Former MSNBC host Chris Matthews made waves during a recent interview when he contended that President Donald Trump maintains a stronger political appeal than current polling suggests, directly challenging widespread surveys showing declining approval ratings for the commander-in-chief.
Speaking with journalist Charlie Rose on Saturday during “A Charlie Rose Global Conversation,” Matthews dismissed recent polling data from major organizations. “To be honest with you, the country is moving towards Trump,” he declared, expressing skepticism about surveys from Gallup and CNN that placed Trump’s approval ratings at 37 percent and 41 percent, respectively.
The former “Hardball” host, who departed MSNBC in March 2020, argued that Trump possesses superior political strength compared to Democratic leadership. Matthews indicated that Trump’s influence stems from his ability to project strength, which he believes resonates with American voters seeking strong presidential leadership.
According to Matthews, Trump demonstrates exceptional political instincts and cultural awareness that other politicians lack. He suggested that Trump possesses an intuitive understanding of public sentiment and timing that enables him to connect with voters in ways that previous Democratic leaders, including former President Joe Biden and Walter Mondale, could not achieve.
The television personality praised Trump’s spontaneous nature and ability to gauge public mood in real-time. Matthews described Trump as someone who remains constantly aware of cultural developments and can adjust his approach accordingly, citing this as a significant political advantage over opponents who lack similar instincts.
Matthews acknowledged that former President Barack Obama retains considerable charisma but emphasized that Trump’s appeal centers on projecting strength rather than charm. He estimated that approximately half the country responds positively to Trump’s leadership style, despite polling data suggesting otherwise.
Recent polling from multiple organizations presents a different picture of Trump’s standing. The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research conducted a July survey placing Trump’s approval rating at 40 percent, which falls below typical ratings for presidents during their second terms. These numbers reflect broader public sentiment after six months into Trump’s current term.
However, Trump maintains strong support within his Republican base, with CNN polling showing 88 percent approval among GOP voters. Quinnipiac University reported even higher Republican support at 90 percent, representing a slight increase from previous surveys.
Trump recently highlighted these Republican approval numbers as evidence of his continued political strength, particularly amid scrutiny regarding his administration’s handling of Jeffrey Epstein-related matters. He posted on Truth Social about his poll numbers within the Republican Party and MAGA movement increasing significantly since what he characterized as the “Jeffrey Epstein Hoax.”
This recent commentary represents a continuation of Matthews’ occasional praise for Trump since leaving MSNBC. In April, Matthews commended the Trump administration’s approach toward Harvard University regarding allegations of campus antisemitism. He described the administration’s decision to target the university’s grant funding as a smart strategy that sent an appropriate message during a period of heightened antisemitic incidents.
Matthews’ departure from MSNBC occurred following workplace controversies related to inappropriate comments about women over several years. During his final broadcast in March 2020, he apologized for past remarks about women’s appearances that he acknowledged were never appropriate, citing evolving workplace standards and generational changes in acceptable behavior.
The veteran broadcaster has since returned to media through Substack, where he revived his “Hardball” program in April 2025. The platform has attracted numerous former television news personalities seeking independent venues for political commentary and analysis.
Matthews’ current assessment of Trump’s political position contradicts conventional polling wisdom but reflects his long-standing reputation for political analysis. His comments come as various news organizations continue monitoring Trump’s approval ratings and political positioning ahead of future electoral considerations.