Trump's war, tariffs and monument obsession sink GOP to new lows

President Trump’s second term has descended into a political crisis, with new polling showing his approval rating at an all-time low as he devotes his time to an unpopular war, aggressive tariffs, and monuments — a trio of obsessions that threatens to sink the GOP in the 2026 midterms.

According to a Quinnipiac University poll last week, Trump’s approval cratered to 32%, and 68% of voters said he isn’t focused enough on the problems most Americans face. Even long-time insiders privately admit the president appears trapped by decisions that are deeply unpopular with the broader electorate.

GOP Loses Its Economic Edge

For nearly a decade, Republicans held a dominant advantage over Democrats when it came to handling the economy. But a Reuters/Ipsos poll released this week — and a Pew Research Center survey last month — found voters now split on which party is better for the economy. That shift is widely attributed to Trump’s tariff policies, which have unsettled businesses and consumers. While Republicans still command support on immigration, an AP-NORC poll shows, the economy has long been the party’s cornerstone, and losing that advantage is a severe blow heading into the midterms.

The President’s Preoccupations

Behind closed doors, Trump’s focus remains fixed on legacy projects rather than kitchen-table issues. New York Times reporter Maggie Haberman estimates that 70% of the president’s mindshare goes to renovations and monuments, describing it as a legacy endeavor. The president has invested heavily in a trade war that economists broadly view as self-inflicted, while his attention to memorials and statues baffles even his allies.

A Trump insider, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the president concentrates on hobbies that distract from his poor polling numbers and that the war, tariffs, and monuments are demoralizing the base. The same source noted that all three topics chew up much of Trump’s time and attention, yet remain widely unpopular in national surveys.

MAGA Inc.’s Idle Millions

The demoralization extends to the party’s donor class. MAGA Inc., the pro-Trump super PAC, has accumulated more than $400 million, but there is growing frustration among top Republicans over Trump’s reluctance to unleash that money in critical races. The refusal to spend big during the summer — a period when campaigns often gain or lose momentum — has left donors disheartened and candidates underfunded. As one insider put it, this was a Trump-induced summer of discontent for the GOP.

Immigration: A Rare Bright Spot

Amid the gloom, Trump still enjoys strong Republican support for his immigration policies. The AP-NORC poll shows approval on that issue has held steady, providing a potential rallying point for the base. But with controversies over war and tariffs saturating the news cycle, even that advantage may not be enough to offset the wider dissatisfaction.

What Comes Next

With no indication that public opinion will warm to the president’s core preoccupations, the GOP faces an uphill climb. Trump’s refusal to pivot on war, tariffs, or monuments — combined with his super PAC’s idle resources — leaves the party vulnerable in the 2026 elections. As Trump doubles down on legacy projects, Republican strategists are bracing for a fall that could define the party’s future for years.