Trump Has Blown His Immigration Advantage
RealClearPolitics
by Bill King, RealClearPoliticsFebruary 13, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Donald Trump's immigration policies, initially popular due to his focus on border control and lowering prices, have lost momentum as his approach shifted from border management to mass deportations. This change has significantly impacted his approval ratings, with support dropping notably among key demographics like independents, Hispanics, and older voters.
The decline in public favor began as the reality of large-scale deportations unfolded, leading to a 13% drop in Trump's immigration-related approval rating. Polling discrepancies emerged, with Morning Consult showing higher positivity compared to other pollsters. Without their data, Trump’s average approval would have been even lower.
Specifically, support among independents plummeted by 40 points, from +15% to -25%, according to The Economist/YouGov polling. Hispanic support also fell sharply, dropping 24 points to -19%. Even the over-65 demographic turned negative for the first time, signaling a broader shift in public sentiment.
This erosion of support poses significant political challenges for Trump, particularly as he relies on these groups for votes. The decline underscores the complexities of immigration policy, where public opinion often softens when considering specific cases, such as allowing pathways to citizenship for undocumented children brought to the U.S.
Trump's handling of immigration could either solidify his legacy or lead to electoral setbacks. His ability to pivot towards a more balanced approach remains uncertain, making this issue crucially important for understanding future political dynamics and Trump’s potential success in upcoming elections.
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Originally published on RealClearPolitics on 2/13/2026