Significant changes have occurred since Donald Trump’s initial election to the presidency in 2016, particularly regarding American public sentiment towards him prior to his inauguration. The adage that absence makes the heart grow fonder seems applicable to the former and prospective president, as indicated by a recent poll.
The survey, conducted by CNN and published on Thursday, revealed that 60 percent of Americans believe Trump will perform either a “very good” or “fairly good” job in his upcoming term, while only 43 percent anticipate a “fairly poor” or “very poor” performance, as reported by The Hill.
According to the findings, 55 percent of respondents approve of the president-elect’s management of his transition, with 45 percent expressing disapproval. These figures remain consistent with those from the December version of the survey.
Trump’s favorability ratings are nearly evenly split, with 46 percent of individuals holding a favorable opinion of him, contrasted with 48 percent who view him unfavorably. Despite the Republican Party controlling the House, Senate, and the White House, 53 percent of participants believe this trifecta is detrimental to the nation.
Furthermore, 56 percent of respondents expressed optimism that economic conditions will be either very or somewhat good in a year’s time. The poll also indicated that an impressive 80 percent of participants trust Trump’s commitment to impose tariffs on China, Canada, and Mexico.
In addition, Trump’s official inauguration portrait has been unveiled, which some have described as the most “badass” inauguration photo in history. This image is part of an impressive inauguration ceremony that is set to feature prominent celebrities and CEOs. Bo Loudon, a close associate of Barron Trump, shared the portrait on social media, dubbing it the “most badass photo ever.”
Carrie Underwood and Lee Greenwood are confirmed to perform at Donald Trump’s inauguration, but they are not the only country music artists participating in the celebrations, as reported by CT40.
In addition to Greenwood, who will also take the stage at The Make America Great Again Victory Rally alongside Billy Ray Cyrus, Kid Rock, and The Village People, other notable performances are scheduled. The Village People, known for their hit “YMCA,” will also appear at The Liberty Ball, sharing the spotlight with Jason Aldean and an additional surprise guest. The Commander-in-Chief Ball will feature performances by country artists Parker McCollum and Rascal Flatts.
Furthermore, prominent tech executives such as Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, Sundar Pichai, CEO of Alphabet (Google’s parent company), and Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, are expected to attend the inauguration, according to various reports.
However, Underwood’s decision to perform has drawn criticism from Joy Behar, a co-host of “The View,” who was subsequently challenged by former co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck. Behar expressed her discontent with Underwood’s choice, questioning how one could love their country while supporting someone she described as a convicted felon intent on harming the nation.
In response to the controversy, Underwood stated to the Daily Beast, “I love our country and am honored to have been asked to sing at the Inauguration and to be a small part of this historic event. I am humbled to answer the call at a time when we must all come together in the spirit of unity and looking to the future.” Behar, however, remained adamant in her criticism, making several unfounded claims regarding Underwood and Trump.
Hasselbeck addressed Behar in a post on X, stating, “[Joy Behar] should calm down regarding my friend,” prior to her appearance on Fox News later that Tuesday.
“I would have greatly appreciated the opportunity to be at that table today. They have consistently chosen not to include anyone with a modicum of sense,” she remarked.