Polls Reveal Mounting Challenges for Trump in 2026: Economic, Immigration, & Character Concerns/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Recent polls show Americans are losing confidence in President Donald Trump’s handling of the economy, immigration, and foreign policy priorities. Majorities believe his economic policies haven’t improved affordability and that ICE has become too aggressive under his leadership. Even Republican support appears to be softening, with declines in confidence in Trump’s ethics, mental fitness, and priorities.
Quick Look
- Most Americans say Trump is focusing on the wrong issues
- Majority believe ICE has become overly aggressive
- Trump’s economic policies seen as ineffective or harmful
- Greenland takeover plan widely unpopular
- GOP voter confidence in Trump’s character and fitness is dropping
- Support for Trump’s immigration approach is declining
- Public wants more focus on domestic issues, less on foreign moves
Deep Look
Americans Want Focus on Affordability, Not Trump’s Priorities
While President Donald Trump touts his administration’s efforts to fight inflation, recent polls indicate most Americans aren’t convinced he’s addressing their top concerns. A January AP-NORC poll and a Fox News survey found:
- 7 in 10 voters believe Trump isn’t spending enough time on the economy
- Only 20% of voters say his economic policies have helped them
- About 50% say his decisions have made life less affordable
- 45% expect the economy to get worse in the next year
Even among Republicans, nearly half say Trump is neglecting the economy, a troubling sign for a president re-elected on the strength of economic messaging.
Growing Discomfort With Trump’s Immigration Tactics
Support for Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigration is eroding amid concerns over ICE’s conduct.
- 60% of voters believe ICE has “gone too far”
- Support for deportation remains, but unease over violent enforcement is rising
- Trump’s immigration approval fell to 38% in January, down from 49% in March
- Among Republicans, approval dropped from 88% to 76%
These figures predate the recent shooting of Alex Pretti by Border Patrol agents and the earlier death of Renee Good—both in Minneapolis—indicating growing national alarm even before the recent flashpoints.
Trump’s Foreign Policy Obsessions Draw Criticism
In recent weeks, Trump has floated ideas such as a U.S. takeover of Greenland, advocated seizing Venezuelan oil, and demanded further action against Iran.
Polling suggests many Americans want him to prioritize domestic challenges:
- 4 in 10 voters say he’s too focused on foreign affairs
- Just 1 in 3 say he’s spending the right amount of time on it
- A Pew Research poll shows 60% oppose taking over Greenland
- Even among Republicans, opinion is split
Such unorthodox proposals may be undermining Trump’s credibility and reinforcing concerns about his focus.
Republican Confidence in Trump’s Character Erodes
Trump’s personal brand has long defied political norms, but new Pew polling reveals a notable dip in Republican trust:
- Support for “most or all” of Trump’s policies dropped to 56%, from 67%
- Confidence in Trump’s ethical leadership fell to 40%, from 55%
- Confidence in his mental fitness dropped to 66%, from 75%
Though Trump often questions his predecessor’s capacity, this polling reveals a softening of faith among his own base, especially as his second term progresses.
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