On Tuesday night, as Donald Trump took the podium for his State of the Union address, he was a picture of confidence and defiance. However, beyond the chamber, a contrasting story is unfolding in public opinion surveys: a growing share of Americans say they believe the US President has become “erratic" with age. To add to Trump’s woes, his approval ratings have slipped to some of their weakest levels of his second term, revealing cracks in his strategy as discontent grows on issues such as economy, ICE raids and the Epstein files.
A new Reuters/Ipsos poll shows that roughly six in 10 Americans believe Trump has grown more erratic as he has aged. The findings cut across partisan lines to varying degrees, though concern is highest among independents and Democrats.
According to Politico, while Trump retains strong loyalty within his core Republican base, swing voters—which make up a key bloc in the run-up to the midterms—may not take too kindly to broader perceptions of instability.
For voters, the concern about temperament isn’t entirely new. As per Politico, age has increasingly become a lens through which voters evaluate national leaders. Trump, who is now well into his late 70s, faces scrutiny not only over policy but also tone, rhetoric and public conduct.
How Low Are The Approval Ratings?
According to a survey by The Washington Post, ABC News and Ipsos, Trump’s approval rating is hovering around 40 per cent, with disapproval near or above 55-60 per cent. Forbes, explaining the results of a survey by CNN/SSRS, says the President’s approval has dipped compared to both earlier this term and similar points in his first presidency. An AP News poll, meanwhile, found widespread dissatisfaction with his handling of the economy and foreign policy, even as immigration remains a relative strength.
A January survey from Pew Research Center echoed the sentiment. It cited a loss of confidence in Trump’s leadership and a decrease in the number of Americans who claim to support his policies. Although the numbers are not precise, the trend is the same in all polls: the approval rating has eased, especially among independents and in the suburbs.
Economic Anxiety:Though unemployment rates are low, the inflation fatigue and tariffs/trade tensions remain some of the factors that continue to influence voter frustration. According to polling quoted in the AP News, many Americans are still not sure that economic conditions are improving.
Polarising Rhetoric:Trump’s combative style may be a hit in his traditional base, but it could alienate moderates. An article in the Politico suggests that while Republican voters remain largely aligned with him, independents are more divided over his tone and decision-making approach.
Foreign Policy:Voters seem to be divided on the aggressive foreign policy approach taken by Trump, ranging from Iran brinkmanship to imposing tariffs on a wide range of countries.
Source: World News in news18.com, World Latest News, World News
