Democrats Face 'Major Wake-up Call' as Trump Trounces Them in Polling - Newsweek

S E E D E D   C O N T E N T

Just months into Donald Trump's second term, a new round of polling has delivered a jolt to Democrats, revealing that Trump is more trusted than them in Congress.

Why It Matters

Recent polls have shown Trump's approval ratings declining and his popularity at an all-time low. Despite this, polls still seem to show that Trump is commanding more trust than his main opposition party.

This dynamic not only strengthens Trump's hand as he advances his second-term agenda but also signals a daunting challenge for Democrats heading into the 2026 midterms—one that could further erode their influence at both state and federal levels.

What To Know

In January, Donald Trump appeared to be riding a wave of political momentum—his approval ratings had climbed into positive territory for the first time in his career, and polls suggested he was more popular than ever.

But recent polls suggest that Trump now holds the distinction of being the least popular president at the 100-day mark of a second term, surpassing even the historically low ratings he received during his first presidency.

A CNN/SSRS survey conducted April 17—24 among 1,678 adults found that only 41 percent approve of his job performance, while 59 percent disapprove—a 4-point drop since March and 7 points lower than in late February. This marks the lowest 100-day approval rating for any president since modern polling began under Eisenhower and is even worse than Trump's own first-term numbers.

A Fox News poll from April 18—21 of 1,104 registered voters showed a net approval of -10 points, with 44 percent approving and 55 percent disapproving—down 8 points from the previous month.

President Donald Trump, left, speaking at a campaign rally, Oct. 18, 2024, in Detroit, and former Vice President Kamala Harris, right, speaking at a campaign rally in Green Bay, Wis., Oct. 17, 2024. President Donald Trump, left, speaking at a campaign rally, Oct. 18, 2024, in Detroit, and former Vice President Kamala Harris, right, speaking at a campaign rally in Green Bay, Wis., Oct. 17, 2024. AP

In comparison to past presidents at the same point in office, Trump is far behind: Joe Biden had a 54 percent approval rating, Barack Obama 62 percent, and George W. Bush 63 percent. Trump's rating has fallen to just 39 percent in an ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll conducted April 18—22 among 2,464 adults—down 6 points since February.

The NPR/PBS/Marist Poll, conducted April 21—23, revealed perhaps the sharpest criticism, with 46 percent of registered voters assigning Trump an "F" grade for his performance—the worst 100-day grade ever recorded for a U.S. president.

But despite the negative polls for Trump, some suggest he is still more popular than the Democrats.

The CNN/SSRS poll showed that when respondents were asked who would be doing a better job as president, 45 percent chose Trump, while 43 percent chose Kamala Harris. "This looks a lot like the election result," CNN pollster Harry Enten noted. The 2024 election saw Trump beat Harris in the popular vote by two points, with around 50 percent of the vote. That would suggest that voters' support for Trump has not shifted all that much since November.

An ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll, conducted between April 18 to 22 among 3,634 respondents, brought more bad news for the Democrats, showing that when respondents were asked who they trusted more to deal with the U.S.'s main problems, 40 percent chose Trump, compared to just 32 percent who chose Democrats in Congress.

And in the latest Reuters/Ipsos poll, conducted between April 25-27 among 1,029 adults, the Republicans held a significant advantage over Democrats on two of the most pressing issues for voters: immigration and the economy.

When asked which party has the better plan to address immigration, respondents favored the GOP by a wide 19-point margin. On the economy, Republicans also lead by 9 points. That is despite recent polls showing Trump deep underwater on both issues over the past few weeks after he announced his "Liberation Day" tariffs and became embroiled in a dispute with the Supreme Court over the mistaken deportation of Maryland resident Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia.

It comes at a time when polls have shown that following their 2024 election loss, the Democrats are more unpopular than ever.

According to an NBC News poll from March 7-11, 55 percent of respondents said they had a negative view of the Democratic Party, while 27 percent said they had a positive perception. That is the lowest level recorded since NBC News began asking the question in 1990.

There was also evidence of dissatisfaction with the party from its base, with 20 percent of Democratic voters viewing it negatively, twice as high as the figure for Republicans who had a negative view of their party.

The survey suggested that this may be because Democratic voters want their party to take a tougher position in Congress. Among Democratic voters, 65 percent said they wanted their congressional representatives to "stick to their positions even if that means not being able to get things done in Washington," while 32 percent said they should "make compromises with Trump to gain consensus on legislation."

The poll largely reflects the debates occurring in the Democratic party right now in light of their 2024 defeat.

Some feel that in order to get back on track and win back the House in the 2026 midterms, the party should take a more bipartisan approach to politics, and work with Trump to pass legislation, while others feel that doing so will alienate Democratic voters who see Trump as a toxic figure.

This dispute played out this week when Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined Trump at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Macomb County, which provoked backlash from progressives.

A Reddit post from political group 50501 accused her of "destructive enabling behavior" and legitimizing a president they believe should face impeachment. Tara Setmayer, co-founder of The Seneca Project, said on X that Whitmer is "disqualifying herself" because of her actions.

However, some defended Whitmer, including Travis Akers, a veterans and gun reform advocate and a naval intelligence officer, who said on X: "It's ridiculous that Democrats are upset with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for joining President Trump at Selfridge Air National Guard Base."

Mike Nellis, Democratic strategist, added: "You won't catch me complaining about Gretchen Whitmer saving tens of thousands of jobs or bringing in federal relief for people without power in Michigan. That's the damn job."

Whitmer's appearance followed her disastrous meeting in the Oval Office last week. The Michigan governor had gone to see the president for what she described as a private meeting. But the meeting led to an awkward moment, when Whitmer was left standing in front of cameras as Trump signed an executive order targeting a critic and repeating his debunked claims that the 2020 election was stolen from him.

A New York Times photographer captured her at one point shielding her face with folders.

In a statement, Whitmer's office said the governor was brought into the Oval Office in front of the press "without any notice" and emphasized that her presence was not an "endorsement of the actions taken or statements" made at that event.

But Whitmer received much backlash, some Democrats accusing her of "appeasement."

However, Whitmer appeared to dismiss these claims, writing on X: "I'll work with anyone who's serious about getting things done. But I'll never compromise on what I believe. In Michigan, we know how to get things done—and that means working together."

She added: "Bipartisanship isn't about sacrificing our values. It's about standing strong and finding common ground to get things done. It's about putting people first, every single time."

What People Are Saying

CNN pollster Harry Enten said: "These numbers should be a major wake-up call for Democrats. Democrats cannot count their chickens just yet, because those eggs have not cracked at this particular moment."

What Happens Next

In 2026, Americans will head to the polls to elect new senators and representatives. The Democrats have vowed to flip both chambers, which are currently held by the Republicans.