A new AP-NORC poll has delivered a brutal blow to President Donald Trump’s image of invincibility inside his own party. After weeks of chaos in Washington and the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, Republican voters are turning on him — fast.
According to the survey, GOP approval of Trump’s ability to manage the federal government has plunged 13 points, from 81% in March to just 68% this month. Among independents, the drop is even steeper — from 38% to 25%. Only 5% of Democrats now say the president is handling things well, down from an already-abysmal nine percent.
The poll lands as the six-week shutdown continues to paralyze Washington and hammer the economy. Economists estimate the stoppage has cost as much as $14 billion per week, disrupting federal paychecks, air travel, and basic services nationwide.
“This is what happens when governing becomes a sideshow to political theater,” said Dr. Janice Fowler, a political science professor at Georgetown University. “Voters are realizing the president’s talent for chaos doesn’t translate to actual management.”
Trump’s Blame Game Backfires
Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) have spent weeks insisting Democrats are responsible for the shutdown, claiming the left is “holding the American people hostage.” But the public isn’t buying it.
A separate AP-NORC poll from late October found that 52% of Americans blame Republicans for the shutdown, compared to 33% who fault Democrats. Even on Fox News this week, Johnson was pressed about the numbers and dodged when asked if the GOP strategy had “blown up in their faces.”
“People aren’t stupid,” said one senior Democratic aide who asked not to be named. “They see who’s sitting in the Oval Office. They know who could reopen the government with a single signature.”
Erosion Within the Base
What’s most alarming for the White House is the shift inside Trump’s core support. For years, Republican voters have given him near-unquestioning loyalty. But patience appears to be wearing thin.
“He promised to drain the swamp,” said Richard Cobb, a lifelong Republican from Ohio who voted for Trump twice. “Now it feels like he is the swamp. My brother works for TSA — he’s missed three paychecks. This is not leadership.”
Even some conservative strategists privately admit the president’s political calculus looks risky. “He’s gambling the party’s future to prove a point,” said former GOP consultant Alex Lang. “Shutdowns never end well for the party in power. He’s losing suburban Republicans every single day this drags on.”
Approval Near Rock Bottom
The AP-NORC poll puts Trump’s overall approval at 36%, just two points higher than his all-time low following the January 6th Capitol riot — the event that led to his second impeachment trial and subsequent acquittal by Senate Republicans.
The White House did not respond to repeated requests for comment on the poll.
Political observers say the mounting disapproval could reshape the 2026 midterms — and possibly embolden challengers within Trump’s own party.
“If the bottom really falls out,” said Fowler, “Republicans might finally do what Democrats never could: break the spell of Donald Trump.”
Discover more from Next Gen News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
I truly do NOT believe your results are reported accurately.
HA, ANOTHER LIBERAL LIE TO GET OVER ON IGNORANT PEOPLE
American Citizens must not believe these Leftist polls lying about no faith for President Trump!!! Pollsters lying about President Trump’s popularity!! 🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳
This poll indicates and proves polls can be misleading and full of shit!
How can you blame the R’s for the shut down when they all votes YES to open the government and the D’s all voted NO to keep it shut down? You liars are full of S**t.
I hope that Fetterman gets better. At least he is fairly honest.