The Josh Lafazan Show

Trump's Approvals LOWEST Since WORLD WAR II - A Major Problem for the GOP in 2026

Episode Notes

The Josh Lafazan Show on YouTube - Episode 157

Welcome to The Josh Lafazan Show — where facts matter, accountability is expected, and truth always has a seat at the table.

In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into the stark reality that Donald Trump’s approval rating has hit rock bottom. With his current approval at just 37.1%, Trump now holds the title for the lowest approval rating of any U.S. president at this stage in their presidency since 1961. This includes the likes of George W. Bush, Jimmy Carter, and even Richard Nixon before Watergate. In fact, the only president who polled lower than Trump at this point in his presidency was Trump himself in 2017.

So, why are these numbers so low, and what does it mean for 2026 and beyond? Let’s break it all down.

Segment 1: Trump’s Historically Low Approval Numbers

As of the latest FiveThirtyEight average, Trump’s approval sits at 37.1%. To put this into perspective, let’s compare it to other presidents:

Joe Biden at this point had a 43.3% approval rating.
Barack Obama during the recession hit 45.6%.
George W. Bush after the Iraq invasion had 46.7%.
Jimmy Carter at his lowest approval still polled higher than Trump.

Trump’s approval is lower than all of them — and he is the first president in modern history to be underwater on almost every major issue with every demographic outside of his core Republican base. This marks a significant shift in public perception, and it’s not just a temporary dip — this is a trend that spells trouble for Trump and the GOP.

Segment 2: Why Trump’s Numbers Are in the Gutter

So, why is Trump so unpopular? Let's break it down:

The Economy:
- Inflation is on the rise again, and gas prices have increased by 32 cents per gallon since January.
- His trade war with China and proposed tariffs have economists worried. The Tax Foundation estimates this could cost American families an average of $1,700 more per year.
- Wages are stagnating, and real wage growth has flattened, despite Trump’s promises to improve the middle class.
Immigration Disaster:
- Trump’s “family deportation force” plan has been widely criticized as authoritarian, with the ACLU calling it "morally bankrupt."
- Border crossings hit record highs, and Trump’s approval on immigration is dropping. Independent voters now trust Democrats more on immigration than Republicans.
Ukraine & Foreign Policy Chaos:
- Trump’s comments about pulling out of NATO and suggesting Ukraine cede territory have garnered widespread disapproval. 71% of Americans disagree with his stance on Ukraine.
- Military veterans, crucial to any president’s support base, oppose Trump’s foreign policy by a 2-to-1 margin.
Inflation & Consumer Pain:
- Groceries are up 8.4%, and mortgage rates have stayed above 7% for 11 months, freezing the housing market.
- Even Trump’s economic allies like Larry Kudlow admit that the economy is in a “confidence crisis.”
Scandals, Lies, and Hypocrisy:
- Trump’s legal issues, including the hush-money conviction, remain fresh in voters’ minds. His refusal to release the Epstein list has also raised serious ethical concerns.
- Gallup polling shows 67% of voters, including 44% of Republicans, believe Trump "regularly lies to the public."
Culture War Fatigue:
- Trump’s constant social media meltdowns and focus on revenge instead of policy have left many voters exhausted. 58% of independents say Trump is “more focused on revenge than solving problems.”

Segment 3: What This Means for 2026

Now that we see why Trump’s approval is so low, how does this translate into the 2026 elections?

It’s simple: Trump is a drag on the GOP.

In 2022, Trump-backed candidates underperformed by nearly 5 points in competitive races.
In 2024, Democrats outperformed expectations, even in traditionally red districts.
With Trump’s approval in the mid-30s, Republican candidates in swing states are starting to distance themselves.

Strategist Insight: Sarah Longwell, a Republican pollster, recently said that the biggest threat to a Republican House majority in 2026 is Trump’s toxicity. Independents — who decide elections — are walking away. In Wisconsin, Trump’s favorability with independents is down to 28%, and in Georgia, it’s just 25%. When these voters stay home or vote for Democrats, Republicans lose.

Segment 4: The GOP’s Nightmare Scenario

Let’s game out the worst-case scenario:

If Trump remains the face of the Republican Party in 2026, the GOP walks into the election carrying:
- A criminally convicted nominee.
- A failed foreign policy.
- A weak economy.
- A divided party.
- And worst of all, a man who most Americans think is unfit for office. A recent ABC poll found 61% of voters believe Trump should not be allowed to run again.

That’s not a winning formula — that’s a warning siren for the GOP.

Conclusion: The Takeaway

So here’s the bottom line: Donald Trump is historically unpopular. His approval numbers are tanking across multiple issues, including the economy, immigration, foreign policy, and ethics. His presence on the ballot in 2026 would be a major liability for the Republican Party.

For Democrats, this is their best opportunity in a decade to flip the House and Senate. It’s time for Democrats to organize, knock doors, and keep the pressure on.

For Republicans, it’s time to ask the hard question: Is this really the guy you want leading the ticket in 2026?

And for American voters, remember: Your voice, your vote, and your values matter more than ever. Let’s ensure we have leaders who will serve the people — not just themselves.

Thanks for tuning in to The Josh Lafazan Show — stay informed, stay engaged, and stay ready for the next big fight for our democracy.

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