URGENT UPDATE: High-profile conservative analyst Bill Kristol has raised alarms over President Donald Trump’s declining approval ratings, warning they could lead to significant vulnerabilities for the Republican Party ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. In a recent episode of The Bulwark Podcast with host Tim Miller, Kristol addressed the potential fallout from Trump’s current political standing.
Kristol emphasized that Trump’s handling of key issues, including the economy and ongoing pressure to disclose the Jeffrey Epstein files, could create “massive headaches” for Republicans. He revealed that Trump’s approval rating has dropped to 39% as of November 17, a decrease of eight points since he took office.
“There’s some chunk of the Trump coalition that looks around and sees the ballroom and the gold at the White House. They think he’s old and he’s falling asleep—it’s all about him,” Kristol stated, reflecting on the disillusionment among some Republican voters. He pointed out that Trump’s focus on personal interests rather than the party’s broader concerns could further alienate supporters.
Kristol’s comments come at a critical time as the Republican Party prepares for the upcoming midterm election cycle. With Trump’s approval ratings reflecting growing dissatisfaction among voters, Kristol warned that a drop below 38% could spell disaster for GOP candidates. “The midterm election looks bad if his numbers continue to slide,” he cautioned.
The implications of Trump’s approval ratings are profound, with analysts suggesting that a weakened Trump may hinder Republican chances in key races. As party leaders rally support, the pressure mounts to address the concerns raised by Kristol and others. What happens next will be closely watched, as the GOP navigates the challenges posed by Trump’s diminishing popularity.
This development highlights a critical juncture for the Republican Party and poses urgent questions about its future strategy. With the 2026 elections on the horizon, the spotlight remains on Trump and his ability to unify a fractured party amidst escalating vulnerabilities.
As this story continues to unfold, political analysts and voters alike will be keeping a close eye on how these dynamics evolve. Share your thoughts on this urgent matter as we await further developments.
