By John Q. Hosedrinker 
A recent poll from the Texas Politics Project indicates that President Donald Trump’s approval rating in Texas has fallen into negative territory, marking a significant shift in the traditionally conservative state. The poll revealed that a majority of Texans disapprove of Trump for the first time in his second term, with 44% strongly disapproving. While he maintains strong support among Texas Republicans, his decline in approval mirrors a broader national trend. This trend is likely to be watched closely as Texas could become competitive.
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Donald Trump’s approval rating goes negative in Texas, and it’s a bit of a head-scratcher, isn’t it? Especially when you consider that Texas has been a Republican stronghold for a good long while. According to a poll from the Texas Politics Project, a majority of Texans now disapprove of Trump, which is a significant shift, especially considering it’s happening during his second term. The numbers are pretty stark: 44% strongly disapprove, and another 7% somewhat disapprove. On the approval side, only 27% strongly approve, with 17% somewhat approving. So, what’s going on here?
It’s easy to get lost in the back-and-forth of daily news cycles, the constant barrage of “Trump up!” and “Trump down!” headlines. Let’s be honest, some of these reports feel like they’re just throwing spaghetti at the wall, hoping something sticks. The sheer volume of these stories, each proclaiming a different outcome based on a single poll, can be exhausting. But this one, with the change in Texas, might actually mean something.
Perhaps one of the reasons for this shift is a general sense of buyer’s remorse. Maybe the promises made, the actions taken, or even the style of leadership itself, just aren’t sitting well with people anymore. The economy, the stock market, and international relations—all these things weigh on a person’s daily life. If those areas are struggling, it’s only natural that people might re-evaluate their choices. Some voters may be more focused on economic concerns, thinking Trump, as a businessman, could solve them. Others may be disappointed he’s not “delivering” as promised.
The comments about the state’s political landscape highlight a critical point: Texas is changing. The major cities are blue, and the suburbs have been trending in that direction too. Gerrymandering has made it harder for the blue voices to be heard, but the demographic shifts are undeniable. The younger generations, the influx of people from different states, and a changing cultural environment all add to the melting pot. The traditional voting patterns, rooted in history and tradition, are being challenged by new ideas and changing circumstances.
There’s also the question of who is actually voting. A significant portion of the population might not be participating, and that can skew the results. If the opposition party isn’t effectively energizing the electorate, then the perception of overwhelming support can be misleading. The loudest voices, the most fervent supporters, might not represent the full spectrum of opinion.
Of course, you can’t ignore the power of performative politics. The “performative cruelty” and other polarizing policies are geared toward certain segments of the population. It’s a strategy. Some people might vote for Republicans even if they don’t fully agree with the entire agenda, as long as they see policies that they approve of getting implemented.
And let’s not forget the impact of external events. Trade wars, international conflicts, and even the way immigrants are treated, all can shift public opinion. When these things are happening, people start to question.
But let’s be clear: despite all of this, Texas remains staunchly conservative. The rural areas continue to vote red with high turnout. This is the current reality. And maybe, just maybe, that’s where the interesting part comes in. Would Trump being the reason Texas goes blue? It’s almost a delicious irony. Even if his approval rating is dropping in the Lone Star State, it doesn’t necessarily mean a dramatic shift is imminent.
However, the fact that his approval is underwater in Texas is a signal. The GOP could be facing some serious problems in the upcoming midterms and general elections, if they can’t effectively reach the people or gerrymander any more. Even if the outcome doesn’t change significantly, the cracks are showing. That, in itself, is a story worth watching.