Bulwark Takes Private GOP Poll Reveals Trump’s Immigration Support Crumbling
Jan 16, 2026
Marc Caputo, a seasoned political reporter at Axios, dives into the crumbling immigration support for Trump. He highlights how a recent private GOP poll reveals independents view Trump's focus on deportations negatively. Viral videos of ICE raids are turning public sentiment, causing concerns within Trump's team that optics may be hurting their stance more than policy does. Caputo discusses the tricky balancing act Trump faces between far-right critics and a growing backlash, painting a vivid picture of the political landscape.
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Private Polling Signals Erosion
- Private GOP polling shows Trump's immigration advantage is eroding among independents and undecideds.
- Marc Caputo says these internal numbers matter because they guide the team's decisions.
Visuals, Not Policy, Are Shaping Opinion
- Viral videos of aggressive ICE raids are changing public perception faster than policy details do.
- Marc Caputo notes visuals of masked agents and forceful tactics are driving backlash.
Vance's Press Response Set The Tone
- After Renee Good's death, J.D. Vance publicly blamed the victim and the media, setting a confrontational tone.
- Marc Caputo describes this as the Trump posture: play offense and refuse to look weak.