Despite criticism for questionable statements and changing policies, Donald Trump’s messaging has not significantly affected his polling numbers.
Trump’s Recent Controversies and Polls
U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump has faced heavy criticism lately for spreading unfounded rumors, changing his policy positions, and making questionable comments about his opponent. Despite weeks of extreme rhetoric, his polling numbers have remained largely unchanged.
A Close Race with Kamala Harris
With just six weeks until Election Day, Trump and Kamala Harris are in a very tight competition, with neither candidate leading by more than five points.
Shifting Political Lines
As they try to gain more supporters, the clear ideological boundaries that have traditionally defined each party are likely to blur in the upcoming weeks. Both candidates have already shown some shifts in their previous positions on issues like abortion and gun control. This election, described as the closest in nearly a century, may hinge on how many unhappy suburban Republicans vote for Harris and how many traditional Democratic voters switch to Trump.
Trump’s Controversial Claims
In September, Trump made several controversial statements, such as falsely claiming that immigrants were eating their neighbors’ pets, warning Jewish voters they would be to blame if he lost, and accusing Harris and the Democrats of provoking assassination attempts against him. He also refused to criticize North Carolina Lt. Governor Mark Robinson, who described himself as a “black Nazi.” Furthermore, Trump has continued to push claims of voter fraud, insisting that the 2020 election was “stolen” from him. Despite these incidents, his support base appears largely unaffected, as national polls show little change.
Accusations Against Immigrants
Republicans have repeatedly accused Haitian immigrants of eating pets in Springfield since Trump made this bizarre claim during a debate with Harris. Despite numerous fact-checks and memes mocking his statement (including a popular video with Olympian Gabby Thomas dancing to a song about it), Trump’s support has remained strong. Unfortunately, this claim has also led to threats against Haitians and local institutions in Springfield, reflecting the darker side of his political strategy.
