Polls show Mr Trump leading by about 40 points over Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, his most serious rival for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination.
Still, CNN reports that Trump’s other Republican rivals are hesitant or even willing to attack him in order to nullify this advantage. The data from the latest surveys partly explains this.
While some have suffered a drop in popularity, others – gaining points in primary polls – most do not mention Mr Trump and some even praise him.
Former President Donald Trump. Photo: AP
CNN cited the fate of “an opponent who previously strongly attacked Trump” – former New Jersey governor Chris Christie. He is building a record of being unpopular among Republicans.
According to the latest survey by Quinnipiac University (USA), Christie’s favorite level is currently -44 points. Surprisingly, 61% of Republican voters have a negative view of Mr. Christie.
The former New Jersey governor, seen as an adversary of Mr Trump, is not the only person with poor approval ratings among the Republican presidential candidates.
Former Arkansas governor Asa Hutchinson – who has called on Republicans to oust Mr Trump – was the only presidential candidate last week not to take the stage when the candidates were asked whether they would support Mr Trump. So he didn’t raise his hand. Mr. Hutchinson has a favorite rating of -18 points.
Former Texas congressman Will Hurd, who is also a critic of Mr Trump, received only 4% approval and 11% disapproval.
According to CNN, Mr. Trump is always praised by nearly 80% of Republicans and more than 50% have a “very strong” rating.
Unlike opponents who attacked Mr Trump, those who did not address the former president or express support for him fared better.
For example, Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina received 49% approval and only 8% disapproval in a Quinnipiac University poll.
Another Republican candidate, Ohio businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, praised Trump endlessly, even promising to pardon the former president (if he is found guilty in federal court) after he is elected to the House. White. About 39% of Republicans polled have a favorable view of Mr. Ramaswamy.
