KQED's The California Report California Trump Voters Grade President's First Year of Second Term
Jan 26, 2026
Conversations with Californians who voted for Trump about his second year in office. Coverage of Kaiser Permanente nurses striking for better pay and staffing. Report on the Justice Department dropping its push for medical records related to gender-affirming care at a Los Angeles hospital. Local fights over transit and housing policy in Los Angeles.
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California Trump Voters Are Deeply Divided
- Californians who voted for Trump are split: some praise his actions while others feel betrayed after a year.
- Approval among Californians sits at 25% while 79% of state Republicans still back him, showing deep partisan divides.
Young Voter Regrets His Vote
- Emerson Green expected economic improvement but now feels let down by rising costs and scarce housing.
- He says owning a house seems 30 years away and actually wishes he never voted for Trump.
Low Overall Approval, High Republican Loyalty
- Overall approval in California is low at 25%, but Republican loyalty remains high at 79%, down only slightly.
- This contrast highlights how statewide sentiment and party fidelity can diverge sharply.