A new poll reveals a startling shift in sentiment among Republican voters, with nearly half of them now expressing regret over their support for President Trump. What was once hailed as a promising second term has quickly devolved into chaos, leading many to question whether the reality of Trump’s leadership is living up to their expectations.
According to a survey by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, nearly 7 in 10 U.S. adults believe Trump’s second term is unfolding exactly as they anticipated—though not in a way that most are happy with. In fact, about 4 in 10 Americans rate his second term as “terrible,” while only about 3 in 10 rate it as “great” or “good.”
Disillusionment and Chaos
The findings show that many voters, including those who supported Trump in 2024, are starting to feel disillusioned as the president’s policies continue to spark controversy. The chaos and unpredictability of his presidency are not surprising anymore, but the constant headlines and erratic actions have left many voters frustrated and questioning their decision.
Rahsaan Henderson, a Democrat from California, summed up the sentiment: “It has been one of the longest 100 days I’ve ever had to sit through.” Democrats, unsurprisingly, are deeply critical, with 7 in 10 calling Trump’s presidency “terrible,” up from 6 in 10 before he took office.
While Trump’s handling of immigration remains his strongest issue, with 46% approval, his approval plummets when it comes to foreign policy, trade, and the economy—areas that many had hoped would see substantial improvements under his leadership.
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Republican Regret
Even among Republicans, approval of Trump’s job performance has dropped by 10 points since January. Some Trump supporters are now questioning his handling of key issues, particularly the war in Ukraine. Stephanie Melnyk, a Republican from Tennessee, is still on board with Trump’s overall agenda but has growing concerns about his foreign policy. Her family emigrated from Ukraine, and she is uneasy about Trump’s approach to Russia. “Trump is trying for a quick fix that’s not going to last,” Melnyk said. “Putin is not to be trusted.”
Yet, not all Republicans are disillusioned. Supporters continue to praise Trump’s domestic policies, particularly his government spending cuts and the efforts of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), headed by Elon Musk. Matthew Spencer, a 30-year-old Republican from Texas, lauds these initiatives, stating, “Overall, I would have to say that I’m happy with the Trump presidency.”
Cautious Optimism Among Some GOP Voters
However, even those who support Trump’s economic policies are expressing caution. Carlos Guevara, a 46-year-old from Florida, admitted that while DOGE has been a success, he remains concerned about the long-term effects of Trump’s tariff strategy. “If that does encourage businesses to start manufacturing here… then that’ll wash out over time,” Guevara said.
Democratic Dismay
Democrats are far more skeptical of Trump’s administration, with many viewing his policies as overly harsh and misguided. Gabriel Antonucci, a 26-year-old from South Carolina, didn’t mince words: “It really seems like he is doing everything he can to make the wrong decisions,” Antonucci said. “Things are probably going to be worse in four years than they are right now.”
A Harsh Reality
As Trump barrels ahead with the policies he promised, some of his supporters are beginning to wake up to the harsh reality of his presidency. The border crackdowns, trade wars, and international blunders were all part of the package, but now that they’re in full swing, many Republican voters are left wondering if it was all worth it. With approval ratings slipping and frustration mounting, the once enthusiastic base is starting to ask: Did we make the right choice?
