President Donald Trump is facing new political headwinds.
This time from within his own party—according to a recent national poll that is drawing attention ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
New data suggests Republican approval of Trump’s handling of health care, one of the most important issues for older Americans, has declined sharply in just a matter of weeks. While the president continues to hold strong support overall among GOP voters, the movement on this key issue is raising concerns among political observers.
Republican Support Slips on Health Care
According to a survey conducted by the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, Republican approval of Trump’s health care performance fell from 68 percent in November to 59 percent in early December. Although a majority of Republicans still approve, the nine-point drop in one month signals growing unease inside the party.
Health care costs, prescription drug prices, and insurance affordability remain top priorities for voters—particularly seniors and retirees—making the shift especially noteworthy.
White House Pushes Back
The White House responded by emphasizing Trump’s record on lowering costs and reforming the system.
“President Trump is committed to delivering real solutions to reduce runaway health care costs,” White House spokesman Kush Desai said. He pointed to drug pricing agreements, increased transparency, reduced regulation, and aggressive efforts to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse as proof of the administration’s focus.
Officials also argue that Trump’s approach puts American patients first instead of forcing them to subsidize higher costs overseas.
Broader Approval Declines Across Key Issues
The health care dip is part of a wider trend seen across several major policy areas. Recent polling shows declines in Trump’s ratings on the economy and immigration, with the economy emerging as a growing concern nationwide.
AP-NORC data indicates approval of Trump’s handling of the economy has dropped to 31 percent, down from 40 percent earlier in 2025. Nearly seven in ten Americans now describe the economy as poor, highlighting persistent anxiety over inflation, prices, and household budgets.
Immigration remains a relatively stronger issue for Trump, particularly border security, which continues to receive near-universal support among Republican voters.
National and State Polls Reinforce the Trend
Other national surveys mirror the findings. A Rasmussen Reports poll conducted December 11 shows Trump with 47 percent approval and 51 percent disapproval. AP-NORC lists approval at 36 percent, while Reuters/Ipsos places Trump at 41 percent approval.
State-level data also shows softness. Morning Consult reports Trump has lost net positive approval in traditionally Republican-leaning states such as Ohio and Iowa, while approval has turned negative in all major battleground states.
Trump Rejects “Affordability” Narrative
At a recent rally, Trump dismissed Democratic claims about affordability, blaming past policies for rising costs and pointing to falling energy prices.
“Energy prices are coming down. Gasoline is low. Electricity is coming down,” Trump said. “When energy comes down, everything comes down.”
Trump has also reiterated his health care vision, arguing that Americans should have more freedom and lower costs.
“I want people to get better health insurance for less money,” Trump said in a recent interview. “They’ll choose what works for them.”
Looking Ahead to 2026
While Trump remains the most influential figure in Republican politics, the latest polling shows growing pressure from within his own base, especially on issues tied to cost of living and health care affordability.
Analysts say Trump’s renewed focus on prices and household expenses may help stabilize overall approval. However, declining Republican confidence on health care could create internal challenges as the 2026 midterm elections approach.
For conservative voters—particularly older Americans watching costs closely—the coming months may prove critical in determining whether Trump can fully rebuild confidence on one of the most personal issues in American politics.
