A propos - Trump 'now underwater on all top ten issues except border security', analyst says
France 24
by Sharon GAFFNEYFebruary 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
US President Donald Trump's popularity has significantly declined across major policy areas since his inauguration, with Larry Sabato, political analyst at the University of Virginia Centre for Politics, noting that Trump is "underwater" on all top ten issues except border security. Sabato explains that Trump will focus on maintaining his MAGA base ahead of the State of the Union address, as his approval ratings have suffered on key issues like economic growth, healthcare, and immigration reform. Despite this, Trump continues to hold strong support on border security, which remains a central focus for his administration.
Sabato highlights that Trump's declining popularity reflects broader challenges in uniting his base and achieving legislative progress. Since taking office, Trump has faced increasing criticism from both Democrats and some Republicans over his policies and communication style. Sabato emphasizes that the upcoming State of the Union address will be crucial for Trump to rally his supporters and present a unified vision, particularly as midterm elections approach.
The analyst also points out that Trump's focus on border security is likely to dominate his agenda, given its strong resonance with his conservative base. However, this narrow focus may limit his ability to address other pressing national issues, potentially hindering bipartisan cooperation and legislative progress. Sabato suggests that Trump's political strategy will increasingly center on mobilizing his existing supporters rather than broadening his appeal.
This shift in Trump's priorities underscores the growing divide in American politics and raises questions about the administration's ability to tackle complex challenges effectively. As Trump doubles down on border security, observers note that this approach may further polarize the nation and complicate efforts to address other critical issues like economic inequality and climate change.
For readers interested in global and political developments, understanding Trump's declining popularity and strategic focus is essential to grasping the broader implications for US politics and international relations. The administration's narrow policy emphasis not only shapes domestic policy but
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Originally published on France 24 on 2/24/2026