Introduction
As Donald Trump marks 100 days back in the presidency, he faces a more dire situation than mere disapproval from his adversaries: the exhaustion of his allies. His popularity, gauged by polls like The Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos survey, has plummeted to 39%, with a staggering 55% disapproval rate. In February, he had 45%. Now, only 42% approve him according to the New York Times/Siena College poll and 44% per Fox News, which also notes a five-point drop from the previous month. Trump only receives more approval than disapproval on border security issues, thanks to Operation Northern Border executed by 1,000 national guards in Baja California, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo León, Sonora, and Tamaulipas; otherwise, he’s widely disapproved.
Trump’s Response to Declining Approval Ratings
Faced with these numbers, Trump lashed out. On his Truth Social platform, he labeled pollsters as “criminals” and “enemies of the people,” accusing media outlets like the New York Times and ABC News of electoral fraud, demanding investigations for manipulating polls “to generate negative results.” He blamed the “system,” the press, and anyone not aligning with his alternative facts.
Approval Ratings Across the Board
However, these figures aren’t just from “enemy” media. Fox News, a traditionally sympathetic outlet, places Trump just above 40%. Pew Research confirms that even among Latinos—who supported him with 46% in 2024—his approval has dropped to 34%. Among African Americans, it barely reaches 10%; among young people, only 31% approve; among women, it’s a mere 36%. Among independent voters—crucial for midterm elections—over 50% disapprove his management.
Trump’s Radical Agenda and Its Impact
The issue is that Trump can no longer rely on the 2016 formula of constant confrontation. He began his second term with more strength than the first, but this momentum quickly fades. According to Times/Siena, 54% of registered voters believe he “has gone too far” with the changes imposed on the political and economic system. Only 27% think he’s been “reasonable.” His policies face lawsuits, judicial roadblocks, and institutional resistance. His rapid push for a radical agenda is generating more fear than enthusiasm, even among moderate Republican voters.
The Future for the Republican Party
The Republican Party should pay close attention to these polls. In 2026, the House of Representatives will be up for grabs, along with 33 Senate seats and 39 governorships. If the erosion continues, they could lose districts and states won easily in 2024. Trump retains a loyal base among white, non-college-educated men and conservative evangelicals, but he can’t win legislative elections solely with their support—and certainly not with insults or threats.
Sheinbaum’s Rising Approval and Constructive Leadership
Meanwhile, President Claudia Sheinbaum avoids unnecessary confrontations and builds agreements. While Trump imposes tariffs, she trims the deficit. Where Trump demands unquestioning loyalty, Sheinbaum delegates and trusts. It’s no surprise that, according to the poll.mx aggregate survey published on April 29, 2025, she enjoys an 80% approval rating. Two leaders, two styles, two outcomes.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: Why is Trump’s popularity plummeting? A: Trump’s approval ratings have dropped significantly across various demographics, including Latinos, young people, women, and independent voters. His radical agenda and constant confrontation have led to lawsuits, judicial roadblocks, and institutional resistance.
- Q: How does Sheinbaum’s leadership contrast with Trump’s? A: Unlike Trump, Sheinbaum avoids unnecessary confrontations and focuses on building agreements. Her approach of delegation and trust contrasts with Trump’s demand for unquestioning loyalty.
- Q: What are the implications for the Republican Party? A: If Trump’s declining popularity continues, the Republican Party could lose districts and states won easily in 2024. They need to address the erosion of support among key demographics.
