CNN’s data guru had a blunt message for Pete Hegseth after new poll numbers painted a devastating picture. The data analyst broke down a Quinnipiac University survey revealing just how far the defense secretary’s approval has fallen.
Harry Enten talks about Pete Hegseth’s poll number
CNN data analyst Harry Enten broke down a Quinnipiac University poll revealing Pete Hegseth’s historically low approval ratings as defense secretary. The survey found only 32 percent of voters approved of Hegseth’s performance, while 57 percent disapproved. Quinnipiac University noted these numbers marked Hegseth’s worst showing in its polls (via The Daily Beast).
Enten highlighted the sharp decline during his CNN News Central appearance. “We start off the title slide asking ‘Who hates Hegseth?’ and basically everyone, if you’re the American public,” he said. The analyst noted Hegseth sat nine points underwater in January, before the Trump administration’s military action against Iran. “You think that’s low? Look at this: he’s more than twice as unpopular, nearly three times as unpopular now,” Enten added.
Independent voters delivered an even harsher verdict. They gave Hegseth a net approval rating of minus 43. The poll also showed only 39 percent of voters felt confident in his military leadership. Meanwhile, 56 percent expressed little or no confidence in his abilities.
Enten connected the numbers to House Speaker Mike Johnson’s decision to recess before November elections. The move allowed Republican members to avoid voting on an impeachment resolution against Hegseth. Rep. Thomas Massie introduced the resolution targeting Hegseth over the unauthorized war in Iran.
“No wonder Speaker Johnson did not want his Republican representatives to actually have to vote on this,” Enten said. He added that voting with the president would mean “voting against the American public because the bottom line is Pete Hegseth is hated by basically everyone.”
Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Joel Valdez responded by attacking media outlets. “CNN is Fake News, and the Daily Beast is low IQ slop for the left,” Valdez said. Hegseth’s net approval now sits 25 points underwater, a significant drop from his already negative January numbers.
