Donald Trump’s Administration Has an Image Problem – U.S. President Donald Trump is under serious pressure.
His party enters the midterms with states it once considered strongholds now considered battlegrounds. The Iranian regime he set out to destroy is still attacking shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. And while claims about how many wars he’s ended are dubious, the Russo-Ukrainian War, which Trump promised to end within 24 hours of re-entering the White House, has little end in sight.
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Bulkeley, right, and USS Mason participate in a strait transit exercise. Bulkeley and Mason are part of the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group and are conducting work-ups and flight operations in preparation for an upcoming deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Seaman Jared M. King)
Granted, not every problem America faces is solely of the President’s own doing. Perhaps Iran would have developed a nuclear weapon were it not for Operation Epic Fury. He cannot control the leaders of Russia and Ukraine, despite commendable efforts to bring the two together, and the GOP margin of victory in 2024 was so tight that defense of the House of Representatives was always going to be a tall order.
Cost of Living Crisis
Arguably the biggest disappointment of Trump’s presidency has been his handling of the cost of living. His background as a businessman, combined with the unfortunate timing of the COVID-19 pandemic during his first term, has created a persona many see as strong on the numbers, even if his other policies are questionable.
But just 17% of Americans approve of Trump’s efforts on living costs, despite largely campaigning on the subject two years ago. Such polls come out with weeks to go until the midterm elections, and most Americans say that when they cast their ballot, the cost of living will be top of mind.
Federal Performance
It’s always difficult to tell with Trump when it comes to decision-making, and announcing a $5,000 grant to every American adult, should Republicans still control Congress by the start of January 2027, is another example.
The President claims it’s possible because of “our tremendous strength and success economically.” If the federal government can afford such a move, and questions remain about whether it actually can, that suggests the economy is performing well.
President Donald J. Trump attends the finale of the inaugural Patriot Games youth sports competition at SPIRE Academy in Geneva, Ohio, Tuesday, August 11, 2026. (Official White House Photo by Daniel Torok)
Surprisingly, the headline figures look rather strong for America at the moment. Economic growth is promising and exceeding earlier estimates, while unemployment is falling. Barring a short-term spike in May, inflation has remained relatively stable at around 3.5%. By contrast, inflation peaked at 9.1% under Trump’s predecessor, President Joe Biden, and didn’t drop below 4% for two years starting in April 2021.
Little to Shout About
But whether the economy is performing well is fundamentally different from whether American households feel the same way. Costs remain high, and it’s hard not to point to the war with Iran as the cause. Trump’s justification has been Iran’s pursuit of a nuclear weapon, but Tehran’s nuclear ambitions are not at the top of many people’s minds when they fill up their automobile or pay for their groceries.
Trump has mulled over solutions to rising fuel prices, but the only one he’s delivered saves 25 cents per gallon of diesel, a small saving when average nationwide prices are still well above $6 per gallon. The same goes for the Russian diesel deal, which has done little to lower prices. The only other solutions to soaring energy prices either require Congressional approval or an end to conflicts in two volatile parts of the world.
Optic Failures
But even if Trump could solve all the problems affecting the cost of living in America, his administration would still be hampered by optics.
Perhaps the best example in recent weeks is the removal of more than 750,000 people from insurance marketplaces, better known as Obamacare.
“We’re actually making sure that the people receiving Obamacare subsidies are actually entitled to receive them,” said Vice President J.D. Vance last month.
Sure, some people may be receiving payments due to a lack of verification, and a $ 2.2 billion cost-saving for the federal government helps those who believe federal spending is too high.
However, the optics are appalling. Tens, if not hundreds, of millions of Americans struggle to cover living costs, yet the Trump administration decides a pre-election headline to pursue is revoking financial support.
Trump may be able to solve some issues, and he undoubtedly can’t solve others. His administration’s optics should fit the former category, but his inability to do so will cost his party the election.
About the Author: Shay Bottomley
Shay Bottomley is a British journalist. He has written for the Western Standard, Business Insider, Maidenhead Advertiser, Slough Express, Windsor Express, Berkshire Live and Southend Echo.
