Americans warm to their president

– Strong economic figures have helped US President Donald Trump to his highest approval ratings, despite impeachment, a new poll has found.

Although the Quinnipiac University survey said Trump has a high of 43% for job approval, that’s still far below nearly all previous modern presidents at the same point in their administration.

According to the December 11 to 15 poll, 52% of Americans still disapprove of Trump’s job performance. He has been mired in those unusually low ratings for nearly his entire presidency.

But the latest figures show growing support, despite the impeachment process threatening his presidency.

The House of Representatives could vote to impeach for abuse of office and obstruction of Congress.

A Quinnipiac poll earlier this month had 41% approval and 55% disapproval, while an October poll, done before impeachment hearings began, put those figures at 38% and 58%.

Much of the support for Trump appears to be linked to positive feelings about the economy, which is in a period of strong growth, with record low unemployment.

Nearly three-quarters, 73%, saw the economy as good or excellent, the poll found.

Quinnipiac polling analyst Mary Snow said: “That view ... seems to be helping President Trump match his highest job approval rating since being elected, despite facing becoming the third president in US history to be impeached.”

The poll found little changed figures on impeachment, with 45% backing Trump’s impeachment and removal from office and 51% opposing. Support for impeachment and removal back in October was at 45% to 48%.