WASHINGTON – A recent poll conducted by the Associated Press-NORC reveals that immigration continues to be a key issue for President Donald Trump, even more so than the economy or international relations, such as tensions with Iran. This is noteworthy, especially after several tragic incidents involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which resulted in three fatalities within a week in July.
Despite the ongoing immigration debate, only 39% of American adults approve of Trump’s immigration policies. This reflects a significant drop from 49% at the beginning of his second term, indicating growing dissatisfaction among the general public.
Interestingly, about 80% of Republicans still support Trump’s immigration stance. Although this number has decreased slightly from 90% at the start of his second term, his core base remains largely steadfast, even amidst a turbulent year filled with aggressive immigration enforcement actions.
The poll also highlights a significant divide in public opinion regarding the consequences of Trump’s immigration policies. Approximately half of U.S. adults believe that he has “gone too far” in deporting individuals living in the country illegally. This sentiment has persisted despite numerous crackdowns and high-profile incidents involving federal law enforcement.
Moreover, while Republicans generally support Trump’s immigration actions, many Americans express concern regarding the methods used by ICE. A majority disapproves of the agency’s approach, with about 50% of Americans expressing strong disapproval. This contrasts sharply with the Republican viewpoint, where about 60% approve of ICE’s handling of immigration enforcement.
As for Trump’s handling of the economy, his approval ratings are also slipping. Only 32% of Americans now approve of his economic policies, a decrease from 40% at the start of his second term. This shift marks a significant decline compared to his first term when economic issues were perceived as a strength for his administration.
Despite high prices affecting many Americans, around 69% of Republicans continue to back Trump’s economic policies, although this is down from earlier ratings. In contrast, about 70% of Americans view the economy as “very” or “somewhat” poor, reflecting widespread concern about economic conditions.
On healthcare, another issue Trump has struggled with, only about 30% of Americans approve of his performance. However, approval among Republicans has increased to 71%, suggesting a slight rebound in his support within that demographic.
As the midterm elections approach, these polling results highlight the challenges Trump faces in maintaining widespread support across various issues. The AP-NORC poll surveyed 1,165 adults from July 23 to July 27, with a margin of error of +/- 3.7 percentage points overall.
