Trump says ‘silent majority of people’ support him after polls show low approval rating for him

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump said Friday, January 30, that he believes a ‘silent majority’ of Americans support his policies, even as multiple recent polls show his overall job approval tanking. 

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump, whose approval on key issues remain below 50%, reiterated that his approach to law enforcement and immigration reflects what he said most Americans want, framing his critics as a vocal minority.

On Wednesday, January 28, Fox News released a poll showing that 59% of voters believe the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have been “too aggressive,” and 55% disapprove of Trump’s handling of immigration overall.

Trump claims a ‘solid majority’

The poll by Fox News was conducted after immigration agents in Minneapolis shot and killed two citizens in separate incidents two weeks apart. 

The killings have escalated protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol in the Twin Cities area.

On Friday, January 30, Trump answered questions from reporters in the Oval Office and claimed he is doing exactly what the “silent majority” wants.

“We had 25 million people came in over a period of four years, and now no one comes in,” Trump said of immigration to the US.

“Nobody even tries to come in. And I can only say, think I’ll say it very plainly, elections have consequences. The people want law and order. And we have a solid majority. You know, we have a silent majority of people. They don’t go and riot and everything else. But they like what we’re doing.”

The president went on to brag about deploying the National Guard in Washington, DC, and alleged that the White House receives calls every day from people saying, “I’d like to thank you, Sir… You’ve made Washington so great. We walk to work.”

Polls show Trump’s numbers underwater on major issues

Surveys have consistently shown that Trump’s overall approval rating is well into negative territory.

A recent Fox News survey finds a majority disapproves of how Trump is handling immigration, and a growing number view the ICE’s tactics as "too aggressive," including significant portions of the president’s coalition.

Trump and his allies have frequently dismissed unfavorable polls as biased or unrepresentative, and he has pointed to alternative data sources and anecdotal feedback from supporters.

His “silent majority” comment echoes political rhetoric used historically by presidents to describe voters who do not publicly engage in debates but are presumed to share their views.

On Thursday, a reporter asked Trump about a potential drawdown of immigration agents in Minnesota.

“We’ll do whatever we can to keep our country safe,” Trump said.

“So, you’re not pulling back?” the reporter followed up.

“No, no. Not all,” the president replied.