The outrage that Trump brings, as more are mad at him
Executive summary
Donald Trump’s style and policy choices have generated sustained public outrage that shows up in falling approval ratings, concentrated criticisms over specific actions (Epstein file releases, tariffs, Venezuela policy), and widening partisan and demographic divides—yet his core base remains resilient, producing an asymmetric political dynamic [1] [2] [3]. Polling through late 2025 and early 2026 indicates his overall popularity slipping even as different trackers show short-term movement, underscoring both durable vulnerabilities and continuing strengths in the Republican coalition [4] [5].
1. Why the outrage now is measurable: numbers and trends
Multiple national polls and trackers document a decline or volatility in Trump’s standing: job-approval measures reached near historical lows by year’s end, with some surveys showing approval in the mid-to-low 30s on issues such as the economy while disapproval climbed into the 50s and 60s in certain trackers [1] [2] [6]. Morning Consult’s ongoing tracker finds voters hearing more negative than positive about Trump in recent weeks, and other reputable aggregators report shifting approval that, even when it ticks up, remains below earlier peaks—signaling that public frustration is measurable and persistent [7] [5].
2. Policy flashpoints driving anger: economy, Venezuela, Epstein
Three policy and controversy clusters dominate the negative news cycle: economic management and affordability, aggressive moves toward Venezuela, and renewed fallout from Epstein-related disclosures. Polls show heightened dissatisfaction with Trump’s handling of the economy—one major poll puts economic disapproval at 57%—while actions in Venezuela (blockades, maritime attacks, threats of land strikes) register low public approval and strong opposition to military escalation [2] [1]. Separately, the Justice Department’s incomplete release of Epstein files and limited mentions of Trump in the redacted material have provoked renewed scrutiny and outcry that register in public-testing of news items [1] [7].
3. The partisan asymmetry: anger concentrated across lines, but base holds
The outrage is sharply polarized: Democrats almost uniformly view Trump unfavorably, while a significant core of Republicans and particular demographic subgroups continue to support him, producing an asymmetric divide rather than universal repudiation [8] [9]. Research from PRRI shows that views break along religious and ideological lines—with some religious conservatives overwhelmingly supportive even as other groups label Trump “dangerous” [3] [10]. Navigator and other surveys also document early signs of erosion within his own voters—small but notable shares now express regret—suggesting fissures that could widen if controversies persist [11].
4. Institutional and international consequences feeding domestic outrage
Beyond voter sentiment, studies find declining confidence in American leadership abroad tied to perceptions of Trump’s stewardship, and domestic concerns over the expansion of executive power or perceived preferential treatment [12] [13]. PRRI’s work links worries about unprecedented actions to broader questions about democratic norms, and other outlets note Republican lawmakers publicly breaking with the president on some claims and actions—an internal signal that fuels public debate and outrage [3] [2].
5. Alternative readings and the strategic calculus behind the outrage
Supporters and some polling windows offer counterpoints: short-term upticks in approval in certain trackers and pockets of durable favorability among key blocs suggest outrage has not translated into wholesale collapse, and some analysts warn that the news cycle makes disapproval episodic rather than terminal [5] [9]. Political actors on both sides have incentives—opposition parties to amplify controversies and the White House to frame attacks as politically motivated—so the public reaction is filtered through competing agendas that shape which outrages stick [1] [7].
6. What this means going forward
The mix of policy missteps, high-profile controversies, and measurable declines among independents and some past supporters creates a precarious environment for Trump heading into 2026: continued erosion among swing voters and fracturing within his coalition could change electoral math, yet entrenched base support and short-term polling bouncebacks mean outrage alone is not decisive without sustained political consequences [4] [11] [5].