Polls, economic indicators, and feedback from those close to Trump suggest that the latter is facing increasing political pressure for his second term. Some longtime supporters worry that he is being bogged down by a “war that shouldn’t have been started,” unpopular tariff policies, and energy-consuming monumental construction projects. A Quinnipiac University poll last week showed Trump’s approval rating plummeting to a record low of 32%; 68% of voters believe he is not paying enough attention to the real problems facing ordinary Americans. Meanwhile, the Republican Party’s long-standing advantage on economic issues is waning, with recent polls showing voters increasingly divided on the two parties’ ability to handle economic problems.
Reports indicate that Trump is currently focusing heavily on “legacy projects” such as White House renovations and monumental construction. Insiders say these issues are distracting him from low approval ratings and economic pressure, weakening some of his support base. Republican insiders also complain that Trump’s reluctance to invest the approximately $400 million accumulated by his super PAC, “Make America Great Again” (MAGA), has led to a decline in the morale of some donors. With the midterm elections approaching, there are concerns within the Republican Party that Trump could cause a loss in the House of Representatives and even the Senate. Some within the party wanted him to shift his focus to the cost of living and the economy, but Trump showed no willingness to change course. Furthermore, Trump recently pushed for the "Save America Act," which would require a nationwide citizenship certificate, but Republicans believe the bill has little chance of passing the Senate. Trump continues to publicly criticize Republican lawmakers who do not support the bill.
Privately, Republicans believe Trump's governing style—including his stubborn insistence on personal agendas and difficulty in adjusting policy priorities—is increasing election risks. One insider stated that the summer of a president's sixth year in office is often the most difficult political period.
