[SamAdams76]

For comparison, Ronald Reagan was in the 46-47% range at this point in his presidency (Dec 1981). Bear in mind that he got a huge bump after the failed assassination attempt on him earlier that year. By the two year mark of his presidency, Reagan was down to 35% approval. See Chart Here.

Of course, we all know that Reagan went from there to win re-election in a landslide.

So for Trump to be at 46% at this point (essentially tied with where Reagan was at this point) is pretty astonishing considering the constant beating that Trump has been getting in the mainstream media.

[Eddie01]

The higher approval does a couple things as well.

It undermines efforts by Republicans to primary Trump and efforts by Democrats (and some Republicans) to impeach.

I expect it to jump higher after Feb 1, when Americans see their paychecks increase.