Full Breakdown
Trump’s Second Term: Economic Struggles and Eroding Support
1/18/2026, 11:10:06 AM
Declining Economic Approval Among Voters
President Donald Trump’s second term has been marked by significant dissatisfaction among voters regarding his handling of the economy. A recent CNN poll indicates that 58% of Americans view the first year of his second term as a failure, with only 39% approving of his overall job performance. This sentiment is echoed in an AP-NORC poll, which reveals that just 16% of Republicans believe Trump has made substantial progress in addressing the cost of living, a stark decline from 49% in April 2024. Additionally, only 26% of Republicans feel he has significantly contributed to job creation during this term, compared to 62% during his first term.
Economic Concerns as a Central Issue
The economy has emerged as the foremost concern for voters, with many expressing that Trump is focusing on the wrong priorities. Approximately 61% of Americans disapprove of his economic policies, and 55% believe these policies have worsened economic conditions. The public's pessimism is reflected in the fact that only about 4 in 10 Americans expect the economy to improve over the next year, down from 56% prior to Trump’s inauguration in January 2025.
Immigration: A Mixed Bag of Support
While Trump continues to receive strong backing from his base on immigration issues, approval ratings have also declined. About 76% of Republicans believe he has helped with immigration and border security, a decrease from 88% in March 2025. However, overall approval for his handling of immigration stands at just 38% among U.S. adults, with 61% disapproving. This decline in support is particularly notable following the controversial shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent, which has sparked protests and raised concerns about the administration's aggressive immigration tactics.
Diverging Views Among Key Demographics
Trump's support among Latino voters, a crucial demographic that aided his 2024 victory, has also diminished. Polls indicate that only 28% of Latinos currently approve of his presidency, a significant drop from previous support levels. Many Latino voters express disappointment over the administration's economic performance and aggressive immigration enforcement, which they feel disproportionately affects their communities.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics of Trump’s presidency highlight a growing perception that he is out of touch with the everyday problems faced by ordinary Americans. Only 32% of respondents believe he is in touch with their issues, and just 37% think he prioritizes the country’s needs over his personal interests. This disconnect is contributing to a broader narrative that Trump’s presidency is failing to address the most pressing concerns of the electorate.
Official Statements and Responses
Despite the negative polling data, Trump maintains that his administration is making strides in economic recovery and national security. He has publicly blamed the previous administration for ongoing economic challenges, asserting that his policies will ultimately lead to improvement. However, many voters remain skeptical of these claims, with a significant portion of the electorate calling for more immediate action to address rising costs and economic instability.
What's Next?
As the midterm elections approach, the Republican Party faces a challenging landscape. With Trump's approval ratings declining and key voter demographics shifting away from him, the party must recalibrate its messaging to regain support. The focus on economic issues, particularly affordability and job creation, will be critical in shaping the electoral outcomes in November 2026.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Still paying $5 for Oreos,” — John Candela, Trump supporter
- “He’s not perfect but he’s actually getting results in what he’s doing,” — Republican voter from Tennessee
- “I don’t like anybody getting killed, but it wasn’t Trump’s fault,” — Kevin Kellenbarger, Trump voter
- “Even if he is doing some good in areas, he comes across very self-seeking and (shows a) lack of caring about the common good of our citizens,” — Independent voter from Oklahoma
This article synthesizes the current state of public opinion regarding President Trump’s second term, focusing on economic performance and immigration policies, and highlights the challenges he faces as the midterm elections approach.
