Ron Brownstein on Trump's Approval Ratings and Economic Challenges

Declining Approval Ratings

• 📉 Donald Trump's approval rating has fallen to 41% at his 100-day mark, the lowest for any newly elected president in at least seven decades.
• 📊 His approval on handling the economy is at a career low of 39%, with only 35% approving of his approach to inflation and tariffs.

Political Ramifications

• ⚠️ The president's low approval rating is identified as the single most important factor shaping the upcoming midterms.
• 🗳️ If Trump stays on his current trajectory, Republicans could face a very difficult election in 2026.

Economic Policies and Perceptions

• 📈 Trump's tariff policies are perceived by many Americans as compounding the problem of inflation, leading to fears of increased costs for daily necessities.
• 📉 Over 60% of Americans now disapprove of his handling of the economy, a significant increase from earlier in his term.
• ⚠️ Even fallback positions on tariffs are seen as increasing costs, disproportionately affecting the middle and working classes.

Resistance and Institutional Response

• ⚖️ Despite facing resistance on many specific policies, Trump still receives good marks for handling the border.
• 🏛️ Institutions outside the Republican party, such as law firms, universities, and the courts, may feel more comfortable standing up to Trump now that he appears politically vulnerable.
• 🎤 Gary Cohn, a former economic adviser, suggests the full impact of current economic policies has not yet been seen, with significant effects expected in the second half of May.