President’s approval numbers rise as Democrats investigate

In spite of, or possibly in reaction to, announcements of new Democrat investigations into him, President Donald Trump’s approval rating grew to 53 percent. That’s according to a polling firm on April 9.

Rasmussen Reports showed that 53 percent approve of the job he’s doing and 45 percent disapprove. The rising poll numbers may indicate the public’s displeasure with newly announced investigations by the Democrat controlled House of Representatives.

On April 8, Trump’s rating was around 51 percent, Rasmussen said.

Former President Barack Obama had a 47 percent approval rating around the same time during his first term, according to data published by Rasmussen.

This new information comes just two days after Trump announced that Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen will be leaving her position, saying he “would like to thank her for her service.”

Trump on Twitter announced that Kevin McAleenan, the current U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner, will become the acting DHS secretary. “I have confidence that Kevin will do a great job,” he tweeted.

The next day, on April 8, the White House confirmed that Secret Service chief Randolph “Tex” Alles would be leaving.

“United States Secret Service director Randolph ‘Tex’ Alles has done a great job at the agency over the last two years, and the president is thankful for his over 40 years of service to the country,” White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said. “Mr. Alles will be leaving shortly and President Trump has selected James M. Murray, a career member of the USSS, to take over as director beginning in May.”

Alles’s wife, Sarah Alles, told reporters yesterday: “We’re very proud of the Secret Service. The agents are very professional, so pleased he was able to serve. They serve the nation well,” according to CBS News.

Meanwhile, on April 9, the president announced he’s nominating the Air Force general in charge of U.S. Strategic Command to be vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, reported The Associated Press.

Gen. John Hyten now serves as commander of the U.S. nuclear forces and has the lead military role for space operations. His nomination was announced Tuesday by Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson.

If confirmed by the Senate, Hyten would succeed the retiring Air Force Gen. Paul Selva.

The vice chairman is the second-ranking military officer behind the chairman but does not command troops.