U.S. President Donald Trump is facing growing concern and warnings from within his own party after Republicans suffered a string of electoral losses on Tuesday in Virginia, New Jersey, and in a ballot referendum in California.
The defeats have prompted a chorus of conservative voices — from media figures to members of Congress — urging Trump to shift his attention away from foreign policy and back toward domestic priorities that initially energized his voter base. Trump’s approval rating has reportedly fallen to around 37%, sparking fears that his political momentum could falter ahead of next year’s midterm elections.
Vice President JD Vance, speaking on Wednesday, appeared to signal this frustration, stating, “We need to focus on the home front. The president has done a lot that has already paid off in lower interest rates and lower inflation, but we inherited a disaster from Joe Biden and Rome wasn’t built in a day.”
When Trump was re-elected a year ago, he not only staged what many called the most remarkable political comeback in U.S. history but also achieved an unprecedented surge in support among voters aged 18 to 30 — leading his Democratic challenger by nearly 30 points in that demographic.
Yet Trump’s first year of his second term has been dominated by foreign policy initiatives. His staunch support for Israel, military actions against Yemen and Iran, and limited but continuing backing for Ukraine have drawn criticism from populist and nationalist conservatives who argue that Trump has strayed from the “America First” agenda that propelled him back into office.
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, one of the loudest voices warning the GOP to stay true to its populist roots, reiterated her stance on Wednesday: “Politics is no different than business. Business 101 — if you don’t deliver what you promise, then don’t expect return customers.”
Some within the party believe that many Republicans are holding off on criticizing Trump openly until after the midterms. Others fear that a Democratic resurgence could result in an immediate move to impeach Trump — this time without the protective goodwill he once enjoyed during his first presidency.