Written by Jonathan Parker.
CNN host Kate Bolduan found herself visibly flustered on Friday when senior political data analyst Harry Enten presented numbers that contradicted the network’s narrative regarding President Donald Trump. As Enten stood before CNN’s big board, the numbers told a surprising story: Trump’s approval rating had surged by six points in January, marking a sharp contrast to his previous high of three points in March 2017.
“This is a very different Donald Trump,” Enten declared, gesturing to the colorful graphics on the wall showcasing Reuters/IPSOS polling results. “He’s leading a much more disciplined administration, and public sentiment reflects that change.”
Bolduan, attempting to regain control of the narrative, interrupted. “This is not a very different Donald Trump. This is a very different Donald Trump as being viewed by voters,” she stammered, visibly struggling to spin the data in her favor.
A New Tone in the Trump Administration
Enten, undeterred by Bolduan’s rebuttals, highlighted the pivotal role of Trump’s White House chief of staff, Susie Wiles, in spearheading a more organized and cohesive administration. “It’s a stark contrast to his first term. The way this administration is operating now is much less chaotic,” Enten explained.
“Take me back in history,” Bolduan demanded, her tone sharp as she tried to challenge the analyst’s conclusions.
Unfazed, Enten pointed out that Trump’s first net approval rating of his second term was not only higher than any point in his first term but also historically unprecedented. Changing the board’s display, Enten showed a graphic declaring Trump “the only president ever” to achieve such a milestone.
Bolduan’s On-Air Meltdown
The numbers were undeniable, but Bolduan’s reaction was one of disbelief. Her voice climbed in pitch as she exclaimed, “I have a really hard time believing this!”
Enten’s calm persistence only added fuel to the fire. “This is 100% true,” he assured, underlining the graphic in green for emphasis. “Donald Trump’s net approval rating in the first month of his second term is higher than at any point in his first term. I don’t make stuff up—the numbers are the numbers.”
Bolduan’s frustration bubbled over as she sarcastically retorted, “I believe in nothing until it’s on this wall.”
Enten, undeterred, maintained his composure and continued dissecting the data, leaving Bolduan visibly seething.
Our Take
This exchange highlights a growing disconnect between mainstream media’s narrative and the reality many Americans are experiencing. The rise in Trump’s approval rating reflects a shift in public sentiment, one that the media struggles to reconcile with their established viewpoints. When confronted with hard data that challenges their narrative, their reaction is often defensive and dismissive, as seen in Bolduan’s on-air meltdown.
For the public, this incident is a glaring example of why trust in major media outlets has eroded. Instead of engaging with the facts presented, some anchors appear more concerned with preserving their own perspectives. This approach not only undermines the credibility of the media but also does a disservice to viewers seeking unbiased information.
In a politically charged climate, transparency and honesty should be paramount. The refusal to acknowledge data—even when it contradicts preconceived notions—only deepens the divide between the media and the public. If we want to foster meaningful dialogue, the media must be willing to adapt, evolve, and, most importantly, report the facts, no matter how inconvenient they may be.
CNN’s Kate Bolduan panics and tries interjecting after CNN’s Harry Enten tells her Trump has a higher approval rating than he has ever had.
Enten: This is a very different Donald Trump.
Bolduan: Well, I would say correction. This is not a very different Donald Trump.
Enten:… pic.twitter.com/rOHvowHA3g
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) January 26, 2025