A President's Approval Falls. It Always Does Eventually. Also: Condoms Cost More Now.

What Happened

President Trump's approval rating has hit a new low according to recent polling data. Separately, condom prices are rising as a result of supply chain disruptions tied to an ongoing conflict — likely affecting latex supply chains from Southeast Asia or similar manufacturing regions.

Historical Context

Every second-term or re-elected president in modern history has seen approval ratings fall during their tenure. Reagan bottomed out at 35% in 1983. George W. Bush hit 25% in 2008. Obama fell to 40% in 2014. Trump's first term saw lows around 34-37%. Approval ratings are snapshots of national mood, not verdicts of history. On tariff-driven consumer price increases: supply chain inflation on specific goods has happened repeatedly — PPE prices spiked 1,000%+ in 2020, lumber doubled in 2021, egg prices surged 60% in 2023. Prices on specific goods spike, then normalize. Every time.

What's In Your Control

Whether you follow approval polling week-to-week (you probably shouldn't — monthly averages tell a more honest story). Whether you stock up on condoms now or wait. Whether you let two unrelated stories bundled into one headline affect your mood.

Does This Require Action?

The approval drop: awareness only, unless you're a campaign strategist. The condom prices: mildly practical awareness if relevant to your life. Permission fully granted to note that the NY Times bundled these two stories into one headline and move on with your day.