President Donald Trump’s handling of immigration has seen declining support according to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll. The poll showed that only 40 percent of registered voters believe Republicans have a better approach to immigration policy, as opposed to 38 percent favoring Democrats. This represents the smallest margin of his second term. In January 2025, Republicans enjoyed a 26-point lead.
The White House dismisses the notion that Trump’s approval ratings indicate a weak presidency. A spokesman, Davis Ingle, stated that no other President has achieved more domestically and globally, citing job creation, inflation control, and housing affordability as key accomplishments.
Republican Immigration Policy
Throughout Trump’s second term, Republican immigration policy maintained more popularity than Democratic policy. This period was marked by a drastic reduction in border crossings and a strong crackdown on illegal immigration. However, this came with issues such as fatal confrontations, a rise in custody deaths, and increased detainee numbers, including minors, affecting public perceptions.
A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll, conducted online, surveyed 1,166 U.S. adults. Published on August 17, the poll accounted for a 3 percentage point margin of error.
Falling Approval of Trump’s Immigration Strategy
Trump’s return to office in January 2025 saw 48 percent approval for his immigration policies according to Ipsos. His hardline stance on immigration was a cornerstone of his re-election campaign. By June, approval fell to 44 percent following significant protests against ICE raids in Los Angeles. The deployment of the California National Guard in response brought additional criticism, including a lawsuit from Governor Gavin Newsom, who criticized the federalization as escalating tensions.
Further, the ICE operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, involving allegations of fraud, sparked nationwide protests after the deaths of two U.S. citizens. Support for Trump’s immigration policies dropped to 38 percent. The poll coincides with a separate fatal ICE incident, marking the ninth death since Trump’s increased immigration enforcement began.
Deaths in ICE custody have also increased, with 30 fatalities in 2025 and 18 in just the first five months of 2026. Despite falling approval, Trump defends his policies as essential for national security, emphasizing record deportations during a February 2026 State of the Union address.
Overall Approval Ratings
Trump’s overall approval has also declined, reaching the lowest point of his second term. The Reuters/Ipsos poll reported 33 percent approval with 64 percent disapproval. A major contributor to discontent is the prolonged conflict in Iran, with 80 percent of Americans believing it will persist beyond a few weeks. The war has negatively impacted living costs, particularly through increased oil prices.
Regarding economic management, 38 percent of voters prefer the Democratic approach compared to 35 percent favoring Republicans.
Implications for Upcoming Elections
With the 2026 midterm elections nearing, the narrowing gap on immigration policy poses a potential challenge for Republicans, traditionally strong in this area. As Democrats gain traction, the GOP may face difficulties leveraging immigration to mobilize voters in critical races. The coming months will reveal if enforcement and detention concerns will continue to influence public opinion or if the GOP’s border security achievements will regain their previous advantage.
For further details, contact Newsweek editors John Fitzpatrick and Gray R. Thomas.
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