Nearly a year into his second term, Donald Trump is facing a more complicated political reality than many of his supporters expected. A new national survey suggests that while Republicans continue to stand firmly behind the president overall, confidence in his economic performance has noticeably weakened.
According to a fresh poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, there is a growing disconnect between how Republicans remember Trump’s first-term economic leadership and how they view his second-term results so far. The findings help frame the broader question now shaping conservative conversations: Do Trump Voters Feel Satisfied in His Second Term? A New Poll Offers Insight into a base that remains loyal but increasingly uneasy.
Economic Promises Meet Rising Living Costs
The survey shows a sharp decline in enthusiasm among Republicans when it comes to the cost of living. Only 16% of Republicans say Trump has helped “a lot” in lowering everyday expenses during his second term. That figure is a steep drop from April 2024, when nearly half of Republicans credited his first term with making a meaningful difference.
Inflation has eased compared with recent highs, but prices for essentials such as groceries, housing, and health care remain higher than when Trump returned to office last January. For many households, that reality is difficult to ignore.
John Candela, a 64-year-old Republican from New Rochelle, New York, says his family budget feels unchanged. His salary hasn’t grown, bills haven’t dropped, and grocery prices still sting. “I’m still paying $5 for Oreos,” he said. Even so, Candela is willing to wait. He believes economic improvements may take time and expects clearer results by the end of Trump’s term.
Support Holds Strong Despite Economic Frustration
Despite dissatisfaction with costs, Republican loyalty to Trump remains remarkably durable. Roughly 8 in 10 Republicans approve of his overall job performance, compared with just 4 in 10 adults nationwide. That contrast highlights how political identity and long-term expectations continue to shape views within the GOP.
Many supporters openly acknowledge their mixed feelings. Candela, for example, criticizes Trump’s tone and communication style but separates personality from policy. While he doesn’t admire the president’s demeanor, he approves of what he sees as a broader effort to put the country “back on track.”
Jobs and Health Care Lag Behind First-Term Ratings
On other economic measures, the poll reveals similar declines. Just over half of Republicans believe Trump has helped create jobs in his second term, compared with 85% who said so during his first term. Only about one-quarter now say he has helped “a lot” with job growth.
Health care is another area of concern. About one-third of Republicans say Trump has helped reduce health care costs at least “a little,” down significantly from first-term ratings. The expiration of federal health care subsidies on January 1 has caused premiums to double or even triple for millions of Americans, intensifying frustration.
In Waxahachie, Texas, Ryan James Hughes, a 28-year-old children’s pastor and three-time Trump voter, says his family has not seen financial relief. Medical bills remain high, though he emphasizes personal responsibility over government intervention. “I’m not looking to the government to secure my financial future,” he said.
Immigration Remains a Core Strength
If the economy is Trump’s weak spot among Republicans, immigration is clearly his strong suit. About 8 in 10 Republicans say Trump has helped at least “a little” with immigration and border security during his second term, a level similar to first-term approval.
Most Republicans believe Trump has struck the right balance on deportations, while about one-third think he hasn’t gone far enough. However, approval on immigration has dipped slightly within the party, falling from 88% last spring to 76% in the latest poll.
Some supporters have expressed discomfort with aggressive enforcement tactics in major cities, arguing that the focus should remain on immigrants with criminal records. Still, many see the crackdown as a necessary response to policies under Joe Biden, whom they blame for increased border crossings.
A Nation Improving, Even If Personal Lives Aren’t
One of the most revealing findings from the poll is the contrast between national and personal outlooks. About two-thirds of Republicans say the country is better off now than before Trump took office. Yet only about half say their own family situation has improved.
That sense of national progress may be offsetting personal economic frustration, helping explain why Trump’s base remains largely intact. For many supporters, belief in the direction of the country matters more than short-term household finances.
Phyllis Gilpin, a 62-year-old Republican from Booneville, Missouri, summed up that sentiment. She praised Trump for listening to voters, even while admitting she doesn’t care for his personality. Her view reflects a broader reality revealed by the poll: Republicans may not be fully satisfied, but they are far from walking away.
Final Takeaway
The AP-NORC survey paints a nuanced picture of Trump’s second term so far. Economic disappointment is real, especially around living costs and health care. Yet strong approval on immigration and a belief that the country is moving in the right direction continue to anchor Republican support. As debates continue, one thing is clear: Do Trump Voters Feel Satisfied in His Second Term? A New Poll Offers Insight into a base that remains loyal, patient, and deeply invested in the bigger picture.
