As President Donald J. Trump crosses the 100-day mark in his second term, some Republican strategists are sounding the alarm—not over his leadership—but over voter anxiety tied to tariffs, inflation, and economic uncertainty. With the 2026 midterms fast approaching, the GOP sees an opportunity to double down on economic success and stabilize market confidence for older Americans and retirees.
Poll Numbers Show Dip Amid Inflation and Trade Policy Headlines
While President Trump’s base remains fiercely loyal, recent national polls reflect concern among moderate and independent voters—key demographics for maintaining Republican majorities in Congress. A Decision Desk HQ poll released this week shows President Trump with a 44% approval rating, while 56% disapprove. The top concern? The rising cost of living.
- 91% of respondents say they’re concerned about inflation
- 64% believe tariffs are hurting consumers
- 62% say they are “very concerned” about rising prices
These are issues that deeply affect American families, especially seniors living on fixed incomes, Medicare recipients, and retirees concerned about their investment portfolios.
GOP Strategists Call for Return to Economic Messaging That Works
Veteran Republican strategist Kevin Madden explained that Trump’s 2024 victory stemmed from voters nostalgic for the pre-COVID economic boom—low inflation, strong retirement accounts, and affordable energy. But now, some voters are nervous about current trade tensions.
“Trump’s strongest asset is the economy,” Madden said. “We need to get back to talking about energy independence, lower taxes, and protecting retirement savings—especially for seniors who worked their whole lives and deserve stability.”
Markets React, Retirement Accounts a Growing Concern
Although markets have partially recovered, headlines around tariffs caused volatility that rattled many older investors. “People are watching their IRAs and 401(k)s closely,” said Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV). “Uncertainty impacts retirement confidence, and that’s a real issue for voters 50 and up.”
Trump: ‘Prices Are Coming Down — Don’t Believe the Skewed Polls’
In a national address marking 100 days in office, President Trump pushed back against the polling narrative and focused on tangible economic wins:
“Gas prices are down significantly. Energy costs are down. Mortgage rates are down. Prescription drug prices have dropped more than ever before. Grocery prices are finally going down.”
Trump also blasted media polling bias:
“They keep polling more Democrats than Republicans. It’s not an accurate picture. But what I see is growing momentum and rising confidence across America.”
Democrats Seize on Polls, Escalate Anti-Trump Attacks
Sensing an opportunity, Democrats are attempting to weaponize the polls. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, a likely 2028 contender, made radical remarks in New Hampshire, calling for “mass protests, disruption, and mobilization” against the GOP.
“These Republicans cannot know a moment of peace,” Pritzker told a crowd of activists. “The reckoning is here.”
Such rhetoric may alienate the very middle-class voters and older Americans the left claims to fight for—especially those tired of chaos and hungry for solutions.
Trump Still Outperforms Democrats on Trust and Leadership
Despite polling concerns, Trump still leads Democrats in one critical area: trust. A recent Washington Post/ABC News poll revealed that voters continue to place more faith in President Trump than in Congressional Democrats when it comes to handling the economy and national leadership.
GOP strategist Shermichael Singleton, a former Trump administration official, noted, “Poll numbers rise and fall. But leadership matters. And voters still believe Trump is the one who can fix this economy.”