CNN senior data reporter Harry Enten made headlines Tuesday by declaring that President Donald Trump is “more beloved” among Republican voters than any other GOP president in recent decades — including Ronald Reagan.
According to Enten’s data, five months into his second term, Trump holds a 63% approval rating among Republican voters — higher than the GOP approval ratings of George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush, or even Trump himself during his first term. Reagan, who saw a bump in support following a 1981 assassination attempt, still didn’t surpass the 60% mark.
“This is history-making,” Enten said on-air. “Donald Trump beats Ronald Reagan when it comes to ‘strongly approve’ numbers five months in. He’s more beloved by the GOP base than any president since Reagan, maybe ever.”
Trump’s enduring popularity stems in part from fulfilling his campaign promises on immigration. Since returning to office in 2025, illegal border crossings have plummeted — with a reported 99% drop in migrant encounters and a 95% decline in “gotaways.” ICE made over 100,000 arrests in Trump’s first five months.
The economic front has also seen improvement under Trump. Inflation hit a four-year low, with the Consumer Price Index rising just 2.3% year-over-year in April. The Senate is now reviewing Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” that would eliminate taxes on tips and overtime.
Trump’s endorsement remains a decisive factor in GOP primaries. Enten noted that candidates backed by Trump win their primaries over 95% of the time. “You go against Donald Trump, to quote the movie Good Burger, you go in the grinder,” Enten joked.
The president has also used his popularity as a weapon, recently turning on Republicans who opposed his spending bill. Trump called out Reps. Thomas Massie and Warren Davidson, and Sen. Thom Tillis — who abruptly announced his retirement after Trump threatened to support a challenger in North Carolina.
With immigration under control, inflation slowing, and his grip on the Republican base stronger than ever, Trump continues to reshape the party in his image — and shows no sign of slowing down.