In February, political and economic dynamics remained at the forefront of U.S. affairs, as President Donald Trump's approval ratings showed little fluctuation according to three recent surveys. Meanwhile, significant changes in New York's traffic patterns and federal employment cuts were reported, adding to the economic narrative. These developments unfold amid ongoing international tensions, notably involving Ukraine and Russia, as well as upcoming diplomatic engagements with French President Emmanuel Macron.
Three separate surveys conducted in early to mid-February revealed that President Donald Trump's approval ratings remain relatively stable. The Gallup survey indicated that 45% of U.S. adults approved of Trump's performance, while 51% disapproved. Similarly, the Reuters/Ipsos poll showed a 44% approval rating. The Quinnipiac University poll found that 45% of registered voters approved, with 49% disapproving. These surveys suggest a consistent division in public opinion regarding Trump's presidency.
In New York City, the implementation of a congestion relief toll program led to a noticeable impact on traffic and cultural activities. Approximately 1.2 million fewer vehicles entered the congestion relief zone in January, marking a 7.5% decrease compared to the previous year. The program, effective from January 5, imposed a $9 toll for drivers entering Manhattan south of 60th Street during peak hours and a $2.25 toll overnight. This initiative aimed to alleviate traffic congestion while encouraging public transportation and pedestrian activities.
Alongside these traffic changes, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) reported a 17% surge in attendance at Broadway shows in January compared to last year. Additionally, about 36 million people visited business districts within the zone, showing an increase of 1.5 million from January 2024. These trends underscore the potential economic benefits of the congestion pricing strategy.
In contrast to these developments, at least 700 employees at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) faced job cuts amidst broader firings across federal agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and National Institutes of Health (NIH). Chris Rocheleau stated that employee terminations were part of an effort to enhance government efficiency while ensuring that safety-critical functions remain intact.
"In alignment with the Administration’s goal to make government more efficient, we regrettably had to let go some of our probationary employees last week," – Chris Rocheleau
"Despite what you may be hearing, I want to assure you the agency has retained employees who perform safety critical functions," – Chris Rocheleau
"They were critical to the front-line safety people," – David Spero
The workforce reductions have sparked concern among several officials and experts. Richard Blumenthal highlighted the potential risks associated with these cuts.
"The contributing factors that precipitated each of these incidents remain under investigation, but one obvious reality is abundantly clear—now is not the time to frantically discard FAA employees that work tirelessly to ensure the safety of every aircraft that takes to the skies," – Richard Blumenthal
As tensions between Ukraine and Russia persist, President Trump faced criticism for falsely accusing Ukraine of starting the conflict and claiming President Volodymyr Zelensky's approval rating was "at 4%." Zelensky responded by accusing Trump of residing in a "disinformation space" and reiterated Ukraine's perspective on peace.
"The future is not with Putin, but with peace. And it is a choice for everyone in the world … to be with Putin or with peace. We should choose peace," – Volodymyr Zelensky
"I am counting on Ukrainian unity, on our Ukrainian bravery, on our relations with our partners, and on our European unity, and on the pragmatism of America — America, which needs success as much as we all do," – Volodymyr Zelensky
JD Vance criticized Zelensky’s approach, suggesting that public criticism is unlikely to influence President Trump positively.
"The idea that Zelensky is going to change the president’s mind by badmouthing him in public media, everyone who knows the President will tell you that is an atrocious way to deal with this administration," – JD Vance
"Of course, the Ukrainians are going to have their perspective. The way to surface that is in a private discussion with American diplomats … he’s attacking the only reason this country exists, publicly, right now. And it’s disgraceful. And it’s not something that is going to move the President of the United States. In fact, it’s going to have the opposite effect," – JD Vance
Looking ahead, French President Emmanuel Macron plans to visit Washington, D.C., next week for discussions with President Trump. This meeting holds potential significance for international relations and economic cooperation between France and the United States.
"Nothing is going to be off limits," – Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
On domestic policy matters, Senator Lindsey Graham voiced concerns regarding tax provisions in proposed legislation, emphasizing the necessity for alignment with President Trump’s vision.
"I am pulling for one big, beautiful bill, but it’s got to have the policy right. The tax provisions in the House proposal do not meet the test of what President Trump wants on taxes. I think he’d have a hard time in the Senate," – Lindsey Graham
