Republicans really wish Trump 'would keep quiet' about 1 issue: data expert

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U.S. President Donald Trump points as he speaks, during an event to sign an executive order regarding vaccine flexibility, in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 10, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper

CNN data analyst Harry Enten found a buried nugget in recent numbers showing just how much even Republicans have abandoned President Donald Trump on some issues.

Speaking to host John Berman, Enten explained that it isn't merely Trump's scores on handling the war in Iran; it's just how far they've fallen in the last two years.

"You know, sometimes I look at the polling data, and I find a surprising nugget, one that I honestly didn't think existed," said Enten. "But then I dug deep enough and found it. And, you know, there was a great poll question: feelings on Trump and Iran handling Iran. You know, back in July of 2024, 53 percent of voters said they were extremely motivated to vote [also] said they were actually confident, confident that Trump would be able to handle the situation in Iran. Look at where that number is now when it comes to his approval among the same group."

According to the CNN/Pew survey, that number has fallen to 29 percent, a nearly 25 percent drop in just two years.

Enten called it a "giant fall."

"Promises were made, and promises were not kept. They were broken as far as those voters were concerned," said Enten.

Berman called it fascinating to see because Trump "would go onthe stump and talk about Iranbecause it was a net positiveissue for him now. Now, it is a negative issue."

Enten agreed, "Republicans wish he would keep quiet about it."

Taking the numbers to a deeper level, Enten explained that they aren't simply about the president, but GOP lawmakers as a whole.

"Party trusted more on wars, conflicts and terrorism: Back in January of 2025, look at this. Republicans were ahead by 18 points. A tremendous advantage. That advantage, because of President Trump, has turned into a disadvantage on a core key question that almost always favors Republicans," Enten said.

He explained that Democrats now enjoy a two-point advantage over Republicans.

"That is a 20-point move that we're seeing towards the Democrats as the Republicans go down, because down goes President Trump. They are simpatico on this one," Enten added.

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