The Paradox of Trump’s Strength
Donald Trump's influence over the MAGA base remains strong, as evidenced by recent primary victories for candidates he endorsed. However, his overall approval ratings are declining, indicating a disconnect with the broader public. This paradox suggests that while Trump consolidates power within his faction, his actions may jeopardize Republican prospects in upcoming elections.
- ▪Trump-backed candidates have recently won several Republican primaries, reinforcing his grip on the MAGA base.
- ▪A recent poll shows Trump's approval rating at a record low of 37 percent, indicating a decline in his standing with the general public.
- ▪The dynamics of primary elections may create an illusion of Trump's strength while masking potential weaknesses in the general election.
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The Atlantic DailyThe Paradox of Trump’s StrengthHis hold on the MAGA base remains powerful, but the primary wins that are reinforcing his grip also hurt his standing with the broader public.By David A. GrahamAndrew Harnik / GettyMay 20, 2026, 5:46 PM ET ShareSave This is an edition of The Atlantic Daily, a newsletter that guides you through the biggest stories of the day, helps you discover new ideas, and recommends the best in culture. Sign up for it here.Is Donald Trump strong or weak right now?Usually, telling whether a president is up or down isn’t difficult, but the past few weeks have offered reasons to believe both.Last night, Representative Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican who has been publicly critical of Trump’s policies throughout his second term, lost a primary to Ed…
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