Why Trump’s Approval Holds While Congress Sinks During the Shutdown

 Why Trump’s Approval Holds 

While Congress Sinks During the Shutdown

Three weeks into the government shutdown, the latest Gallup and Washington Post polls tell a mixed story. President Donald Trump’s approval rating sits at around 41%, barely changed despite weeks of political deadlock. Congress, meanwhile, has slipped to just 15%, its lowest point in months.

The numbers show something important about American politics in 2025: the country isn’t shifting sides much anymore. Trump’s supporters seem unmoved by the shutdown, while his critics are just as firm in their disapproval. It’s less about events and more about identity now.

For Congress, the picture is harsher. The shutdown has exposed deep divisions between parties, and between voters and their representatives. Many Americans say they blame both sides, but more point to the 

White House and Republican leaders for the impasse.

Outside the U.S., this political gridlock adds uncertainty for markets and allies. Delays in trade talks, defence budgets, and aid programs ripple outward, reminding the world how much global policy depends on Washington functioning smoothly.

The story behind these polls isn’t only about popularity.

It’s about fatigue. After years of sharp polarisation, Americans seem resigned to political stalemate. Approval doesn’t rise or fall—it just hardens.

As the shutdown drags on, the question isn’t whether Trump’s approval will fall. It’s whether anyone in Washington can still break through the noise long enough to rebuild trust.