Trump can be down but he’s never out!
No one understands Donald Trump better than those who have witnessed his rise firsthand, and it’s clear from recent polling that even in his second term, he’s losing favor among some of his strongest supporters—Republicans in New York’s suburbs.
According to a Siena College poll released this week, Trump’s approval rating has experienced a notable decline among his GOP base. While his overall favorability has remained relatively steady, his job approval dropped from 86% approval last month to just 78% this month. The drop in support is even more significant in New York’s downstate suburbs, where his approval rating plummeted 22 points—from 58% to just 46%.
Political analysts warn that this trend could continue to deteriorate. Despite his significant efforts on issues like combating fentanyl trafficking, Trump’s approval is facing heavy backlash on several fronts, including inflation, national unity, and relations with international allies.
One area where Trump does still hold strong approval, particularly from New Yorkers, is his work to curb the fentanyl crisis. While his overall approval rating remains underwater, with voters expressing dissatisfaction over his ability to unite the country or improve America’s global standing, a majority approve of his tough stance on illegal drugs flowing into the United States.
Trump also gets mixed reviews on immigration reform, with a notable divide between Republican approval and Democratic disapproval. Republicans largely back his policies, while Democrats criticize his approach. Independents are similarly divided on many of these issues, indicating that Trump’s actions resonate strongly with his base but leave others unconvinced.
Meanwhile, CNN reports a surge in search interest for the term “Trump” associated with “chaos,” indicating that the American public is increasingly connecting Trump’s presidency with turmoil and disorder. This growing perception could further hurt his standing as the 2026 elections approach.
On the Democratic side, New York Governor Kathy Hochul is leading a hypothetical primary field with 46% support, outpacing potential challengers like Lt. Governor Antonio Delgado and Rep. Ritchie Torres. While neither has formally declared their candidacy, this commanding lead suggests that Hochul is solidifying her position as the front-runner for the Democratic nomination.
