Bulwark Takes Trump’s Polls Are Slipping—So Why Does He Feel More Dangerous Than Ever?
Jan 18, 2026
In this discussion, Andrew Egger, a Bulwark political analyst, dives into the curious case of Trump's waning popularity amid an acceleration of his authoritarian agenda. They explore how the economy is a significant factor behind his slipping approval ratings and whether issues like tariffs or foreign policy could alter this trajectory. Critically, they analyze how initiatives like Trump's fixation on Greenland risk alienating essential allies and how these decisions may ultimately undermine his electoral future as midterms approach.
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Approval Plateau Masks Electoral Risk
- Trump’s approval has settled in the high 30s to low 40s across polls and shows little movement.
- His unpopularity is broad-based and linked largely to worsening economic sentiment.
Economy Is The Main Drag On Approval
- Economic pessimism drives much of Trump's recent decline in approval according to the hosts.
- Falling expectations about the economy amplify political vulnerability more than many outrages do.
Unpopularity Doesn't Halt Authoritarianism
- Authoritarian measures have continued and even accelerated despite falling popularity.
- The dissonance between declining approval and rising authoritarianism makes Trump more dangerous, not less.