Trump Supporters Stick With Him But Economic Doubts Are Growing

Trump Supporters Stick With Him — But Economic Doubts Are Growing

A new AP-NORC poll suggests President Donald Trump’s second term is delivering part of what his supporters want — but not where it matters most to their wallets.

Nearly a year into Trump’s return to the White House, Republican voters remain broadly loyal, with roughly eight in 10 approving of his overall job performance. Yet enthusiasm has noticeably softened on the economy, long Trump’s strongest selling point.

Just 16% of Republicans say Trump has helped “a lot” with the cost of living, a steep fall from 49% who said the same about his first term in a comparable 2024 survey. Fewer than half now say he has helped even “a little” on prices. Job creation shows a similar slide, with only 26% saying Trump has helped “a lot”, down sharply from his first term highs.

Inflation has cooled, but everyday prices remain stubbornly high — a reality felt even among loyal voters. Many Republicans interviewed say they are willing to give Trump more time, arguing that long-term economic change cannot happen overnight.

By contrast, immigration remains Trump’s clearest strength within the GOP base. About 80% of Republicans say he has helped on border security, and most believe he has struck the right balance on deportations — though a sizable minority think he has not gone far enough. Even so, approval on immigration has slipped from 88% last spring to 76% in the new poll, reflecting unease over aggressive enforcement tactics.

Interestingly, Republicans are more optimistic about the country’s direction than their own personal finances. Roughly two-thirds say the U.S. is better off under Trump, while only about half say their own family is better off.

That disconnect appears to be holding Trump’s coalition together — for now. His supporters may be uneasy about prices, but many still believe he is steering the country “back on track,” even if the promised economic relief has yet to arrive.

Key Takeaways

• Republican approval of Trump remains high despite economic disappointment.

• Support on cost of living and jobs has dropped sharply from his first term.

• Immigration remains Trump’s strongest issue with the GOP base, though cracks are emerging.

SOURCE: YAHOO!NEWS