Trump's Approval Ratings Plummet as U.S. Steps Back from Global Leadership

The latest WaPo-ABC News-Ipsos poll delivers another harsh verdict for President Donald Trump, with his approval rating sinking to 37%. The survey reveals alarmingly low confidence across critical issues:

• Cost of living: 23% approval
• Inflation: 27% approval
• Conflict in Iran: 33% approval
• Economy: 34% approval
• Immigration: 40% approval

Meanwhile, the administration’s stance on global leadership continues to shift. In a stark contrast to decades of U.S. foreign policy, the Trump White House has embraced an “America First” approach, prioritizing national strength over international alliances.

White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller articulated this philosophy in stark terms:

“We live in a world, in the real world . . . that is governed by strength, that is governed by force, that is governed by power. These are the iron laws of the world.”

Miller’s remarks underscore a fundamental rejection of the post-WWII order, where the U.S. positioned itself as the leader of the Free World. Historical precedent, however, suggests that such shifts are not permanent. As William Kristol noted in a recent commentary, the U.S. has long been the stabilizing force for democracy globally—a role now in question under Trump’s leadership.

Kristol highlighted a pivotal moment in history: Winston Churchill’s 1940 speech to the House of Commons, delivered after the Dunkirk evacuation. Churchill’s defiant vow—“We shall never surrender”—symbolized the resilience of the Free World, which the U.S. later championed for eight decades. Today, that leadership appears to be waning.

The administration’s rhetoric and policies reflect a departure from traditional alliances, leaving many to question whether the U.S. remains committed to defending freedom abroad. As Kristol argued, the Free World is now at a crossroads, with the U.S. increasingly absent from its historic role.

For those still advocating for democratic values, pro-democracy communities like The Bulwark+ offer a platform to reaffirm commitment to global freedom.

Note: Sam and Will Sommer will host MAGA Monday at 10 a.m. EDT on Substack and YouTube, though their perspective contrasts sharply with the pro-democracy stance outlined here.