RNC Chairman Highlights Trump’s Primary Wins Amid Low Approval Ratings

The chairman of the Republican National Committee (RNC), Joe Gruters, emphasized President Donald Trump’s recent primary victories despite reports of low approval ratings among party members. A Fox News poll indicated that over 60% of respondents disapproved of Trump’s job performance. Gruters countered this by citing Trump’s success in Republican primaries as evidence of his support within the party. He stated, "He is well-supported by the party base, and the base loves the president." Other polls, such as one from the American Research Group, also reflected weak approval numbers for Trump, with 64% disapproving of his performance. Economic factors, including rising gas prices averaging $4.46 per gallon and inflation at 3.5%, have been concerns for voters. Despite these challenges, Trump has maintained influence within the GOP, with several of his endorsed candidates winning recent primaries. RNC spokeswoman Kiersten Pels remarked that Americans are rejecting Democratic policies while supporting Trump-backed candidates. Notably, Trump-endorsed candidate Ken Paxton won against incumbent Sen. John Cornyn in Texas's Republican Senate primary. Trump later expressed a conciliatory tone towards Cornyn, stating he would remain friends. In contrast, Trump criticized Sen. Bill Cassidy after Cassidy's primary loss, accusing him of disloyalty.