Congress’ Disapproval Rating Hits Record High, Poll Reveals
Polling data reveals a startling reality: more Americans doubt the authenticity of the moon landings than express approval for Congress. A mere 10 percent of the population is satisfied with the performance of lawmakers, while a staggering 86 percent disapprove, matching the historical peak recorded in 2013, according to a recent Gallup survey.
On Wednesday, data analyst Harry Enten from CNN dissected these figures, noting a four-point drop in congressional approval since March. “You know, I just want to say to Congress, stand up and applaud. You’re usually hated, but usually not this hated. You’re reaching, or at least tying, record highs in terms of disapproval,” Enten remarked.
He continued, “Just 10 percent of Americans approve of the job that Congress is doing. So therefore, as I said, stand up and give yourselves a round of applause. You managed to do it. Congratulations.” The gravity of these numbers prompted anchor Sara Sidner to seek further context.
Enten referenced Gallup data indicating that 12 percent of Americans believe the Apollo 11 moon landing was staged, while 10 percent maintain that the Earth is flat. “More Americans say that the moon landing was fake back in 1969 than actually approve of the job that Congress is doing right now at 10 percent,” he stated. “That 10 percent is equal to the percentage of Americans that believe that the Earth is flat. Of course, we did not fake the moon landing. We did land on the moon.”
Sidner responded with laughter but quickly pivoted to inquire about potential remedies for Congress' dismal approval ratings. “They can actually do something, do something, do something. Then maybe people might actually like it,” Enten suggested.
Gallup's analysis highlights that significant spikes in congressional disapproval often coincide with government shutdowns or threats thereof. The current Department of Homeland Security shutdown has now extended into its tenth week.
This survey emerges amidst a series of scandals plaguing Congress and a notable stagnation in legislative productivity. Earlier this month, California Democrat Rep. Eric Swalwell and Texas Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales left Congress under a cloud of disgrace following allegations of sexual misconduct. Additionally, Florida Republican Rep. Cory Mills is currently facing an active House Ethics investigation for similar allegations.
Last year marked a historic low for legislative output, with fewer than 40 bills signed into law during the first year of a modern presidency, further underscoring the challenges facing lawmakers today.
