Key Takeaways:
- A GOP strategist predicts Trump’s approval ratings will keep dropping unless he changes his approach.
- Trump has lost his edge on key issues like immigration and the economy.
- The strategist blames Trump for failing to address rising living costs.
- Tariffs and economic policies could make things worse for the president.
GOP Insider: Trump’s Approval Ratings Could Get Worse
A Republican strategist has sounded the alarm for Donald Trump. Brendan Buck, a longtime GOP insider, says the president’s approval ratings are expected to keep falling unless Trump makes major changes.
Buck made these comments on MSNBC’s The Weekend show, responding to new polling data that shows Trump’s popularity is dropping. He disagreed with co-host Michael Steele, who suggested people shouldn’t get too excited about Trump’s struggles just yet.
“Obviously, it’s just a snapshot, but I don’t think it’s going to get better for him anytime soon,” Buck said.
What’s Going Wrong for Trump?
Buck explained that Trump’s problems stem from his inability to address the issues voters care about most. For example, Trump campaigned on lowering the cost of living, but Buck argues he hasn’t delivered on that promise.
“Every president talks about having a mandate,” Buck said with a grin. “But if Trump had a mandate for anything, it was to fix the cost of living. And he’s not doing that.”
Immigration and the Economy: Trump’s Lost Advantages
Buck pointed out that Trump has lost ground on two key issues that were once strengths: immigration and the economy.
“He had a real advantage on immigration, but now he’s underwater on that issue,” Buck said. “It’s remarkable.”
The economy, Buck added, was already in a strong position when Trump took office. He could have benefited from letting it “hum along” without interference. Instead, Trump’s policies, like tariffs, have caused problems.
“Just stay out of the way, and you would have been fine,” Buck said. “But he’s totally blown it.”
The Future Looks Bleak
Buck also warned that things could get even worse for Trump. He noted that tariffs are just beginning to take effect, and their impact on the economy could further hurt Trump’s approval ratings.
“The guardrails are public opinion,” Buck said. “Maybe he’ll see some of this and realize he shouldn’t move forward. But he hasn’t shown he can adjust course.”
What’s Next for Trump?
For now, it seems Trump faces an uphill battle. His inability to connect with voters on key issues, combined with economic challenges, could lead to even lower approval ratings.
Only time will tell if Trump can turn things around. But for now, the numbers are clear: the president is in trouble.