Trump Approvals DOWN - Can Democrats Ride the Wave to Midterm Victory in 2026?
The Josh Lafazan Show on YouTube - Episode 86
Today's top stories in U.S. news, politics, government, and world affairs:
Welcome back to The Josh Lafazan Show — and today, we’re unpacking what might be the biggest political pivot since Trump’s second inauguration. In just a few short months, President Trump’s approval ratings have taken a dramatic tumble — and for the first time in a long time, Democrats seem to be waking up, organizing, and possibly even… winning?
This episode dives deep into the forces that are reshaping the 2026 political battlefield. We break down three major drivers behind the shifting tides — and what they mean for the future of both parties:
1. Elon Musk’s Government Faceplant
Elon Musk’s surprise appointment as head of the Department of Government Efficiency may go down as one of the strangest (and shortest-lived) political experiments in American history. Armed with executive power and an ideological mandate to slash government spending, Musk has turned into an electoral liability faster than anyone expected.
After personally pouring $20 million into a failed referendum in Wisconsin, Musk is now facing widespread disapproval across the political spectrum. A Marquette Law School survey found that 58% of Americans disapprove of Musk’s performance, and only 41% have a favorable view of him overall. His aggressive cuts to Medicaid and other social programs have sparked national outrage, with massive town hall protests erupting across key swing states. In a country already on edge, Musk’s budget axe may have become a gift-wrapped campaign ad for the Democrats.
2. Foreign Policy Fumbles — and Voter Fallout
Trump’s second-term foreign policy isn’t just unpopular — it’s being seen as actively dangerous. According to CNN polling, 59% of Americans disapprove of Trump’s handling of U.S.–Russia relations, and 55% disapprove of his approach to Ukraine. Even more striking: Half of all Americans believe his strategy is bad for the United States.
This isn’t just partisan posturing. Trump’s chaotic approach to global affairs is rattling confidence at home and abroad, and Democrats are capitalizing on the uncertainty. Whether it’s the lack of a clear strategy, the abandonment of long-term allies, or the perception of cozying up to authoritarian regimes, Trump’s foreign policy may be dragging down his entire presidency — and boosting Democratic credibility on the world stage.
3. The Economy: From Strength to Sinking Ship
For years, the economy was Trump’s safe haven. It’s what allowed many voters to look past his chaos and controversies. But now? Not so much. A Quinnipiac poll shows that Americans now disapprove of his economic performance by a wide margin — particularly due to his aggressive (and widely criticized) tariff policies.
Despite a recent 90-day tariff pause, voters remain skeptical. More than three to one say Trump’s tariffs are hurting the U.S. economy in the short term. And the polling is following suit: Trump’s net approval rating has dropped by 11 points since February, with a particularly brutal collapse among young voters. He’s now at -29 among voters under 30 — a full 34-point swing from his post-inauguration high.
And while Gen X remains relatively stable, millennials and boomers are also showing signs of erosion. In a country where economic pain is tangible — from higher consumer prices to shaky job numbers — Trump’s once-reliable economic edge is now slipping through his fingers.
So… Are Democrats Finally Back?
That’s the real question.
For years, the Democratic Party has struggled to define itself in opposition to Trump 2.0. But the tide may finally be turning. Viral moments like Senator Cory Booker’s 25-hour speech — which racked up over 350 million views on TikTok — have shown Dems a roadmap to fighting back with energy, clarity, and style. It wasn’t just a filibuster — it was a moment.
Even more telling: 1,400 “Hands Off!” protests erupted across the country in a coordinated response to Republican cuts, mobilizing millions of Americans at state capitols, congressional offices, and city halls. This is the kind of grassroots movement we haven’t seen since the Women’s March or the protests against Trump’s Muslim ban.
And the results are starting to show. Democrats overperformed in Florida. They won big in Wisconsin. Kalshi betting markets now give Dems an 80% chance of retaking the House — and serious analysts are starting to whisper about the Senate, too.
With strong candidate recruitment efforts, improved messaging, and a revived sense of purpose, the Democrats may be doing something they haven’t done in years: building momentum.
In this episode, we dig into it all — the numbers, the strategy, the rallies, and the rhetoric. What’s real and what’s spin? What’s working for the Democrats — and what still needs fixing? Can Trump turn things around before the 2026 midterms? Or is this the beginning of the end?