UPDATE: A new poll reveals that Melania Trump has been rated the second least popular first lady in U.S. history, with only Hillary Clinton ranking lower. Conducted by YouGov, the survey questioned 2,255 U.S. citizens earlier this month, asking them to evaluate the 11 most recent first ladies.
The findings are striking: 36% of respondents rated Melania as “poor,” while an additional 10% marked her as “below average.” In contrast, only 18% of those surveyed viewed her as “outstanding,” leading to a net approval rating of -16. Hillary Clinton, who lost to Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential election, received an even lower net rating of -17.
With the poll revealing such negative perceptions, it raises questions about the public’s sentiment towards former first ladies during politically charged times. Notably, the most popular first ladies included Jackie Kennedy with a net rating of +56, Rosalynn Carter at +32, and Nancy Reagan with +25. Michelle Obama also garnered significant favor, with 33% deeming her “outstanding” and a net rating of +21.
The poll’s timing coincides with the release of Melania Trump’s controversial documentary, aptly titled Melania, which grossed $7 million opening weekend but saw a drastic decline, earning just $2.4 million in its second week. This documentary, acquired by Amazon for $40 million and promoted with an additional $35 million, has sparked widespread discussion and criticism.
In a broader context, opinions on first ladies often mirror those of their husbands, with many respondents rating their spouses similarly. For instance, Donald Trump received a net rating of -20, while Biden had a net rating of -3. These figures show a significant disparity, particularly with Hillary Clinton being the only first lady to score lower than her husband.
While the public’s view on first ladies remains polarized, this latest poll underscores the challenges Melania Trump faces in public perception. As the fallout from her documentary continues, the implications of these ratings could influence future discussions surrounding her legacy and public image.
The urgency of this news highlights the evolving dynamics of political popularity and public opinion in America. Stay tuned for further developments as reactions to the poll and the documentary unfold.
