americans favor continuing the subsidies. If Republicans block an extension, Democrats would be positioned to use the issue as political leverage heading into 2026.

The broader takeaway from Enten’s analysis is that the shutdown has shifted public sentiment against the GOP at a critical moment. With Trump’s approval sliding and Democrats gaining ballot strength, the political cost of the standoff appears to be falling disproportionately on Republicans.