By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Donald Trump’s presidency is demonstrably in decline, with approval ratings consistently falling below 40 percent across multiple polling averages. This downward trend is further underscored by his significant net negative rating with independents, a stark indicator of public disillusionment. The massive “No Kings” marches, attracting millions nationwide and potentially marking the largest single-day protest in U.S. history, reflect a growing opposition. An interview with Leah Greenberg, co-founder of Indivisible, delves into the surprising reach of these protests, the underlying causes of Trump’s faltering support on key issues, and strategies for Democrats to maintain this momentum through the upcoming election.
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It often feels like we’ve been hearing this tune for years: Donald Trump’s presidency is in free fall. Yet, despite the persistent drumbeat of headlines suggesting an imminent collapse, the ground beneath his administration, and perhaps the country itself, seems to perpetually recede. The notion of “free fall” implies a trajectory towards a definite end, a point of impact. However, for many, the current state of affairs feels less like a fall and more like a sustained, chaotic descent, with the destination unknown and the descent itself causing widespread damage.
There’s a palpable weariness surrounding these pronouncements of impending doom. It’s understandable, as many recall seeing similar headlines splashed across news feeds with an almost weekly, if not daily, regularity since 2016 or even earlier. The cycle of articles declaring Trump “done for” or that his “days are numbered” can feel like a recurring piece of dramatic fiction, offering a fleeting sense of vindication without tangible change. This constant repetition breeds a skepticism that perhaps even the most dire predictions have lost their sting.
The core of the frustration seems to stem from the disconnect between the narrative of free fall and the perceived reality of ongoing power and influence. While the administration might be experiencing internal turmoil or facing external criticism, the actual impact on the country, and for Trump personally, appears to be far from catastrophic. Instead of a downward spiral leading to accountability, some observe a scenario where Trump and his inner circle are allegedly enriching themselves while the nation, as they see it, is the one truly plummeting.
A significant part of this feeling of perpetual descent is tied to the Republican Party’s perceived role in enabling Trump’s actions. The argument is that rather than acting as a stabilizing force or a check on executive power, the party has, in many instances, pushed the country further down this path. The absence of strong Republican opposition is frequently cited as a key factor, leaving many to wonder when, or if, this trajectory will ever hit a true “bottom.”
The idea of “free fall” also raises questions about the nature of Trump’s leadership and the movement he represents. For those who see his tenure as inherently chaotic and incompetent, the concept of a stable “ground” to fall from seems like a mischaracterization from the outset. His presidency is viewed by some not as a deviation from stability, but as a consistent state of confusion and disarray, with the recent past only seeing a shift from the initial set of advisors to those perceived as even less qualified and more subservient.
Moreover, the persistent popularity of Trump among his base, the “MAGA deploys” as some term them, is a stark contrast to the narrative of free fall. This unwavering support, coupled with a lack of significant resistance from within Congress, suggests that the “fall” is not translating into a loss of power or influence. It leads to a weary resignation for some, who feel the country is stuck with the current situation until something far more drastic occurs, such as a personal health crisis.
The hope for a true free fall, one that leads to accountability and removal from power, is often tempered by the observation that shame and consequence seem to hold little sway. Without the necessary checks and balances, particularly from a Republican party that some feel has lost its way, the idea of a meaningful fall that results in a positive outcome seems increasingly unlikely. The absence of “good Republicans” willing to act decisively is a recurring theme, leaving many feeling that the country is adrift without capable leadership to steer it back to safety.
Ultimately, the ongoing discourse around Trump’s presidency being in free fall highlights a deep-seated concern about the nation’s direction. While the language of “free fall” might be overused or even inaccurate in its implication of a coming stop, it captures a widespread feeling of instability, decline, and a desperate hope for a change in trajectory before irreversible damage is done. The question remains: will this descent ever reach a point of impact, or is it a continuous, agonizing plunge into an uncertain future, taking the country along for the ride?