Donald Trump’s ratings continue to slide on most issues. Recent Economist/YouGov polling across the US, completed on May 9-12, shows 51 per cent think the country is on the wrong track, while only 45 per cent have a favourable impression of his job as president.

On inflation and prices in the shops, only 35 per cent approve of Trump’s handling of this policy.

He seems to be scoring particularly badly with young voters. Around 62 per cent of young people (18-29s) have an unfavourable opinion of the President, compared with 53 per cent of the over-65s.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration continues to pursue an agenda to close down, or shackle, much of the media it considers not on his side.

Funding for national public service radio NPR and television PBS, as well as the global news service Voice of America, is under threat. Some national news outlets are under investigation by the Federal Communications Commission for their coverage.

In a speech in March, Trump said broadcasters CNN and MSNBC, and some newspapers he didn’t name “literally write 97.6 per cent bad about me”. He added: “It has to stop. It has to be illegal.”

The Trump team clearly sees the role of the media as important to establishing and retaining support, and has taken steps to shake up White House coverage – including by changing who can attend the White House press pool.

About seven in 10 members of the American public say they are following the news for updates on the Trump administration. It is interesting, therefore, to consider the role of the media in influencing........

© The New Daily