A new survey has shown that Americans now trust the Republican party more on nearly every major issue
Public approval of the US Democratic Party has fallen to its lowest level in more than three decades, according to a new Wall Street Journal poll, which also shows voters expressing greater confidence in Republicans on most major policy issues.
The survey, conducted July 16-20 among 1,500 registered voters, found that 33% viewed the party favorably, while 63% expressed an unfavorable opinion. It marks the worst rating for Democrats in the Journal’s polling since 1990. The Republican Party also received a net negative rating, with 43% viewing it favorably and 54% unfavorably, but the gap was narrower.
Voters now say they trust Republicans more than Democrats in Congress on eight out of ten issues polled. The only exceptions are healthcare and vaccine policy.
This trust gap has persisted despite broad dissatisfaction with President Donald Trump’s handling of key issues. Most respondents disapprove of his management of inflation, the economy, tariffs and foreign policy. Still, Republicans have more support on each of those topics. For example, while Trump received a net disapproval of 11 points on inflation, the GOP was preferred over Democrats by 10 points on the issue.
The survey results point to a major shift in political alignment. In 2017, more voters identified as Democrats than Republicans by six points. The latest poll shows Republicans leading by one point and holding a consistent advantage for more than a year.
Following his 2024 election victory, Trump claimed that American voters had rejected the “radical left.” He has also repeatedly accused former President Joe Biden and other Democrats of alienating voters by prioritizing “open border policies,” transgender rights, and critical race theory over national security and economic stability.
The new polling figures come as Republicans prepare for next year’s midterm elections, where they face the challenge of defending a narrow 219–212 majority in the House of Representatives.
Some within Trump’s orbit have warned that internal divisions could erode the party’s support. Steve Bannon, the president’s former strategist, has said that backlash over Trump’s handling of the Epstein case could fracture the MAGA base and cost the GOP up to 40 House seats in 2026.
