More Americans believe the moon landings were faked than those who approve of Congress, according to new polling.
Just 10 percent of Americans are happy with the job lawmakers on Capitol Hill are doing, while 86 percent disapprove — matching the record high reached in 2013, according to the latest Gallup survey.
On Wednesday, CNN data analyst Harry Enten broke down the new figures, which reveal congressional approval has fallen four points since March.
“You know, I just want to say to Congress, stand up and applaud. You’re usually hated, but usually not this hated. You’re reaching, or at least tying, record highs in terms of disapproval,” Enten said.
“Just 10 percent of Americans approve of the job that Congress is doing,” he continued. “So therefore, as I said, stand up and give yourselves a round of applause. You managed to do it. Congratulations.”
Anchor Sara Sidner then asked him to put those numbers into context.
Enten cited Gallup data showing that 12 percent of Americans believe the Apollo 11 moon landing was faked, while 10 percent think the Earth is not a sphere.
“More Americans say that the moon landing was fake back in 1969 than actually approve of the job that Congress is doing right now at 10 percent,” Enten said. “That 10 percent is equal to the percentage of Americans that believe that the Earth is flat. Of course, we did not fake the moon landing. We did land on the moon.”
“That’s the one that made me laugh,” Sidner responded before questioning what lawmakers can do to boost their abysmal rating.
“They can actually do something, do something, do something. Then maybe people might actually like it,” Enten said.
Three of the major spikes in congressional disapproval occurred during government shutdowns or threats of one, according to Gallup. This includes the latest Department of Homeland Security shutdown, which has now stretched on for 10 weeks.
The survey arrives amid a string of scandals roiling Congress — and at a time when its legislative output has stalled.
Earlier this month, Rep. Eric Swalwell, a California Democrat, and Rep. Tony Gonzales, a Texas Republican, departed Congress in disgrace, following allegations of sexual misconduct. Rep. Cory Mills, a Florida Republican, is currently under an active House Ethics investigation for allegations of sexual misconduct.
Last year, fewer than 40 bills were signed into law, marking the lowest level of legislative output in the first year of a modern presidency.
