Trump's TV Tactics and the State of the Union

A look at the president's use of television and its impact on his approval ratings

AI-Synthesized from 5 sources

By Emergent News Desk

Thursday, February 26, 2026

Trump's TV Tactics and the State of the Union

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A look at the president's use of television and its impact on his approval ratings

President Trump's use of television has been a hallmark of his presidency, and his recent State of the Union address was no exception. According to a report, Trump's approval ratings are abysmal, with the numbers consistently in the 35-40 percent range, a double-digit drop from a year ago. Independents, who will be key to many midterm races, believe the country is worse off today than a year ago to the tune of nearly 70 percent.

Despite these numbers, Trump's TV appearances continue to make headlines. His State of the Union address was a mix of showmanship and trolling, with many critics accusing him of using the platform to further divide the country. One of his most vocal critics, actor Robert De Niro, recently spoke out against Trump in a raw and emotional interview.

"Trump is the enemy of this country, let's not kid ourselves," De Niro said on Nicolle Wallace's MS NOW podcast, The Best People. "It's that simple. Everybody has to stick together to get them out and get back on track. We can all argue and fight about our little differences and all that. This is the big problem."

De Niro's comments are just the latest in a long line of criticism aimed at Trump. The president's use of television has been a key part of his strategy, but it's clear that not everyone is buying what he's selling.

Meanwhile, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos is set to visit the White House to discuss the company's bid for Warner Discovery. However, it's not clear whether Sarandos will actually be meeting with Trump, according to Politico. The meeting comes as Trump has demanded that Netflix fire board member Susan Rice.

In other news, Amazon's new Civil War miniseries, The Gray House, has been met with mixed reviews. The series, which stars Mary-Louise Parker, has been criticized for its bloated episodes and accidental comedy. Despite its talented cast and crew, the show has failed to impress critics.

Finally, Kelly Ripa is celebrating 25 years as host of Live, and she's reflecting on her time on the show. Ripa has been a natural fit for the program, and her wit and enthusiasm have made her a beloved figure in the world of daytime television.

As Trump continues to use television to further his agenda, it's clear that not everyone is on board. With his approval ratings at an all-time low, it remains to be seen whether his TV tactics will be enough to turn things around.

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