By Trendsetter Tribune 
President Trump’s approval rating has remained largely unchanged following the ICE shooting of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis, despite public criticism and ongoing protests.
President Donald Trump’s approval rating has shown only minor fluctuations in the wake of the fatal shooting of U.S. citizen Renee Nicole Good by an ICE officer in Minneapolis on January 7. The incident sparked widespread criticism, protests, and national attention, making the stability of Trump’s approval rating a key measure of public reaction.
What happened
Good, 37, was shot and killed by ICE officer Jonathan Ross after agents reportedly asked her to exit her vehicle while she attempted to drive away. The Trump administration defended the officer’s actions. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem claimed Good “attempted to run a law enforcement officer over,” framing the incident as a defensive response to a domestic threat.
The killing prompted immediate protests in Minneapolis and national condemnation, including from city leaders and lawmakers. Mayor Jacob Frey described the incident as “reckless,” and Representative Ilhan Omar called ICE’s actions “unconscionable and reprehensible.”
Public opinion: Polling data
Polls tracking Trump’s approval rating in the aftermath of the shooting show mixed results:
- Rasmussen Reports: On January 13, Trump’s net approval rating was -14 points, a slight decline from -13 points on January 7.
- Decision Desk HQ: Their January 14 national average indicated 42.8% approval and 53.7% disapproval, a net rating of -10.9 points, down slightly from -10 points on January 6.
- Morning Consult (Jan 9–12): 45% approved and 53% disapproved, yielding a net rating of -8 points, a minor drop from -5 points in their prior poll.
- The Economist/YouGov (Jan 9–12): 40% approved and 54% disapproved, net -14 points — a small improvement from -17 points in their previous survey.
Despite the variances, the overall data indicate Trump’s approval has remained relatively steady, even as the public largely viewed the shooting as unjustified. The Economist/YouGov poll found that 50% of respondents said the shooting was not justified, while only 30% said it was.
Government and political response
White House spokesman Davis Ingle emphasized Trump’s continued popularity, stating, “President Trump was overwhelmingly elected by nearly 80 million Americans to deliver on his popular and common-sense agenda…He remains the most dominant figure in American politics.”
Secretary Noem defended ICE, describing the incident as an officer acting “quickly and defensively…to protect himself and the people around him,” labeling the vehicle incident a “domestic act of terrorism.”
In contrast, critics highlighted the human cost of the enforcement operation. Rep. Ilhan Omar expressed outrage on social media, calling the killing “reckless” and criticizing the Trump administration for endangering Minnesotans.
Legal and state-level actions
Minnesota has filed a lawsuit seeking to block further deployment of federal immigration agents in the state following the DHS operation. Meanwhile, the FBI continues its investigation into the shooting.
Trump commented on the CBS Evening News about Good, stating, “I would bet you that she, under normal circumstances, was a very solid, wonderful person, but her actions were pretty tough,” a remark that drew additional scrutiny and debate.
Analysis: Why approval remains stable
While the killing drew national attention and condemnation, Trump’s approval among his core supporters appears resilient. Factors contributing to the stability may include:
- Strong loyalty among his base despite controversy.
- Polarized media coverage reinforcing existing political views.
- Mixed messages from polls, which can make shifts appear minor or temporary.
The public backlash, however, is clear in qualitative measures, with many Americans questioning ICE’s actions and the administration’s handling of enforcement operations.
Conclusion
President Trump’s approval rating has not dramatically shifted following the ICE shooting of Renee Nicole Good, even amid protests and criticism. While polls show minor declines and slight improvements depending on methodology, the event highlights ongoing tension between federal enforcement policies and public perception — a dynamic that could influence political debates and legal battles in Minnesota and beyond.