Donald Trump has spent months screaming that the country had gone to “hell” under Joe Biden. A new poll just delivered a reality check: voters aren’t buying it—and Republicans may be in deep trouble.
A new Harvard CAPS/Harris Poll reveals the political hangover Trump didn’t see coming. A slim majority—51% of Americans—say he’s doing a worse job in the White House than his predecessor That’s right: his signature campaign claim is collapsing under the weight of actual public opinion.
Trump’s overall approval rating dropped two points to 45%, with declines recorded across every major policy area. The poll calls out his most unpopular moves: expanding Immigration and Customs Enforcement as part of his immigration crackdown and pulling the U.S. out of international organizations. And it gets worse—55% of respondents said Trump “is making bad deals on behalf of the country.”
Mark Penn, co-director of the Harvard CAPS/Harris Poll, didn’t sugarcoat the implications: Republicans “are now facing a tough midterm election.” If GOP candidates keep leaning into Trump’s hyperbolic messaging, they could be in for a devastating political beating.
Trump’s “America is hell” pitch may have worked on the primary trail, revving up his base, but general election voters are not impressed. They’re sending a clear message that his approach to immigration, foreign policy, and deal-making isn’t winning hearts or minds. In short, the chaos he thrives on is now reflected in a very unflattering poll.
Over half of Americans think he’s doing worse than Biden, and there’s no rally chant that can paper over that reality.
With midterms on the horizon, Republicans face a stark choice: double down on Trump-style theatrics and risk alienating moderates, or recalibrate before the damage gets worse. Based on these numbers, ignoring the warning signs could lead to a complete wipeout.
