CNN’s chief data analyst Harry Enten on Monday broke down his “wild” findings that interest in Donald Trump’s handling of the so-called Jeffrey Epstein files — and his ties to the late convicted sex offender — has seemingly dwindled in recent weeks.
“I would say that this is — from at least a political point of view — quickly turning into a dud of a story,” Enten told CNN’s Kate Bolduan.
Enten turned to how Google searches for “Epstein” have been “falling through the floor,” with searches down 89% from three weeks prior.
The term “Epstein,” he noted, is also no longer the top topic searched alongside the president’s name.
“At this particular point, the American people’s interest in this story, it’s quickly becoming something of a nothingburger,” Enten said.
Trump — who had a 45% approval rating in July — has a 44% approval rating this month, according to Enten’s aggregate. That’s higher than the 37% approval rating he had at this point in his first term, as well.
Also, among Republicans, his approval rating is nearing a record high and hovering at about 90%, according to Enten.
“So, no, he hasn’t lost any of that base. And when it comes to that center of the electorate, he’s basically holding on there,” Enten noted.
“And his overall approval rating, 44%, is pretty gosh darn good for him, considering where he was at this point in term number one.”
As questions have lingered about Trump’s relationship with Epstein, the president and others in his administration have dismissed questions surrounding the late convicted sex offender or otherwise rolled out several distractions to pit against the story.
Over the weekend, Vice President JD Vance took aim at Democrats for being “all of a sudden so interested” in the Epstein files, noting to Fox News’ Maria Bartiromo that left-wing politicians and billionaires have been linked to Epstein.
20 Years OfFreeJournalism
Your Support Fuels Our Mission
Your Support Fuels Our Mission
For two decades, HuffPost has been fearless, unflinching, and relentless in pursuit of the truth. Support our mission to keep us around for the next 20 — we can’t do this without you.
We remain committed to providing you with the unflinching, fact-based journalism everyone deserves.
Thank you again for your support along the way. We’re truly grateful for readers like you! Your initial support helped get us here and bolstered our newsroom, which kept us strong during uncertain times. Now as we continue, we need your help more than ever. We hope you will join us once again.
We remain committed to providing you with the unflinching, fact-based journalism everyone deserves.
Thank you again for your support along the way. We’re truly grateful for readers like you! Your initial support helped get us here and bolstered our newsroom, which kept us strong during uncertain times. Now as we continue, we need your help more than ever. We hope you will join us once again.
Support HuffPost
Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages.