One possible explanation for Trump's higher-than-ever approval rating

[pnwmom]

among Republicans: that, when asked to name their party, only the most hard core Trumpers still identify as a Republican.

So his approval rating could be rising more and more within an ever shrinking base.

That's what I'm hoping, anyway.

[NRaleighLiberal]

1. they are a brainwashed cult. that all one needs to know to understand it

[Proud liberal 80]

2. That's it exactly

[Brainfodder]

3. Who is claiming it's higher than ever?

[USALiberal]

4. link? nt

[gristy]

5. This was discussed in this thread

The OP may be responding to that.
https://www.democraticunderground.com/100213706232#post9

[highplainsdem]

6. That's what I've read -- that fewer people are identifying as Republicans.

[Zambero]

7. Recent polling of GOP identity is at 25% and falling

91% of 25% is just under 23%. And trump has a whopping 33% support among self-described independents (39% of voters) which would give him another 13%. His 2% support among Democrats (31%) doesn't even add up to a single percent of the electorate, but give him 1% anyway. And if you give Trump half of the "third party" preference (5%), that rounds up to 3% support. Add 'em up and it's 40%. So "solid support" from what remains as the hollowed-out husk of the GOP doesn't count for a whole lot.

[unblock]

8. Somewhat true, Republican identification is kinda on the low side:

https://news.gallup.com/poll/15370/party-affiliation.aspx

It's been lower in the last 4 years, but it is fairly low.

To some extent this is the Donnie effect, to some extent it's long-term demographics.