By APD writer Alice

Since becoming US President in 2017, Trump has stood firm after many challenges, but this time, the President has to face three crises at the same time: Covid-19, recession and civil unrest.

He has weathered storm after storm, always emerging as a winner. For example, he survived an impeachment trial that saw him acquitted by the Republican-led Senate on February5.

But now, hisshield is being challenged with a difficult test - with whirlwinds from three crises at once: the biggest public health crisis in a century, the worst economic downturn in generations and the largest civil unrest since the 1960s.

Recently, Trump's call for a crackdown on  protests across the country over police brutality and racism, earned him criticism from civil rights campaigners, religious leaders, Democrats and some Republicans.

However, perhaps greater concern for Trump and his re-election campaign, is that nearly all polls now show signs of declining support for the White House leader , after more than 100,000 Americans were killed by the coronavirus, and more than 40 million others applied for unemployment benefits.

At the same time, his opponent in the upcoming race, Joe Biden, took this opportunity to send the message of solidarity and civic healing, contrary to Trump's tough statements.

Trump's strong tone seems to be showing off-beat. A Reuters/Ipsos poll this week showed that the majority of Americans, including Republicans and Democrats, as well as the independents, sympathise with protesters and disagree with Trump's belligerent response.

More than 55% of Americans said they disapproved of Trump’s handling of the protests, including 40% who “strongly” disapproved, while just one-third said they approved - lower than his overall job approval of 39%, the poll showed.

A separate Reuters poll last week showed Biden’s lead over Trump among registered voters expanded to 10 percentage points - the biggest margin since the former vice president became his party’s presumptive nominee in early April.

However, Republicans say Trump still has time to turn around, especially if the economy starts showing signs of recovery. They believe that if the riots persist and become more violent, voters will likely turn to support Trump's tough approach.

Moreover, the wave of protests made people temporarily forget criticizing the weaknesses in the fight against Covid-19.This turns good for Trump, because if the states continue to reopen their economies, and the job market recovers, it will be good news in the November election.

In general, it is really very hard time for President Trump. Whether he can overcome all challenges to be re-elected in November or not? The question is yet to be answered. 

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)