Some voters have raised issues with Trump.
President Donald Trump’s standing among swing voters has reached its lowest point since December, as revealed by recent analysis from Impact Social. The decline in sentiment can largely be attributed to his handling of foreign affairs, particularly his stance on Russia, as well as his response to ongoing federal layoffs.
Since taking office, Trump has adopted a noticeably different approach to Russia compared to previous administrations, often expressing a more favorable view of the nation. This approach contrasts sharply with President Biden’s strategy, which has involved significant diplomatic and military support for Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia. While Trump’s foreign policy has sparked debate, his bold ideas, including calls for the U.S. to acquire territories like Greenland and pursue tariffs to reshape global trade, have resonated with certain segments of his base.
A deep dive into the views of 40,000 swing voters between February 24 and March 4 shows a troubling 12-point drop in net sentiment toward Trump. As of now, his net sentiment stands at -12, with 68% of swing voters remaining neutral, 10% expressing positivity, and 22% taking a negative stance. Concerns about his foreign policy, especially regarding Russia, are fueling this shift, with some voters on both sides of the political spectrum expressing dissatisfaction.
Among the criticisms of Trump, 21% of swing voters pointed to his perceived favoritism toward Russia and President Vladimir Putin. Meanwhile, 9% were displeased with the ongoing federal layoffs, a topic that has been a persistent source of frustration for many Americans. On the flip side, 17% of voters expressed approval of Trump’s handling of the Russia-Ukraine situation, especially his interactions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
In terms of foreign policy, Trump has pushed for ambitious and controversial proposals, such as calling for Canada to join the U.S. as the 51st state, advocating for U.S. control over the Panama Canal, and even suggesting the resettlement of Palestinians outside of Gaza. Though many of these ideas have been rejected by those involved, they reflect Trump’s unorthodox approach to global affairs.
Despite his mixed record, Trump’s recent address to Congress garnered positive reactions, with polls showing that a majority of Americans, including 69% in a CNN poll and 76% in a CBS News and YouGov poll, responded favorably to his speech. Trump’s shift in foreign policy is also being watched globally, with some analysts suggesting that his approach is creating opportunities for adversaries like Russia and China.
Even as concerns about his foreign policy direction grow, Trump remains a figure of controversy, with some Republican leaders, like Secretary of State Marco Rubio, defending his efforts to promote peace. However, others, like CNN’s Harry Enten, have raised concerns about his low approval ratings, particularly regarding the economy.
As the situation with Russia continues to evolve, Trump’s actions and strategies will undoubtedly remain a focal point for both his supporters and detractors. The upcoming discussions between U.S. and Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia, and potential meetings between Trump and Russian leaders, will likely further shape public perception of his foreign policy legacy.