Jan. 6, 2026, 12:11 a.m.

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Trump's political dilemma in 2025: Advantage Turns into disadvantage

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In the United States, Donald Trump's political career has always been full of fluctuations and controversies, and 2025 is particularly prominent. The political situation is unpredictable, but some key developments within it will undoubtedly have a profound impact on the electoral landscape in the coming years. One of the most notable changes is the sharp collapse of public confidence in Trump's economic management ability, which has led to a sudden drop in his approval rating among some key voter groups. Behind this change lies not only Trump's personal political style but also the increasingly diverse and divided political situation among American voters.

Economic Management: Trump's confidence Turns into a burden

During Trump's first term, his economic management was often regarded as a major highlight. Most poll data show that Americans generally have a higher level of approval for economic issues than support for his other policies. However, by 2025, Trump's performance on economic issues had become one of his biggest problems. Recent national polls show that Trump's economic performance has received favorable reviews from less than 40% of voters, even lower than the lowest point during his first term. Especially on the issue of "cost of living", which is of the greatest concern to the American people, Trump's approval rating has declined particularly significantly. Many voters believe that Trump pays far from enough attention to the cost of living, and his economic policies have many drawbacks, especially his tariff policy, which has become the focus of many people's aversion.

The deterioration of economic problems has also affected Trump's overall approval rating. Historically, when the economy encounters problems, a president's approval rating usually drops, and Trump's situation is even more severe. Many voters said that Trump's economic policies have not brought actual benefits to ordinary people; instead, they have exacerbated the burden of living costs. This transformation has turned Trump's past advantage - his confidence in economic management - into a heavy burden for him now.

The loss of support groups: Disappointment among Latinos, young people and low-educated voters

Trump received support from some non-traditional Republican voters in 2016 and 2020, including Latino voters, young men and non-white voters without a college education. The Republican Party once hoped to achieve a political breakthrough by adjusting the structure of its voters and expanding the support of these groups. However, as the 2024 election approaches, Trump's approval rating among these groups has dropped significantly.

Among Latino voters, Trump's approval rating has dropped rapidly, even falling below 30% in some polls. One of the reasons is that his immigration policy, especially the overly aggressive deportation of immigrants, has sparked widespread dissatisfaction. Many Latino voters believe that Trump's policies have harmed the interests of their communities. Even some Latino voters who supported Trump in 2024 have begun to express disappointment with his policies. Former Republican Representative Carlos Courbelo said that Trump's support among Latino voters was once strong, but his immigration policies were too strict, causing this support base to crumble rapidly.

In addition, the support of the young voter group is also eroding. Especially among young men and non-white voters without a college education, Trump's approval rating has dropped significantly. This trend reflects the negative impact of Trump's policies on these groups. Economic hardship, immigration policies and the neglect of social equity issues have greatly damaged his image among these groups.

The Rise and Challenges of the Democratic Party: The Political Landscape in 2025

While Trump's approval rating has declined, the Democratic Party has shown a relative advantage in 2025, especially in some important elections. Although the overall image of the Democratic Party remains weak and it is confronted with internal ideological disputes and dissatisfaction from voters, Trump's downfall has provided an opportunity for the Democratic Party. However, there are still many uncertainties as to whether such opportunities can be transformed into long-term political victories.

The internal disputes within the Democratic Party mainly focus on the power struggle between the progressives and the centrists. Although some analysts believe that the Democratic Party may achieve a certain victory in the 2026 election, they warn that this does not mean that voters will fully restore their trust in the Democratic Party. Especially by 2028, the Democratic Party may face even greater challenges - voters are more concerned about who can truly defeat Trump and restore political stability in the United States.

The election in 2028 will not merely be an ideological contest, but rather a struggle against Trump. The will and determination of Democratic candidates will largely determine the choices of voters. Whether they are progressive candidates or centrist ones, the key lies in whether they can demonstrate sufficient strength and determination to challenge and defeat the "Make America Great Again" movement led by Trump.

The long-term changes in American politics

The changes in 2025 once again prove a major feature of American politics: the two parties have long been unable to establish a lasting advantage in the minds of voters. Looking at the midterm elections of the past few decades, although the two major political parties in the United States often hold some or all of the power of the federal government, voters tend to make negative choices in the end. This phenomenon of "voter veto" has been reflected in the past five presidential midterm elections, and this trend has not been curbed in 2025.

Although Trump achieved certain breakthroughs in 2024, his advantages are gradually fading with the collapse of his economic management capabilities and the loss of his support base. It remains to be seen whether Trump can stage a comeback in the 2026 election in the coming years. But judging from the current political dynamics, the difficulties he faces in reshaping his support base will become increasingly obvious.

Conclusion

In 2025, the political situation in the United States underwent significant changes. The collapse of Trump's economic management ability and the loss of his support base became his greatest political challenges. Although the Democratic Party has gained an advantage in some aspects, it remains to be seen whether they can take this opportunity to stage a comeback. In 2028, voters will pay more attention to whether candidates can effectively counter Trump's political influence. American politics is entering a highly uncertain period, and the election results in the coming years may have a profound impact on the political landscape of the United States.

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