Popularity Plummets: The Policies That Sank Trump

The recent plummet in Donald Trump's popularity, with approval ratings hitting a mere 35% in May 2026, signals a significant shift in the American political landscape. As reported by CNN and analyzed by scholars like Professor Dag Blanck of Uppsala University, this downturn is not a sudden event but a consequence of a series of policy decisions and political associations made during his second term.

Initially, at the start of his second term in January 2025, Trump maintained a respectable 48% approval. However, a flurry of executive orders, some more contentious than others, saw his numbers fluctuate. The decision to pardon individuals involved in the 2021 Capitol riot and the establishment of the Elon Musk-led "Doge" agency, which rapidly cut government jobs, proved particularly unpopular. The close association with Musk, a figure often viewed unfavorably in the US, further impacted Trump's standing.

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He has lost support among a number of groups who supported him in the 2024 election, primarily minority groups and independent voters.

Economic policies, specifically the introduction of new tariffs in April 2025, led to rising prices and falling stock markets, alienating a segment of the electorate. Furthermore, the ongoing, unpopular war in Iran, initiated in collaboration with Israel in early 2026, has drawn widespread opposition, with a Washington Post poll indicating 61% of Americans against the conflict. The hardline tactics of the ICE immigration agency, including a fatal incident in Minnesota in January 2026, have also contributed to the negative sentiment.

Professor Blanck notes that many Americans feel Trump has strayed from his core economic promises, focusing instead on other issues. This perceived deviation from his campaign platform, particularly concerning the economy which was a key concern for voters weary of inflation under the previous administration, appears to be a major factor in his declining support, especially among minority and independent voters. From our perspective here in Sweden, it's fascinating to observe how a leader's popularity can be so directly tied to a complex interplay of domestic policy, international conflict, and public perception of economic stewardship, a dynamic that resonates differently across the Atlantic.

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Many Americans feel misled by Trump's policies 18 months after the election. This is mainly because voters feel that he has focused on issues other than the economy, which was his main campaign promise.