# Even Trump voters are mad | Today, Explained Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUhsp39dIgw Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/QUhsp39dIgw Generated: 2026-01-31T13:32:59.141+00:00 --- ## Quick Overview The political backlash against Donald Trump is growing, evidenced by his historically low approval ratings and the fact that even some of his core supporters, like those in focus groups, are expressing discontent over issues such as the economy and the handling of the ICE-related killings in Minnesota, suggesting a potential political vulnerability heading into the midterms. **Key Points:** - Donald Trump's approval rating has fallen to some of the lowest levels in recorded history. - The recent killings of anti-ICE protesters in Minnesota have caused a backlash, even among some Republicans, as voters question Trump's handling of the files related to the incident. - Focus group data shows that voters are primarily concerned with economic issues like inflation and affordability, which they blame on the current administration but also see as a failure of Trump's promises from his first term. - Republican strategist Sarah Longwell notes that voters are not forgiving Trump for past issues, such as failing to secure the border or deporting dangerous criminals, indicating that his base's loyalty is conditional. - There is a structural advantage for Democrats in the upcoming elections because they are often more attuned to mainstream media narratives and can focus on issues like the economy, where they perceive Trump's promises have failed. - Longwell rates Trump's second term a '10' on a 1-10 scale for things he did right, but notes that his focus on foreign policy and lack of a clear domestic agenda are liabilities. - The political landscape suggests that the backlash against Trump is driven by genuine concerns over the economy and immigration enforcement, rather than just partisan alignment. ![Screenshot at 1:23: 35:Host Astead Herndon introduces Sarah Longwell, publisher of The Bulwark, who will discuss the polling and sentiment surrounding Donald Trump's political standing.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/QUhsp39dIgw/00-01-23.jpg) **Context:** Vox's "Today Explained Saturday" episode hosted by Astead Herndon features an interview with Sarah Longwell, founder and publisher of The Bulwark, a conservative publication known for its critical stance toward Donald Trump. The discussion centers on analyzing the current political climate surrounding Trump, particularly his low approval numbers, voter sentiment regarding economic issues, and the impact of recent events like the killings of anti-ICE protesters in Minnesota on his support base ahead of midterm elections. ## Detailed Analysis The episode addresses the growing political backlash against Donald Trump, noting his historically low approval ratings. Host Astead Herndon speaks with Sarah Longwell of The Bulwark about voter sentiment, particularly focusing on the political fallout from the recent killings of anti-ICE protesters in Minnesota. Longwell reports that focus groups reveal voters, including some Trump supporters, are upset about the economy (inflation and affordability) and point to Trump's unfulfilled promises from his first term, like securing the border or deporting dangerous criminals. She suggests that Republicans are struggling to message effectively because they are not attuned to what voters actually care about, such as the economy. Longwell argues that voters are not forgiving Trump for these perceived failures, leading to his declining support. She also highlights that the backlash against Trump is genuine, not manufactured, and that Democrats have a structural advantage heading into the midterms because they are better aligned with mainstream media narratives and voter concerns. Longwell rates aspects of Trump's first term highly (a '10' for certain actions) but emphasizes that his overall political positioning is increasingly precarious due to his focus on immigration enforcement and perceived failures to deliver on key economic promises. ### Introduction and Guest Setup - Astead Herndon welcomes Sarah Longwell of The Bulwark to discuss Trump's polling and voter sentiment - The discussion confirms Trump's approval ratings are historically low. ### Voter Concerns and Backlash - Voters are primarily focused on affordability and the economy, feeling disconnected from Trump's agenda - The handling of the Minnesota ICE-related killings is a specific point of discontent. ### Republican Strategy Analysis - Longwell notes that Republicans struggle to message effectively because they are focused on the wrong issues (like immigration enforcement) instead of economic concerns - She suggests this disconnect hurts Republicans heading into elections. ### Trump's Political Standing - Longwell believes Trump's political coalition is fracturing, as his supporters are not willing to forgive him for unfulfilled promises - She rates some aspects of his first term highly but sees his current approach as dangerous and unsustainable. ### Conclusion and Future Outlook - The conversation concludes by noting the importance of this dynamic for the upcoming November elections, suggesting Democrats have a structural advantage if these trends continue. ![Screenshot at 0:00: Host Astead Herndon opens the Vox 'Today Explained' Saturday episode.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/QUhsp39dIgw/00-00-00.jpg) ![Screenshot at 0:10: Herndon introduces the topic: analyzing President Trump's low approval numbers.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/QUhsp39dIgw/00-00-10.jpg) ![Screenshot at 1:23: 23:The split-screen interview begins, with Herndon talking to guest John Fredericks.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/QUhsp39dIgw/00-01-23.jpg) ![Screenshot at 1:54: John Fredericks argues that Trump delivered on promises like the border and economy, despite low optics.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/QUhsp39dIgw/00-01-54.jpg) ![Screenshot at 12:21: The introduction of the second guest, Sarah Longwell of The Bulwark, shifts the focus to voter sentiment analysis.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/QUhsp39dIgw/00-12-21.jpg)