The Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement, spearheaded by President Donald Trump, is navigating a period of significant upheaval. Less than a year into his second term, President Trump's approval rating has plummeted to a new low of 36%, with a disapproval rating of 60%, as reported by a recent Gallup poll. This downturn has alarmed allies who once envisioned the 2024 coalition as a transformative force in American politics.
The decline in support can be traced back to April, when President Trump announced sweeping global tariffs. The immediate aftermath saw rising prices for consumers at grocery stores and gas stations, which contributed to the slide in approval ratings. This economic pressure appears to be a pivotal factor for voters, particularly young voters who once rallied behind Trump's outsider image. A study highlighted a sharp decline in support among politically independent young men, dropping from 50% earlier in the year to 31% by the fall. Pollsters suggest that economic concerns are now overshadowing cultural issues.
The erosion of support extends to minority voters as well. Approval ratings among Black voters have nearly halved, from 24% to 13%, and Hispanic support has decreased from 40% to 34%. With 70% of Hispanic voters disapproving of Trump's performance according to Pew data, there are growing concerns about the Republican Party's prospects in key states like Texas.
The MAGA movement's internal discord is no longer just a matter of polling data. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) openly criticized President Trump for straying from his America First principles, leading to a sharp rebuke from Trump who labeled her a "traitor." This public rift sent shockwaves through MAGA ranks and signaled deeper fractures within.
Conservative influencers and media figures, once unwavering in their support, have started to voice concerns about the movement's trade policies and their impact on working families. Questions about the movement's direction and leadership discipline are becoming more frequent and pointed.
Despite these public challenges, a robust infrastructure is being quietly constructed to sustain the MAGA movement's influence. The America First Policy Institute has seen rapid expansion and is positioning itself as a long-term policy think tank, with ambitions that extend well beyond immediate electoral cycles.
Vice President J.D. Vance is increasingly seen as Trump's potential successor, with various organizations already signaling their support. While some skeptics doubt anyone can match Trump's unique appeal, others believe that institutional power will ultimately prove more significant than individual charisma.
The Rockbridge Network, co-founded by Vance and supported by influential figures like Peter Thiel and Tucker Carlson, has become a pivotal entity within the movement. With membership fees ranging from $100,000 to $1 million, its goal is to overhaul the traditional Republican support structure. Its super PAC has already made substantial investments in the 2024 elections, overseeing initiatives in media, polling, voter mobilization, and faith-based activism.
MAGA insiders maintain that Trump has irreversibly altered the American perspective on trade, power, and international relations. Critics, however, argue that the movement's longevity hinges on its ability to address economic concerns, particularly affordability.
As the midterms approach and internal tensions intensify, the MAGA movement confronts a crucial juncture. President Trump must either consolidate the coalition he has built or risk the current fractures marking the start of a more significant unraveling.
