Older Americans Abandon Trump?

Here’s what America’s seniors need to know.

Concerns over retirement benefits, inflation, and healthcare spark shifting opinions among key conservative voters.

Recent polling reveals a surprising shift among one of President Donald Trump’s most loyal voter groups: Americans over the age of 65. Seniors, who were crucial in helping Trump secure victory in the 2024 election, are showing signs of concern—especially over issues like Social Security, Medicare, and retirement security.

According to newly released data from The Economist/YouGov, President Trump’s approval rating among older voters has dropped in recent weeks. While younger age groups showed only slight movement, voters aged 65 and over saw a sharp decline in support—a trend that could have real consequences heading into key policy decisions.

🚨 Seniors Worried About Social Security and Medicare Stability

Older Americans are sounding the alarm over potential disruptions to the programs they rely on most. Despite repeated promises from President Trump that Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid will remain untouched, proposed changes in how benefits are administered are raising eyebrows.

One particular point of concern: the Social Security Administration’s plan to require in-person identity verification for millions of recipients, while simultaneously closing local offices and cutting staff. Critics warn this could lead to delays in benefits—something seniors simply cannot afford.

💬 Trump Vows to Protect Seniors’ Benefits

President Trump has made it clear that he stands by America’s seniors. In a February interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity, he stated:

“Social Security is off the table—unless we’re talking about stopping fraud, and in that case, we’re going to strengthen it. It’s not going to be cut. The same goes for Medicare and Medicaid—those programs will remain untouched.”

This reassurance comes at a time when many seniors are closely watching Washington for signs of economic stability and retirement protection.

📉 Approval Rating Drops Among 65+ Voters

Poll results from March 9–11 showed that 49% of seniors approved of Trump’s performance, with 48% disapproving—a slim net positive of +1. But just a week later, approval had slipped to 45%, while disapproval rose to 54%, bringing his net rating among seniors to -9.

Additional concern stems from economic issues like inflation and job performance. Seniors’ approval of how Trump is handling the economy dropped by 13 points, while confidence in his approach to inflation also took a noticeable dip.

🏛️ Budget Debates Stir Anxiety Among Retirees

While the president says entitlement programs will be protected, discussions in Congress tell a more complicated story. Some House Republicans are exploring budget offsets through potential changes to Medicaid spending—a move that’s causing concern among many older voters who fear that changes to one program could lead to changes in others.

Senator John Curtis (R-UT) stated in a recent interview:

“We’re not being honest when we say we’re not going to touch Social Security. If we don’t touch it, it touches itself.”

Meanwhile, Elon Musk, now leading the Department of Government Efficiency, is pushing to eliminate waste and fraud in government spending, which could reshape how entitlement dollars are managed moving forward.

🧓 What This Means for Conservative Seniors

If you’re over 65 and watching these developments unfold, you’re not alone. Many seniors are reevaluating their political support based on how the administration handles Social Security checks, Medicare coverage, and the economy in the months ahead.

One thing is clear: President Trump’s relationship with America’s seniors remains strong—but it’s also evolving. With policies, polling, and perceptions shifting rapidly, the coming months could define how secure your retirement benefits and healthcare access remain.

Stay informed. Stay empowered.