CNN Analyst Declares ‘Winner’ of Government Shutdown
CNN analyst Harry Enten declared that the recent government shutdown was politically advantageous for the Democrats, particularly as they gear up for the 2026 midterms. Enten, the network’s chief data correspondent, noted a significant decline in Donald Trump’s approval ratings in the wake of the 43-day shutdown.
Trump’s Approval Ratings Plummet
Following the shutdown, Trump’s net approval rating dropped from -10% to a historic low of -15%. This marked the lowest approval rating of his second term. Enten highlighted this decline as an indicator of Trump’s diminishing political clout.
Democrats Gain Momentum
In contrast, Enten pointed out that Democrats have experienced a resurgence in their popularity. Their lead in the generic congressional ballot has grown from three points pre-shutdown to five points now. This shift demonstrates a clear advantage for the Democrats as they prepare for upcoming electoral challenges.
- Pre-shutdown Democratic lead: 3 points
- Post-shutdown Democratic lead: 5 points
- In a recent Marquette University Law School poll, the lead increased to 9 points among likely voters.
Political Implications for 2026
Enten emphasized that these developments present a favorable outlook for Democrats heading into the midterms. Their improved standing suggests a strong potential for electoral gains. The analyst linked these trends to previous successes in Democratic performance in special elections earlier this year.
Trump’s Public Statements
Despite his declining ratings, Trump claimed to have achieved the “highest poll numbers of my career” through a series of posts on Truth Social. However, he did not provide any evidence to substantiate this assertion. As political tides shift, scrutiny of both parties will increase as the 2026 elections approach.
As these dynamics unfold, the focus will remain on how both Trump and the Democratic Party adapt to the changing landscape. The government shutdown’s outcome could set the tone for the political battles ahead.
