President Donald Trump on Monday evening took to Truth Social to highlight polling data about the approval rating of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), even as questions persist around the agency’s public image. In a series of posts, Trump also touted what he described as “the highest poll numbers” he has ever received, saying that Americans support “a strong and powerful Country, with the best economy, EVER!”
In his first post, the president said his current polling marks a high point in his political standing. The statement drew attention because, as the article notes, recent widely shared surveys have tended to show Trump’s overall approval ratings below the 50 percent mark. Nevertheless, Trump insisted the numbers speak for themselves and signal Americans’ endorsement of his leadership.
Shortly after that post, Trump linked to a McLaughlin Poll, underscoring that, in that particular survey, his support “stays solid.” The McLaughlin results also noted that ICE’s favorable rating “has taken a hit,” with 42 percent viewing the agency favorably and 50 percent unfavorably. Among Hispanic voters in that poll, ICE was viewed unfavorably by a 58 percent to 31 percent margin. Trump shared that link as a way to spotlight the dynamics around ICE’s image, even though the article pointed out that the McLaughlin poll diverges from many other recent surveys.
Critics of the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement have seized upon survey findings like this to portray ICE as increasingly unpopular. Trump supporters have countered that negative polling on enforcement agencies can be the product of biased reporting, and the president’s posts reflect a pushback against what he sees as unfair characterizations.
The article also highlights that the McLaughlin poll stands out among a “spate” of recent polls tracked by RealClearPolitics, suggesting that it may not align with the broader polling picture on public attitudes toward ICE or the president. Trump’s decision to highlight the poll, though, suggests he believes it reinforces his narrative that core parts of the electorate back his law-and-order and immigration policies.
In addition to posting on ICE and his own poll numbers, Trump’s commentary reflects the broader national debate over immigration enforcement. Immigration policy and the role of federal agencies have been central themes in political discourse, with strong opinions on both sides of the issue. Supporters of ICE argue that robust enforcement is necessary to uphold national sovereignty and public safety, while critics point to concerns that hardline tactics can alienate communities and damage trust.
Trump’s posts on Truth Social come as both sides of the immigration debate continue to use data and public opinion to bolster their arguments. For his part, the president appears determined to frame the conversation around strength, security, and resilience, leaning on selected poll results that support that framing.
The article does not provide context on specific incidents or detail public reactions beyond the poll and Trump’s posts, but it clearly shows how he is leveraging polling data to defend his immigration agenda and push back against unfavorable coverage.
