On this blog, I discuss important national issues, often centering on fiscal and economic matters. Often this involves discussing presidential policies, successes, and failures.
Today I discuss the question of why Trump’s approval ratings have recently been declining, see here and here. Clearly, he is in trouble with the electorate.
Consider:
- Inflation. The latest CPI (Consumer Price Index) rating is 3% for September 2025, too high for comfort. The Federal Reserve’s credible goal is a CPI rating of 2%, and we’re not there yet.
- Affordability. (this refers to the cumulative rise in CPI since before the pandemic). This measure of inflation is about 25%, which means that things in general cost 25% more than they did before the pandemic began in 2020. Of course, most of this increase occurred under President Biden, but we’re now on Trump’s watch, and people who are feeling pain over consumer costs, will naturally blame the current president.
- Tariffs. Trump says that since other countries put tariffs on our exports, then it is only fair for us to put tariffs on theirs. The problem with this thinking is that tariffs on our imports increase their costs to American consumers, i.e., are inflationary. This is what consumers have to deal with on a day-to-day basis, not abstract arguments about fairness.
- Lowering healthcare costs. Healthcare costs are much too expensive overall, and this is part of the affordability problem. Republicans need to address this issue with, for example, a plan for individual health savings accounts. President Trump could help by publicly supporting action on this issue.
- Our Southern Border. Biden made a huge mistake by opening our border with Mexico to large numbers of undocumented immigrants. But now Trump has overreacted by deporting large numbers of even long-time illegals, including those who are law-abiding and holding down low-paying jobs vital to our economy. Furthermore, ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) is often perceived as denying due process to those who are rounded up for deportation.
- Unattractive subordinates in important positions. People like Pete Hegseth (Secretary of Defense), RFK,Jr (Secretary of Health and Human Services), and Steve Witkoff (Roving Ambassador) often make public statements that appear to be uninformed and/or misguided.
Conclusion. In order to head off Republican electoral disaster in the 2026 midterm elections, now less than a year away, President Trump especially needs to do a better job of focusing on core economic issues, especially those dealing with people’s pocketbooks, such as inflation and affordability.
It Does Not Add Up 
Inflation: Trump promised to bring inflation down day one. Failed to deliver due to chaotic tariff policies and starting a trade war with just about everyone which shows no sign of resolution.
Affordability: Trump has decreed this is a hoax. Yes increases came under Biden and under Trump 1.0. Trump promised to bring prices down day one. Again failed to deliver and currently in denial about it being an issue. As it doesn’t personally affect him or his donors I suspect he will continue spouting his delusional statements on the state of the economy and affordability.
Tariffs: There were tariffs in place before Trump and during Biden but they were targeted and had purpose not the chaos that Trump brought so his friends could game the markets.
Lowering Healthcare Cost: Yes too expensive with to much paperwork. Still waiting for the plan Trump promised during Trump 1.0. It is clear that there is no Republican plan except to get rid of the ACA with not a clue of a replacement. HSA’s while nice aren’t going to cut it as a replacement for some kind of comprehensive health insurance. Unless you have a lot of disposable income this doesn’t even get close to solving issues. Bottom line is the Republicans haven’t any solutions and are not interested in doing anything substantive. They will trot out ideas/plans that when looked at seriously will be found extremely wanting yet still they will tout it as the next best thing to sliced bread just to attempt to get thru the midterms.
Our Southern Border: More BS Republican talking points. The borders were no more open under Biden than they were under Trump 1.0. There were two bi-partisan immigration bills that the Republicans walked away from because rather than attempting to solve the problem they wanted issues they could run on in the election.
While most people have no problem with deporting illegal aliens for cause the methods this administration has and is using and the lies from this administration on what their intents and action are abhorrent. The administration attempting to find an excuse to invoke the insurrection act were disgusting.
Unattractive subordinates in important positions: Jack still trying to put lipstick on a pig. A better description would be “Incompetent subordinates in important positions:” These people for the most part were and are totally unqualified for the positions they hold. Trump picked for loyalty and fealty rather than competence. Watching a cabinet meeting is akin to watching North Korean Ministers fawning over Kim Jun Un. Yes his minions often make uninformed and or misguided statement just like Trump and unless they display some sort of disloyalty he will likely keep them as long as he can.
There needs to be a 2026 electoral disaster as what passes for the “Republican” party has proven that it is incapable and unwilling of governing in a responsible manor. As for Trump focusing on anything other than grievances and destroying the country, I think you are whistling in the wind.
You are simply putting a nastier spin on my criticisms of what Trump is doing. I think you are too harsh but I’ll let the readers of this post decide for themselves.