President Trump is experiencing a decline in support from his base, according to recent polls. These polls show a drop in support among his Make America Great Again (MAGA) group, criticism of his immigration policies, and decreasing approval of his economic management as the 2026 midterm elections approach.
Key Facts
Three recent polls indicate a decline in President Trump's support from his MAGA base and among Republicans.
An NBC News poll shows a drop from 57% to 50% of Republicans who identify primarily with MAGA.
Trump's overall approval rating fell from 45% to 42%, with his disapproval rising to 58%.
20% of Republicans think Trump’s deportation policies go "too far," up from 13% earlier.
Among Hispanic Republicans, 47% say the deportation policy is excessive, increasing from 28%.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll shows only 33% of U.S. adults approve of Trump's handling of the economy.
The White House claims Trump tackled high inflation and blames previous administration for economic issues.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued recalls for certain products sold by Walmart due to safety risks, including drowning and child poisoning concerns. The recalled items include two types of above-ground pools and a topical ointment because of safety design flaws and packaging issues. Consumers are advised to stop using these products and to contact the manufacturers for refunds or repairs.
Key Facts
The recalls involve three products: SereneLife and Blue Wave brand above-ground pools, and Plantimex Mamisan Pain Relieving Topical Ointment.
The SereneLife pools had about 80 units recalled due to the risk of children climbing into the pool, leading to possible drowning.
The Blue Wave pools had roughly 13,400 units recalled for similar safety concerns.
No injuries have been reported from either pool brand so far.
Consumers need to provide proof of disposal for a refund on SereneLife pools or seek a free repair kit for Blue Wave pools.
The Plantimex ointment, with over 50,000 jars sold, failed to meet child-resistant packaging requirements, posing a poisoning risk.
Customers should secure the ointment out of children’s reach and request a replacement lid.
The recalled products were sold through various online and in-store outlets like Walmart, Target, and Amazon.
President Donald Trump criticized an FBI search of his wife Melania's belongings during a speech in North Carolina. He also discussed economic plans, including new tariffs and falling inflation. The speech is part of his effort to influence the upcoming 2026 midterm elections.
Key Facts
President Trump spoke for 90 minutes at an event in Rocky Mount, North Carolina.
He criticized the FBI for searching his wife Melania's personal belongings at Mar-a-Lago.
Trump focused on economic issues, claiming that costs are going down and promising an "economic boom" by 2026.
He announced new tariffs on imported furniture, aiming to boost North Carolina's economy.
Trump did not address recently released Jeffrey Epstein records during the speech.
He promoted a "$1,776 warrior dividend" for service members and a drug-pricing deal.
The rally is part of a tour to gain support for the 2026 midterm elections.
A U.S. judge overturned the murder conviction of Karl Jordan Jr. in the 2002 killing of Jam Master Jay, a member of the rap group Run-DMC. The judge found that prosecutors did not provide enough evidence to prove Jordan's involvement, while the conviction of another man, Ronald Washington, still stands.
Key Facts
Jam Master Jay, whose real name was Jason Mizell, was a member of the rap group Run-DMC.
He was killed on October 30, 2002, in his New York City recording studio.
Ronald Washington and Karl Jordan Jr. were originally found guilty of his murder.
A judge recently overturned Jordan's conviction, stating there was insufficient evidence.
Washington’s conviction for his role in the murder remains in place.
Prosecutors claim the murder was linked to a drug deal dispute involving cocaine.
Witnesses were reportedly reluctant to cooperate with the investigation.
Several significant changes to the U.S. tax code will take place starting January 2026. These changes include tax exemptions for certain types of income, increased deductions, and modified credits aimed at easing financial pressures on Americans. The changes are a result of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) signed by President Donald Trump.
Key Facts
Tips up to $25,000 will be tax-free for certain workers for tax years 2025 through 2028.
Overtime pay will be partially tax-free, with up to $12,500 for individuals and $25,000 for joint filers exempt from federal tax.
The standard deduction will increase to $32,200 for married couples filing jointly, with adjustments for others based on filing status.
The child tax credit will rise to $2,200 permanently, beginning with income earned in 2025.
Seniors aged 65 and over will receive an additional $6,000 deduction, phasing out after $75,000 income for individuals and $150,000 for joint filers.
The SALT deduction cap increases to $40,000 for under $500,000 earners, with annual increases for five years.
Alongside existing deductions, a new $1,000 deduction ($2,000 for joint filers) will be available for charitable donations.
Several green incentives, like the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit and Residential Clean Energy Credit, will expire by the end of 2025.
A recent map by Civiqs shows President Donald Trump's approval ratings across the U.S., highlighting regional differences. About 40% of Americans approve of Trump, while 56% disapprove, with strong support in Republican states but low approval in Democratic areas and swing states. Trump's approval is notably low among young voters, those with higher education, and voters of color.
Key Facts
President Trump's national approval rating is about 40%, with 56% disapproving.
His approval rating remains high in Republican states like Wyoming and West Virginia.
Trump struggles in Democratic-leaning states, where more than 30% disapprove.
In swing states like Arizona and Georgia, Trump's disapproval exceeds approval by 11% to 15%.
Young voters (18-34 years old) and those with postgraduate degrees mostly disapprove of Trump.
Trump has strong support among Republicans (87% approve) and non-college graduates.
Among white voters, Trump's approval is split, but he is unpopular among Black and Hispanic voters.
Only about 9% of Black Americans approve of Trump's performance.
In 2026, several new state laws will take effect across the United States that address wages, employment rights, housing standards, and consumer data protection. These laws will impact areas such as pay, privacy, housing, and technology, as states take on a larger role in setting regulations due to limited federal action.
Key Facts
California will increase the minimum wage to $16.90 per hour and require additional disclosures for private equity investors in healthcare.
New York will introduce delivery worker protections and adjust paid sick leave requirements.
Florida will require pet insurance providers to explain claim decisions and create an animal cruelty offenders registry.
Illinois will mandate job-protected neonatal intensive care unit leave and pay for nursing employees during pumping breaks.
Minnesota will standardize sick-and-safe-time ordinances with a statewide law on earned sick and safe time.
Indiana's new law will give consumers rights over their data, such as accessing, correcting, and deleting it.
Several changes to Social Security are planned for 2026, affecting benefits, taxes, and Medicare costs. Social Security recipients will get a 2.8% increase in payments to help with living costs, and a new tax deduction will be available for older Americans. Additionally, Medicare premiums are set to rise, and more income will be subject to payroll taxes.
Key Facts
Over 70 million people in the U.S. receive Social Security payments.
A 2.8% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) will raise Social Security payments starting in January 2026.
Average retirement payments will increase from $2,015 to $2,071 per month.
Medicare Part B premiums will go up from $185 to $202.90 monthly.
A new tax deduction will let seniors reduce their taxable income by up to $6,000.
The income cap for Social Security taxes will rise from $176,100 to $184,500.
For those working while collecting benefits, limits on earnings before benefits are reduced will increase.
President Donald Trump's approval rating showed a general decline throughout 2025, dropping from 47% in January to 36% in November, based on Gallup polls. The ups and downs in his approval rating are important as they can influence upcoming elections, including the 2025 midterm elections where the Republican Party aims to maintain control of Congress.
Key Facts
President Trump's approval rating started at 47% in January and fell to 36% in November 2025, according to Gallup.
Trump’s approval fluctuated throughout the year with minor rebounds in April and October.
A significant drop occurred in July, coinciding with the passage of major legislation and internal GOP tensions.
A 43-day government shutdown from October to November could have contributed to the approval rating decline.
Reuters/Ipsos also noted a drop from 47% in January to 39% in December for Trump’s approval.
Economic concerns such as rising unemployment and inflation were mentioned as factors in the declining approval.
Trump referenced biased polling on his social media platform.
The November midterm elections are crucial for determining which party will control the Senate and House.
President Trump's name was added to the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, after the center's board, chosen by Trump, voted to rename it. This decision has led to criticism since the name change seems to require a change in law, as the center is a memorial to John F. Kennedy.
Key Facts
Trump's name was added to the Kennedy Center's exterior on Friday.
The center's board voted to rename it "The Donald J Trump and the John F Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts."
Critics argue only Congress can change the center's name, which is protected by a 1964 law.
The law explicitly prohibits the center from being named after anyone other than Kennedy.
Kerry Kennedy, related to John F. Kennedy, expressed intent to remove Trump's name when his term ends.
Naming a national institution after a sitting president is unprecedented in U.S. history.
President Trump previously changed the board members of the Kennedy Center.
President Donald Trump's administration is stopping a visa lottery program that allowed a suspect in a Brown University shooting to enter the U.S. The program, known as the Diversity Immigrant Visa Programme, selects about 50,000 immigrants each year. The suspect, a Portuguese national named Claudio Manuel Neves Valente, was involved in a recent shooting at Brown University.
Key Facts
President Trump's administration has halted the Diversity Immigrant Visa Programme.
The program awarded green cards, or permanent residency, to about 50,000 people each year.
The suspect in the Brown University shooting, Claudio Manuel Neves Valente, entered the U.S. through this lottery.
Trump has long opposed this visa lottery, questioning its effectiveness and suggesting it brings in undesirable people.
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem announced the program's suspension, citing the recent shooting.
The visa lottery was originally set up in 1990 to help people from underrepresented countries immigrate to the U.S.
The Brown University shooting involved a suspect entering a physics lab and resulted in two fatalities and nine injuries.
The U.S. is taking legal steps to strip Kemal Mrndzic of his American citizenship. Mrndzic is accused of being involved in war crimes during the Bosnian war and did not disclose his past when applying for U.S. citizenship. He has been found guilty of criminal fraud and sentenced to prison.
Key Facts
The U.S. justice department is pursuing legal action to revoke Kemal Mrndzic's U.S. citizenship.
Mrndzic was accused of being involved in war crimes as a guard at Celebici prison camp during the Bosnian war.
A UN tribunal found that severe human rights abuses occurred at the Celebici camp.
Mrndzic did not reveal his past experiences and actions during his immigration process to the U.S.
He was found guilty of fraud and misrepresentation in October 2024.
Mrndzic was sentenced to over five years in prison in January 2025.
The U.S. government emphasizes maintaining the integrity of its naturalization process.
The Bosnian war was marked by significant atrocities, including the Srebrenica massacre in 1995.
At AmericaFest, a major event by Turning Point USA, speakers discussed different ideas about the future of the Republican Party and its "MAGA" movement. Two main figures, Vivek Ramaswamy and Steve Bannon, shared opposing views on internationalism within the party, highlighting ongoing debates among conservatives.
Key Facts
AmericaFest is organized by Turning Point USA, an influential conservative group.
Vivek Ramaswamy and Steve Bannon gave speeches with different views on internationalism in the Republican Party.
Ramaswamy supports pluralism and H1-B visas, appealing to tech and entrepreneurial sectors.
Bannon promotes the "America First" approach and criticized certain pro-Israel conservatives.
The event is seen as a place for debating the future direction of the Republican Party.
Other notable speakers included Megyn Kelly, Rob Schneider, and Sean Duffy.
Turning Point USA aims to highlight internal debates within the GOP ahead of the 2028 elections.
Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik announced she is no longer running for governor of New York and will not seek re-election to Congress. Her decision comes after Bruce Blakeman, another Republican, announced a challenge against her in the primary for the governor race. Stefanik stated she wants to focus on her family and her young son.
Key Facts
Elise Stefanik is a Republican Congresswoman.
She decided not to run for governor of New York or seek re-election to Congress.
Bruce Blakeman, another Republican, announced his intention to challenge her in the governor primary.
Stefanik wants to spend more time with her young son.
She first announced her bid to run for governor in early November.
Stefanik has been a strong supporter of President Donald Trump.
President Trump did not endorse either Stefanik or Blakeman in the primary.
Stefanik has represented New York's 21st congressional district since 2014.
Elise Stefanik, a Republican representative from New York, announced she will not run for governor or seek reelection to the House of Representatives. She cited family reasons for her decision. The announcement comes after efforts by President Trump and GOP leaders to support her candidacy.
Key Facts
Elise Stefanik has stopped her campaign for governor of New York.
Stefanik will not run for reelection to the House next year.
President Trump and GOP leaders supported her to run for governor.
Nassau County executive Bruce Blakeman entered the governor's race, affecting the situation.
Stefanik mentioned focusing on her family as a reason for her decision.
Republicans conducted polling to find a strong candidate against Governor Kathy Hochul.
There were internal party dynamics involving Speaker Mike Johnson and Stefanik's UN ambassador nomination.
There is potential for Bruce Blakeman to gain more support in the Republican party.
The article discusses frustrations among Republican lawmakers over the House of Representatives' limited legislative activity in 2025. Speaker Mike Johnson was criticized for the infrequent House sessions, with some Republicans feeling their agenda has stalled. The article highlights discontent with the lack of progress on key issues, despite some legislative successes claimed by Republicans.
Key Facts
The House of Representatives had a limited number of voting days in 2025.
Speaker Mike Johnson's strategy of keeping the House out during a government shutdown contributed to this limited schedule.
Johnson argues the House accomplished its task by passing a clean government funding measure.
Republicans passed the "Working Families Tax Cut" and codified 70 of President Trump’s executive orders.
Lawmakers returned from a two-month break to an agenda of internal conflicts and unpassed bills.
Some Republicans are frustrated by the lack of progress since a major bill was passed.
Appropriations bills remain unpassed after the government shutdown.
Democrats have gained control over discussions on Affordable Care Act subsidies, which will expire at the end of the year.
President Trump's name is being added to The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. This change comes after the White House announced the venue would be renamed the "Trump-Kennedy Center," leading to criticism from political opponents and the Kennedy family.
Key Facts
Workers began installing President Trump's name on the venue.
The White House announced the name change to "Trump-Kennedy Center."
The announcement led to backlash from President Trump's political opponents.
Members of John F. Kennedy's family also criticized the move.
The venue is currently known as The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
The U.S. Department of Justice has started releasing documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, following a new law. These files are not fully available yet, as some need more review to protect victims' privacy. This incomplete release has led to criticism from Congress, which expected all files to be released by a set deadline.
Key Facts
The Justice Department began releasing files on Jeffrey Epstein but did not release all of them.
A new law, the Epstein Files Transparency Act, requires these documents to be made public.
Some files were delayed to protect the privacy of Epstein's victims.
The law allows certain information to be hidden if it involves ongoing investigations or victim identities.
Congress set a 30-day deadline for the release of all unclassified Epstein files.
The release included a searchable database, but some materials were heavily blacked out.
Members of Congress criticized the incomplete release of documents.
Some parts and users of the search tool encountered issues accessing the files.
President Trump has paused the diversity visa program and other immigration processes following violent incidents involving those with certain visas. This move is part of a larger strategy to reduce legal immigration during his second term. The changes have affected various immigration programs and processes.
Key Facts
President Trump has paused the diversity visa program due to a recent incident involving a shooter who entered via this program.
The diversity visa program allows about 50,000 people to enter the U.S. each year.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) paused all asylum decisions after an incident involving an Afghan national.
Legal immigration processes paused due to new measures cover around 20% of people in the system following a travel ban.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somalis was ended due to reported fraud.
The TPS decision impacts fewer than 1,000 people but has led to increased immigration enforcement in Minnesota.
DHS did not comment on the crackdown specifics but mentioned President Biden reinstating the diversity visa lottery after 2024.
The travel ban now affects nationals from 39 countries.
President Donald Trump announced agreements with major pharmaceutical companies to lower prescription drug prices in the United States. The deals aim to reduce costs by matching drug prices to those in the lowest-priced developed countries. Some drug prices will decrease significantly for Medicaid recipients and direct-to-consumer purchases.
Key Facts
President Trump announced deals to lower drug prices with major pharmaceutical companies.
The agreements aim to match U.S. drug prices with those of the cheapest developed countries.
U.S. patients currently pay much higher prices for drugs compared to other developed nations.
The deals will lower prices for some drugs sold to the Medicaid program and directly to consumers.
Participating companies include Bristol Myers Squibb, Gilead Sciences, Merck, and others.
Companies involved can receive tariff exemptions for three years in exchange for the price cuts.
Merck will reduce prices for several drugs, including diabetes and cholesterol medications.
Some companies have pledged to invest over $150 billion in U.S. research and manufacturing.
