David Marcus, in his Fox News column, argues that despite President Trump’s significant policy achievements in 2025—such as historic tax cuts, near-zero border crossings, and successful strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities—his approval ratings have dipped slightly due to a combination of factors. These include backlash over deportations of non-criminal illegal immigrants, which unsettles some supporters, and discontent from the isolationist MAGA wing over the Iran strikes. Additionally, tariffs, while boosting the economy, have faced criticism from certain industries and voters wary of potential price increases.
Marcus suggests that Trump’s bold, rapid actions, while appealing to his base, alienate others, as no leader can please everyone. Polls reflect this: for instance, a CBS News/YouGov poll shows 70% of voters feel Trump isn’t doing enough to lower prices, and a CNN poll notes a 10-point rise in those who think deportations have gone too far. The Epstein case has further damaged his image, with a YouGov poll giving Trump a net -34 rating on the issue. Marcus emphasizes that these trade-offs reflect the political cost of decisive governance, but the economy’s strength and policy wins may still bolster Trump’s standing if he navigates these tensions carefully.