Comedian Ruby Wax recently recounted an amusing story from the 1990s involving then-billionaire real estate mogul Donald Trump, a moment she now finds hilarious in hindsight. Wax, known for her sharp wit and as a host for several BBC programs, was once in close proximity to Trump during a flight and found herself kicked off his private plane after laughing at him when he shared his aspiration to become the next President of the United States.

Wax, who was conducting an interview with Trump at the time, was in her usual pre-interview mode: enjoying a meal with the subject and allowing for informal conversation. However, things took a turn when Trump casually mentioned his ambition to run for president—something that was met with disbelief and laughter from Wax. This seemingly harmless reaction led to a dramatic moment that ended with her being escorted off the plane.

“I thought he was joking,” Wax explained during her appearance on ITV’s Good Morning Britain with hosts Kate Garraway and Charlotte Hawkins. “When he said, ‘I want to be the next president of the United States,’ I laughed. I thought, ‘What a sense of humor this guy has.’ And then he said, ‘That’s it, I want her off the flight.’” Wax, now 70 years old, said that the entire crew was forced to land the plane after only reaching 33,000 feet, and they made an emergency return to the airport.

The situation was made even more bizarre when she recalled being stranded in Arkansas with her crew, having no other option but to find Trump again in Nebraska, where he was judging a Miss Nebraska contest.

Trump’s Retort: A Brash Statement Reflecting His Confidence

In the decades since this incident, Trump has ascended from a real estate mogul to the 45th President of the United States, with his once-unthinkable political ambitions becoming a reality. Ruby Wax’s story offers a rare glimpse into Trump’s demeanor before his political career took off—showing that even in the early ’90s, Trump was a man accustomed to having things go his way.

But as a man who prides himself on confidence and ambition, Trump was hardly discouraged by Wax’s response. The incident itself is just one example of the assertiveness that would later define his presidential campaign. His path to the presidency, characterized by his unorthodox approach and often controversial remarks, reflects the self-assurance that Wax experienced firsthand during their interaction.

Trump’s Rising Approval Amidst Policy Controversies

While the story of Wax’s humorous encounter with Trump comes from a time when his political aspirations were far from realized, the current political landscape shows a much different Trump, one who is at the forefront of American politics. Despite several controversies and negative reactions, particularly over his aggressive trade policies, Trump’s approval rating has seen a notable rise, now nearing near-record levels.

According to a recent poll conducted by J.L. Partners in collaboration with The Daily Mail, Trump’s approval rating has surged to 53%, a 4-point improvement from the previous week. The poll, which surveyed 1,000 registered voters from March 31 to April 3, shows that Trump’s popularity is increasing even amid backlash over his ambitious trade policies, which have resulted in sweeping tariffs on various trading partners.

Trump’s Approval Among Younger Voters and Democrats

One of the most surprising elements of the poll is the increase in Trump’s favorability among younger voters. The poll revealed that Trump’s approval rating among voters aged 18 to 29 has jumped by an impressive 13 points since early March. This demographic shift is particularly noteworthy given the strong support for Joe Biden among younger voters during the 2020 presidential election. It indicates that Trump’s policies, particularly his focus on jobs and economic growth, are beginning to resonate with a demographic that had previously been more sympathetic to his political opponent.

Additionally, Trump’s approval rating has increased by 6 percentage points among registered Democrats and independents, showing that his economic message is beginning to gain traction beyond his core Republican base. Perhaps most strikingly, Trump’s favorability among Black voters has risen by 17 points since the previous week’s survey, demonstrating his broadening appeal across various voter groups.

Small Business Support: A Strong Base for Trump’s Economic Agenda

Small business owners and job board leaders have also provided Trump with a favorable review as he enters the second phase of his presidency. According to the latest quarterly survey by RedBalloon and PublicSquare, more than two-thirds of respondents expect the economy to experience “slow” or “robust” growth over the coming year. This marks a sharp turnaround from the previously negative outlook on the economy.

TaChelle Lawson, founder of FIG Strategy & Consulting, said she would give Trump a “solid B+” for his economic approach so far. “He came in with a very clear plan, and that was focusing on economics,” Lawson explained. “He’s definitely putting business first, trimming the fat. That’s something that small business owners, business operators understand and respect.”

These small business leaders have praised Trump’s efforts to reduce overregulation, which they believe stifled growth during the previous administration. “We feel like we can have a disproportionate and positive impact on the entire planet,” said RedBalloon CEO Andrew Crapuchettes. His comments reflect the optimism within the small business sector, especially as Trump’s deregulation efforts continue to reshape the economic landscape.

Trump’s Bold Economic Nationalism and Trade War with China

Trump’s economic agenda continues to focus on “America First” principles, with tariffs and trade restrictions forming the cornerstone of his approach. While these policies have garnered support from his base, they have raised concerns among economists and business leaders about the long-term economic consequences. The trade war with China, in particular, has resulted in higher prices for many imported goods, leading some to question whether the short-term pain will ultimately lead to long-term gain.

Despite these concerns, Trump has remained confident in his trade policies, repeatedly stating that the U.S. has been taken advantage of by other countries for far too long. He argued that the tariffs are necessary to correct the economic imbalance created by decades of unfair practices by trading partners like China. In his recent interview, Trump asserted, “We’ve been abused by other countries at levels that nobody’s ever seen before, and it’s not sustainable.”

Global Dynamics and Border Security: Trump’s Immigration Focus

Trump also continues to highlight his success in border security and immigration, two issues that were central to his campaign. He claimed that his administration had successfully reduced illegal immigration, citing policies such as the “Remain in Mexico” program. However, critics have pointed to ongoing humanitarian concerns, with migrant rights groups condemning the conditions asylum seekers face under these policies.

While Trump’s border policies have received praise from his supporters, they have been met with widespread criticism from human rights organizations, which argue that they create dangerous conditions for vulnerable migrants. Despite these concerns, Trump defended his approach, saying that the policies were essential in curbing illegal immigration and protecting U.S. sovereignty.

Looking Ahead: Trump’s Continued Influence

As Trump continues to navigate the complexities of his second term, his approval ratings, especially among younger voters and independent Democrats, suggest that his policies are resonating with a broader segment of the population. However, the challenges posed by his trade policies, the ongoing immigration debate, and his combative relationship with the media and political opposition will continue to shape his presidency.

Whether Trump’s economic nationalism and aggressive foreign policy will deliver lasting benefits or lead to further economic strain remains to be seen. However, his confident rhetoric, support from small business owners, and rising approval ratings suggest that he remains a formidable force in American politics, even as he faces criticism from both sides of the aisle.

In the end, it’s clear that Trump’s path to success, much like his candidacy, is unconventional and often contentious. Whether his efforts to reshape the global economy and border security will ultimately pay off or result in more setbacks is something that will unfold over the course of his presidency. But for now, Trump’s supporters remain unwavering in their belief that the bold moves he’s made will lead to long-term prosperity for the United States.