Trump's Own Voters Turn Against Him on Economy as 2026 Midterms Loom
A striking shift is emerging in American politics: Trump voters in North Carolina are increasingly blaming the president they elected for the very economic struggles that drove them to support him in the first place.
According to a focus group conducted by Engagious, Axios, and Sago, 12 out of 14 Trump voters in the swing state now express greater economic anxiety than when Trump took office. Even more telling, only three participants still approve of his job performance.
Broken Promises and Growing Frustration
The participants didn't mince words about their disappointment. One voter described Trump's policies, including tariffs and armed immigration enforcement in cities, as "out of control." Another bluntly stated that Trump "hasn't kept his word," while a third noted a troubling "disconnect between the average, everyday American people and the president."
These concerns echo the same criticisms that ultimately sank Joe Biden's presidency. Participants expressed worry about Trump's age and reports of him falling asleep during meetings. As one voter put it: "If [falling asleep] was wrong for other presidents, it's concerning for him, as well."
The Cost of Living Crisis Hits Home
While many participants couldn't identify key administration figures like Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, they were acutely aware of issues affecting their daily lives. The affordability crisis remains their primary concern, overshadowing foreign policy matters or political appointments.
This represents a significant political vulnerability for Republicans heading into 2026. Nationwide polls show Trump's approval rating slipping even among his MAGA base, with more supporters beginning to hold him accountable for ongoing economic struggles.
A Warning Sign for 2026
The most concerning trend for Republicans may be among non-MAGA Trump voters, swing voters who supported him but don't identify with his movement's most fervent elements. These voters, similar to those in the North Carolina focus group, represent crucial constituencies in competitive districts.
As Paige Masten of The Charlotte Observer notes, voters appear ready to channel their economic frustrations into electoral action in 2026, much as they did against Biden in 2024. Despite Trump's attempts to shift blame to his predecessor, voters are holding him accountable for the same issues that defined the previous administration's struggles.
This dynamic suggests that economic performance, not partisan loyalty, remains the decisive factor in American electoral politics. For a party that built its recent success on promises of economic revival, these early warning signs from Trump's own supporters should serve as a wake-up call.
The question now is whether Republicans can address these concerns before they translate into electoral losses, or if 2026 will see another wave election driven by economic dissatisfaction.