For years, President Donald Trump’s political strength has rested on an unshakeable foundation: the fierce loyalty of his Republican base. That loyalty has allowed him to weather controversies — from the January 6 Capitol riot to four criminal indictments — without losing his grip on the GOP.
But recent trends suggest that loyalty is no longer absolute. What were once small cracks are now widening, revealing growing discomfort among Republican voters.
It’s not only outspoken figures like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene expressing doubts. Multiple new polls show that at least 20% of Republicans — and sometimes far more — disapprove of Trump’s handling of key issues. While these concerns haven’t yet taken a major toll on his overall GOP approval, the consistency of these numbers signals a notable shift.
Below are the major areas where Trump appears to be losing ground among his core supporters.
1. Epstein Files – GOP Disapproval at 30% to 54%
Republicans have shown clear discomfort with Trump’s handling of matters involving Jeffrey Epstein.
- A Reuters–Ipsos poll found 31% of Republicans disapprove, while only 44% approve.
- A Marquette Law School poll found an even sharper divide: 54% of Republicans disapproved of Trump’s approach to “information about Jeffrey Epstein.”
This is one of Trump’s weakest issue areas among GOP voters.
2. Inflation and Cost of Living – A Persistent Weak Spot
Few issues matter more to voters than the rising cost of living, and Trump appears to be bearing the brunt of those frustrations.
- Republican disapproval of his handling of inflation hovers around 25% in most polls.
- In the Marquette poll, it spikes to 39%.
- CBS polling shows 57% of Republicans believe Trump hasn’t done enough to lower prices.
ECONOMIC dissatisfaction is emerging as a major vulnerability.
3. The Argentina Bailout – Up to 69% GOP Opposition
One of the most striking numbers:
69% of Republicans in the Marquette poll disapproved of Trump’s decision to send $20–$40 billion to help stabilize Argentina’s economy.
The move clashes sharply with Trump’s “America First” message — and many conservative voters noticed. GOP Sen. Rand Paul even warned it could be a “deal-breaker” for the MAGA base.
Such large-scale disapproval from Republican voters would have been unthinkable just a few years ago.
4. Ukraine and Foreign Policy – 20% to 40% Disapproval
Trump’s handling of the Russia-Ukraine conflict is another point of tension.
- He promised to end the war “on Day One,” but hasn’t delivered.
- His more Russia-friendly approach has unsettled hawkish Republicans.
Polls show:
- 23% to 40% of Republicans disapprove of his Ukraine policy.
- 22% disapprove of his handling of Middle East issues, even after the recent Gaza ceasefire deal.
Foreign policy is becoming a growing source of friction within his base.
5. Health Care – GOP Disapproval up to 32%
Despite health care being a top domestic issue, Republicans are showing rising frustration.
Polls reveal:
- 19% (Reuters)
- 21% (Gallup)
- 26% (Fox News)
- 32% (AP-NORC)
…of Republicans disapprove of Trump’s performance on health policy.
These numbers rival the GOP’s unpopular 2017 Obamacare repeal effort — a sign that the issue remains perilous for Trump.
6. Managing the Federal Government – A Surprising Weak Point
Republicans are increasingly doubtful about Trump’s management of government operations.
- Pew found GOP confidence in Trump’s ability to “make government work better” plunged from 76% to 55% within a few months.
- AP-NORC polling shows 32% disapproval among Republicans on government handling.
- The Marquette poll found 48% disapproved of Trump’s role in the recent government shutdown.
This is one of the strongest indications yet that core supporters are questioning his leadership effectiveness.
Conclusion: The Loyalty Is Still There — But It’s No Longer Absolute
Trump remains the dominant figure in the Republican Party, but the latest data shows unmistakable signs of strain. Issue-by-issue, sizable portions of his base are expressing dissatisfaction.
Whether these cracks grow into real political consequences is still uncertain — but they are larger and more visible than at any point in Trump’s political career.
