How is Trump’s base feeling about Trump 2.0?

Insights into the New America brought to you by Clifford Young and Bernard Mendez

It’s officially been over 100 days since the start of Trump 2.0.

At the 100-day mark, Trump had one of the lowest approval ratings for a president this early into their term, comparable only to himself eight years ago.

But this is familiar territory for Trump. His approval ranged roughly around the 40-percent mark through most of his first presidency. He’s also been testing the edges of what’s possible, creating friction along the edges which may be contributing to a decline in approval. Despite a low presidential approval rating historically speaking, Trump has and continues to call upon his strong base of support in his path back to the White House.

What does a supporter of Trump 2.0 look like? And how are they feeling about Trump’s administration so far?

Below are five charts on the Americans standing in President Trump’s court.

1. Relatively unpopular. Historically speaking, Trump remains relatively unpopular this early into his term. Much like his first term, Trump’s approval rating now hovers in the 40s.
2. What does Trump 2.0’s base look like? Trump 2.0’s base consists largely of Republicans and some independents. Trump’s supporters are also more likely to be white or be living in rural areas.
3. No second thoughts. Though some Americans have soured on Trump over the first few months of his second term, his loyal base remains. Very few Trump voters say they regret supporting Trump.
4. High marks on immigration; lower marks on cost of living. Among Trump supporters, Trump has high marks on immigration. Fewer, though still a majority, approve of his handling of inflation and the cost of living.
5. Tariffs and economic uncertainty. The majority of Americans that support Trump’s presidency feel the U.S. has been taken advantage of in trade and feel that import taxes and tariffs are worthwhile, even if it causes a recession. But there still exists a portion of his base that disagrees or doesn’t know.

Right now, despite being relatively unpopular when it comes to approval ratings, Trump has been able to hold onto his most loyal base. Nearly all of the Americans that voted for him say doing so was the right thing to do; few have regrets.

However, while his base generally feels that the U.S. has been taken advantage of in trade and supports his tariff battle, economic troubles could test that. Over the past decade, Trump’s base has stood by him through thick and thin. If times get tough, will MAGA stand behind their president? Only time will tell.