Key facts
- Donald Trump's national approval rating has fallen to 35%.
- 79% of Republican voters still approve of Trump's performance.
- Trump-backed candidates have continued to win GOP primaries.
- Some Republican candidates are distancing themselves from Trump ahead of the 2026 midterms.
- Candidates in closely divided states are highlighting differences with Trump on issues like the Iran war and tariffs.
Donald Trump continues to wield significant influence within the Republican Party, even as his national approval ratings have declined. A May Reuters/Ipsos poll showed his approval at 35%, yet 79% of Republican voters still approve of his performance. This deep loyalty among the party base has enabled Trump-backed candidates to consistently win GOP primaries, often pushing aside those deemed insufficiently loyal.
Political analysts attribute this dynamic to deep partisan polarization, Trump's enduring grip on the GOP base, and conservative media ecosystems, which collectively shape an electorate that prioritizes party identity. This environment allows weak national approval to not necessarily translate into diminished influence within the party, particularly in primary elections dominated by highly engaged partisan voters.
However, this influence may not translate to general elections. While Trump's endorsements are powerful in primaries, analysts suggest that a close tie to a deeply unpopular president could hinder candidates in November. This has led some Republicans in closely divided states to begin distancing themselves from Trump. For instance, former Rep. Mike Rogers, running for Senate in Michigan, has blamed Trump's Iran war for economic pressures on voters. Similarly, Rep. Ashley Hinson has advocated for an end to the war, and Rep. Tom Tiffany has criticized Trump's tariff policies and affirmed Joe Biden's 2020 election victory.