Donald Trump’s political standing is sliding faster than many expected. Five months into his second term, approval ratings are falling sharply, even on issues that once defined his strength. Immigration and the economy, long central to his appeal, are now sources of growing voter dissatisfaction.
Advisers and allies appear unsettled by the speed of the decline. What initially looked like routine turbulence has evolved into something more serious, driven by protests, unrest, and a sense of national fatigue with constant confrontation.
Polling suggests the erosion goes beyond individual policies. Falling below the 40-percent approval threshold has historically weakened presidents, emboldening opponents and making allies more cautious. Every controversy now carries greater political risk.
The latest Quinnipiac numbers point to widespread exhaustion. Many voters appear less angry than worn down, frustrated by what they see as unending crisis rather than the promised stability and order.
Immigration enforcement, once energizing for Trump’s base, now unfolds alongside images of troops on U.S. streets and escalating demonstrations. These visuals have shifted public perception, even among some supporters.
Economic anxiety is compounding the problem. Rising costs and uncertainty have chipped away at Trump’s reputation for competence, weakening one of his last remaining advantages with swing voters.
In this environment, each new dispute lands harder. The public appears primed to doubt explanations and dismiss reassurances, accelerating the loss of trust.
Whether Trump can reverse the trend remains unclear. What is already evident is the damage done: a presidency increasingly defined by erosion rather than dominance, and a country showing signs of quietly turning away.