Source: Fortune
Summary
President Donald Trump is turning 80 and is trying to project strength despite mounting political problems at home and abroad. He will host a $60 million Ultimate Fighting Championship event on the White House South Lawn and has made public appearances at high-profile sporting events. However, his political capital is declining, and polls show his support outside his devoted base is waning. Trump has expressed confidence in public, but privately, he is frustrated, and his age and abilities are being questioned.
Our Reading
The numbers tell one story.
Trump’s efforts to project strength, such as hosting the UFC event, can’t hide his declining political capital. His public appearances have been met with boos and criticism, and his age and abilities are being questioned. Despite this, Trump continues to make superlative statements about his health and negotiating abilities.
His team is aggressively pushing back against questions about his health, and Trump’s alpha-male roadshow has focused on topics other than the economic impact of the war in Iran.
The president’s approval rating has dropped consistently for months, and Republicans running in midterm elections are battling heavy headwinds with unhappy voters.
Trump’s approach to his birthday is vastly different from past presidential celebrations, which have ranged from quiet family gatherings to celebrity-studded fundraisers.
He’s still in the Oval Office working hard for the American people – or so his Communications Director says.
Author: Evan Null
