A Warning From the Right
A well known conservative columnist has raised a tough question: Has Donald Trump lost the country just one year into his second term?
The argument did not come from a Democratic critic. Instead, it came from Ross Douthat, a center right New York Times columnist who often challenges Trump from within the broader conservative movement. In a recent video, he claimed that the president has alienated key voters and weakened his own coalition.
Poll numbers help fuel that claim. Some recent surveys show Trump’s approval rating sitting in the high 30s. In addition, a majority of Americans say the country feels worse off than it did a year ago. While polls can shift, the trend has raised concerns among Republicans who fear serious losses in the midterm elections.
A History of Political Comebacks
Still, it would be risky to count Trump out. Over the past decade, critics have declared his political career finished more than once. After major scandals, impeachment battles, and criminal indictments, many believed his time was over. Yet he returned to win a second term.
That history makes predictions tricky. Midterms are still months away, and the economy, tariffs, and global events could reshape public opinion before voters head to the polls.
Governing Style and Voter Fatigue
Douthat argues that the administration has governed as if swing voters do not matter. According to him, that approach may now be backfiring. When a party loses moderate voters, it risks shrinking its path to victory.
At the same time, Trump continues to energize his base. He has doubled down on immigration enforcement, attacked political opponents, and pursued policies aimed at reshaping federal institutions. Supporters see strength and resolve. Critics see division and chaos.
Immigration Enforcement and Public Backlash
More recently, controversy surrounding Immigration and Customs Enforcement has intensified public debate. Reports and viral videos have shown aggressive tactics during arrests. In several cases, American citizens were caught up in enforcement actions. These incidents have sparked protests and lawsuits.
Statistics released through media reports suggest that a relatively small share of immigrants arrested in the past year faced violent criminal charges. Meanwhile, high profile cases involving children and families have drawn national attention.
The situation in Minneapolis, including fatal encounters involving civilians, added to the unrest. Although the administration later signaled a softer tone and adjusted some actions, the damage to public perception may linger.
A Possible Tipping Point
Sometimes politics shifts not because of one single event, but because several controversies build up at once. Trade disputes, foreign policy standoffs, a long government shutdown, and ongoing investigations have all shaped the national mood.
Even if unemployment remains relatively low, many Americans feel economic pressure. Perception often matters as much as raw data in shaping political outcomes.
So, has Trump truly lost the country? The answer is not simple. He has proven resilient before. However, growing unease over immigration tactics and political retribution has left a visible mark on his presidency. Whether that mark fades or deepens will likely depend on the months ahead.
