Trump’s worst political instincts are on full display

As the 2026 midterms approach, President Donald Trump is drawing criticism, in CNN's analysis, for pushing positions that polling shows most Americans reject. Two ideas have already been dropped: spending millions in taxpayer money on ads promoting him, which Trump now says campaign funds would cover, and broadcasting the execution of Nidal Hasan, which he said Thursday will not happen. A Washington Post-ABC News poll found registered voters opposed the broadcast 80%-19%, and a Reuters-Ipsos survey found 89%-9% calling the ads inappropriate.

CNN reports that at rallies Wednesday in Arizona and Montana, Trump kept returning to other unpopular themes. He promoted his new trade fight with Canada, said Canada would become the 51st state, and compared that to Greenland. Polls cited put disapproval of his Greenland handling at 72% and of his Canada tariffs at 57%-20% opposed. About 7 in 10 disapprove of him on tariffs generally, according to Fox News, AP-NORC and CNN surveys.

Trump also insisted the economy is thriving, saying tariffs do not cause inflation. Yet Pew found 42% rate the economy poor, and wholesale inflation in September hit a four-year high. CNN concludes his choices look driven by impulse rather than political strategy.

Summarized by PolitiKool from CNN’s reporting. Read the full story at CNN →