Trump Mocks Concerns Over His Popularity, Says Supporters Would Clap at ‘Stupidest Things’
US President Donald Trump has taken a swipe at concerns over his popularity, joking that his supporters would applaud him even if he made what he described as “the stupidest” remarks.
Trump made the statement on Saturday while addressing supporters at a campaign rally in Clarksville, Tennessee, in support of Republican Senator Bill Hagerty and gubernatorial candidate Marsha Blackburn.
The president used the occasion to defend his standing within the Republican Party, insisting that his popularity would help the party retain its electoral strength ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.
“I’m very popular. I really am,” Trump declared.
He then pointed to the enthusiastic reception he regularly receives from supporters, suggesting that their loyalty would remain unchanged regardless of what he said.
“There’s such love in these rooms,” he said. “I could say the stupidest things, and you’d clap.”
Trump, however, quickly defended himself, adding that his statements were based on common sense rather than foolishness.
“But we don’t say the stupidest things. We say things of common sense,” he added.
The remarks come against the backdrop of polling suggesting that enthusiasm for Trump and the Republican Party may be weakening among some voters who supported him in the 2024 presidential election.
According to a poll released on Thursday, 26 per cent of Trump’s 2024 supporters said Republican candidates should distance themselves from him to improve their chances of victory in the forthcoming midterms.
The poll also showed a decline in his approval rating among those voters, falling to 67 per cent from 75 per cent in July, 83 per cent at the beginning of 2026 and 95 per cent early in his second term.
Trump nevertheless rejected suggestions that his political standing could become a liability for Republican candidates.
“You’ll win because I am popular,” he told supporters, highlighting the party’s positions on border security, taxation and common sense.
He also criticised media commentary predicting possible Republican losses, maintaining that his popularity would remain beneficial to the party.
The president called on supporters to turn out for the midterm elections, arguing that their participation and enthusiasm would be important to Republican success.
Trump further questioned the need to campaign in Tennessee, a state he has repeatedly won, but said his visit was an opportunity to thank voters for their support.
“Sometimes it’s nice to go to a place where you don’t have to be, but you’re there to say thank you to the great people that elected you three separate times,” he said.
The November 3 elections will decide which party controls the US Congress, with polling suggesting Democrats are well positioned to compete for a narrow majority in the House of Representatives.
A Democratic victory could complicate Trump’s efforts to advance his legislative priorities during the remaining years of his presidency.
