Typically, Donald Trump’s approval ratings have tanked in scandal. This drop is largely due to the public’s overall dissatisfaction with his handling of inflation, the economy and job creation. As he starts on his 2024 campaign, his relentless focus on hostility towards immigrants and diverse citizens in urban America appears to have backfired, alienating many voters who are struggling with economic issues.
This is evident now more than ever as recent polls show that Trump’s approval rating has tanked, signaling escalating displeasure from his once-favorable base. The former president’s decision to concentrate on divisive rhetoric rather than addressing the economic woes of his supporters has left many questioning his leadership. Despite claiming that “we have no inflation,” the reality is stark: American families are grappling with rising costs and stagnant wages.
History has shown that when Trump attacks economic issues with tariffs, food prices suffer. In a desperate attempt to lower food costs, Biden ended the tariffs. Sadly, this action is too little too late for those who have already been forced out or who have felt the pinch on their finances. His strategies have sometimes seemed erratic, inconsistent, and reactive instead of proactive.
Most recently, Trump has made a splash by suggesting big and risky ideas to address the root causes of housing affordability. One particularly interesting proposal is a 50-year mortgage. For these reasons, the idea is very attractive to many. Advocates say it fails to tackle the core symptoms of the nation’s housing crunch. Furthermore, his proposal of a $2,000 tax rebate funded by previously paid tariffs has sparked debate over its viability and impact on taxpayers.
Throughout his political career, Trump has similarly reveled in using dangerous dog-whistle rhetoric. His branding of Mexican immigrants as “rapist thugs” in 2016 and his portrayal of urban minorities as threats to white suburban women in 2020 exemplify a pattern of divisive rhetoric. As he kicks off the final week of his 2024 campaign, he has vowed to initiate the “largest deportation program in American history” and promised to eradicate critical race theory from schools.
Even in light of his deep focus on racial and immigration wedge issues, most pundits think this approach should be a losing game. Trump’s failure to address the pressing economic concerns faced by voters, such as inflation, job security, and affordable housing, could be detrimental to his campaign. A former political figure once remarked, “I think we may have lost the south for your lifetime – and mine,” highlighting the long-term implications of misaligned priorities.
Until then, Trump is sailing through a very stormy sea. For too long he has been able to escape the fallout of prioritizing a distraction narrative over all economic concerns. His backers, as inspired by his rhetoric as they might be, will likely choose their economic betterment over toxic political chatter.