During a Tennessee rally, President Donald Trump joked that supporters would applaud “the stupidest things,” reflecting his confidence in his stronghold on the GOP base. This comes as some polls indicate voters want Republican candidates to distance themselves from Trump ahead of the midterm elections. At the event supporting Senator Bill Hagerty and gubernatorial candidate Marsha Blackburn, Trump underscored his popularity and encouraged his audience to vote in the midterms.
What the Polls Show on Trump
Trump’s remarks coincide with new polling suggesting potential challenges for Republican enthusiasm. A POLITICO/PF Global poll revealed that 26% of Trump’s 2024 supporters believe candidates should distance themselves from him to succeed in the upcoming elections. Furthermore, a Reuters/Ipsos poll found that only 30% of Trump’s 2024 backers were ‘very enthusiastic’ about voting in the midterms, compared to 48% of Kamala Harris’s supporters.
A Pew Research Center poll indicated a decline in Trump’s approval among his 2024 voters, dropping to 67% from previous figures. Meanwhile, Republican strategist Charlie Gerow noted these polls increase the importance of turnout efforts, though he predicts the enthusiasm gap might narrow with Democrats potentially gaining power.
Despite some erosion, Trump’s approval among Republicans remains high. Surveys from the summer reflected approval rates around 80% or more, with different polls by Emerson, Economist/YouGov, and Reuters/Ipsos showing similar figures. The latest Pew survey maintained confidence in Trump’s decision-making on immigration among 77% of Republican and Republican-leaning independents.
Trump’s Response to Criticism
In his Tennessee speech, Trump dismissed claims that his presence might harm Republican candidates. He argued their association with him is beneficial, citing his enduring popularity. Trump humorously noted the positive reception he experiences at rallies, claiming even when saying seemingly foolish things, the crowd applauds.
“But we don’t say the stupidest things. We say things of common sense,” Trump added, ensuring the clarity of his intentions.
Newsweek sought a comment from the White House regarding these remarks.
Trump’s Tennessee Talking Points
Throughout his nearly two-hour speech, Trump reinforced the link between his political brand and Republican victories. He questioned his presence in Tennessee, a state where he’s performed well previously, highlighting his influence across various states like Texas and New York.
His visit was a gesture of gratitude towards Tennessee supporters who voted for him multiple times. Besides discussing local politics, Trump addressed topics like transgender inclusion in women’s sports, suggested renaming geographic locations, and proposed his ‘$5,000 Trump dividend,’ aiming to deliver direct payments to Americans should Republicans keep Congress.
The Importance of Enthusiasm for Midterms
A CBS News/YouGov poll pointed to the implications of voter turnout on November 3. The battleground tracker suggested Democrats might hold an edge due to opposition to Trump’s policies and a less enthusiastic Republican base. According to the poll, Republicans risk losing their congressional edge without substantial voter turnout.
Focus on cost-of-living issues remains crucial, as seen in voters’ priorities in the CBS poll. Trump’s perceived lack of attention to prices might discourage Republican voters, implying a dual challenge of addressing voters’ concerns and motivating supporters to participate in the elections.
For Democrats, these trends highlight potential opportunities to mobilize voters in competitive races.
Story produced by Newsweek’s team using Martyn, our AI assistant. For more insights on U.S. politics and the 2026 elections, subscribe to Newsweek’s Midterms Monitor newsletter.
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