The recent poll results published by Gallup have left much to be desired. Given the approval ratings of several notable politicians, it seems that popular satisfaction in the government’s higher echelons is at an all-time low. According to these statistics, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), and Secretary of State Antony Blinken stand among those considered ‘winners’ by our public, albeit with less than stellar 46 and 45 percent approval ratings respectively. Even the Attorney General, Merrick Garland, has a 44 percent approval rating, which ultimately paints a grim picture of the general sentiment towards the country’s leadership.
Yet, surprisingly enough, the government official with the highest overall approval rating, standing at a lukewarm 48 percent, is none other than Chief Justice John Roberts. Still a figure falling short of the majority’s approval, Roberts’ standing portrays an alarming fact for the High Court (source) and the state of American confidence in its leaders.
Roberts’ personal approval rating – while a tad higher than the overall declined approval of the Supreme Court, which stands at a paltry 41 percent – still indicates dissatisfaction. The Chief Justice’s approval has witnessed the steepest decline amongst leaders when compared to Gallup’s December 2021 poll. It was a time when Roberts enjoyed a 60 percent approval rating. However, the subsequent events like the Dobbs decision reducing reproductive rights, the leak of the said Dobbs decision, an array of ethics scandals plaguing the Court, and Roberts’ ineffective response to them – all culminated in this steep dive.
Undoubtedly, several factors have led to Roberts’ declining approval rating, but perhaps there is a silver lining? At least his figure is nowhere near the unfortunate 27 percent approval associated with Mitch McConnell.