Former MSNBC host Chris Matthews delivered a stark assessment of President Donald Trump’s political standing during a recent interview, challenging widespread polling data and asserting that he believes the country continues to gravitate toward the current administration despite reported declining approval ratings.
Speaking with journalist Charlie Rose on Saturday during “A Charlie Rose Global Conversation,” Matthews dismissed recent polls showing Trump’s approval ratings hovering between 37% and 41% according to Gallup and CNN, respectively. The former “Hardball” host expressed skepticism about these figures, stating, “To be honest with you, the country is moving towards Trump!”
Matthews, who departed MSNBC in 2020, argued that Trump maintains a stronger public presence than Democratic leaders. He indicated that while former President Barack Obama possesses tremendous charisma, Trump demonstrates a different kind of strength that resonates with voters seeking a strong presidential figure. According to Matthews, this strength transcends traditional polling metrics and reflects a deeper cultural connection with American voters.
The former television host praised Trump’s political instincts and ability to understand the American public’s concerns and insecurities. Matthews suggested that Trump possesses an intuitive grasp of current events and cultural moments, comparing his awareness to knowing whether a movie sequel would succeed. He contrasted this with former President Joe Biden and former Democratic presidential candidate Walter Mondale, indicating they lacked the same cultural connectivity that Trump demonstrates.
Recent polling data from multiple organizations contradicts Matthews’ assessment. A July Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll placed Trump’s approval rating at 40%, lower than other recent presidents during the beginning of their second terms. These figures represent a continuation of declining approval ratings that have persisted throughout the current administration.
Despite overall declining approval numbers, Trump maintains strong support within his Republican base. According to CNN polling, 88% of Republican voters continue backing the President, while Quinnipiac puts that figure at 90%. These numbers represent slight increases from previous surveys, demonstrating Trump’s enduring appeal among his core constituency.
Trump himself has referenced these strong Republican numbers as evidence of his continued political strength. On July 20, he posted on Truth Social that his poll numbers within the Republican Party and MAGA movement had increased significantly. He claimed these figures reached between 90% and 95% across various polls, describing them as Republican Party records.
Matthews’ Saturday comments represent a continuation of his occasional praise for Trump’s political abilities since leaving MSNBC. In April, the former host appeared on “Morning Joe” and commended the administration’s approach toward elite universities, particularly regarding their handling of campus demonstrations. He described the administration’s targeting of university grant money as a smart strategic move that sent an appropriate message to the country.
The former “Hardball” host retired from MSNBC in March 2020 following complaints about his interactions with guests and staff members. During his farewell broadcast, Matthews acknowledged that workplace standards had evolved and apologized for past comments that were no longer acceptable by contemporary standards.
Matthews has since returned to the media through Substack, where he revived his “Hardball” program as an independent venture. The subscription-based platform has attracted several former television news personalities who have launched their own shows after departing traditional cable networks.
The contrast between Matthews’ assessment and current polling data highlights ongoing debates about Trump’s actual political standing. While traditional polling organizations consistently report declining approval ratings, Trump and his supporters continue asserting that these metrics fail to capture his genuine popularity among American voters.
Matthews’ analysis focuses particularly on Trump’s cultural awareness and ability to connect with voter concerns in real time. He suggested that Trump’s constant media consumption and immediate responsiveness to current events provide him with advantages that other politicians lack, enabling him to maintain relevance and influence despite negative polling trends.