Trump Voters Turn Against President as Midterms Loom

Independents, young voters, and Latinos no longer solidly behind Trump, as even some religious conservatives criticize the president.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 2:38pm

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A dynamic, fragmented painting in red, white, and blue hues depicting the silhouette of a politician, conveying a sense of political instability and fracturing.As Trump's support among key voter groups erodes, the upcoming midterm elections loom as a critical test for the GOP.Casa Grande Today

A new report from The Atlantic examines how a growing number of Trump's 2024 voters, including some key demographic groups, have turned against the president as the midterm elections approach. The article cites examples of frustrated Trump supporters, like Tomas Montoya in Arizona, who feel the president has failed to deliver on his promises. It also notes how Trump's controversial actions, from his Iran war to his social media posts, have alienated even his once-steadfast base of religious conservatives.

Why it matters

The defection of Trump's base could spell disaster for Republicans in the upcoming midterm elections, with the president's approval ratings plummeting. This shift in voter sentiment highlights the fragility of Trump's political coalition and the challenges the GOP may face in maintaining control of Congress.

The details

The Atlantic report describes how Trump's support has eroded across several key demographics, including independents, young voters, Latinos, and even non-college-educated white Americans - groups that were crucial to his 2024 victory. Voters like Tomas Montoya, who supported Trump in 2024, now feel 'frustrated' with the president's failure to deliver on his promises, such as stopping wars and improving the economy. The article also notes how Trump's controversial actions, like his decision to go to war with Iran and his social media post depicting himself as Jesus, have alienated his once-unwavering base of religious conservatives.

  • In early March, some Republican fundraising 'plummeted' after Trump launched his Iran war.
  • The Atlantic report was published on April 17, 2026.

The players

Tomas Montoya

A Trump voter in Casa Grande, Arizona who is now feeling 'frustrated' with the president's failure to deliver on his promises.

Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Elaine Godfrey

Columnists at The Atlantic who wrote the report on the shifting political landscape for Trump and the GOP.

Joel Webbon

A far-right pastor who opposes women being allowed to vote and has said that Trump is 'currently demon possessed'.

Riley Gaines

An anti-trans activist whom Trump has called a 'tremendous athlete', and who wrote that 'God shall not be mocked' in response to the president's controversial social media post.

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What they’re saying

“'When Trump opens his mouth, three-quarters of what he says is stories, lies'”

— Tomas Montoya, Trump voter

“'I think that he just wants war. He's made it plain that he's adversarial with everybody.'”

— 61-year-old Democrat

“'OUTRAGEOUS blasphemy'”

— Megan Basham, Daily Wire reporter

“'God shall not be mocked'”

— Riley Gaines, Anti-trans activist

What’s next

The House Judiciary Democrats are conducting a sweeping investigation into Jared Kushner's alleged 'incurable conflict of interest' as the president's son-in-law and Special Envoy for Peace.

The takeaway

The defection of key voter groups from Trump's base, including independents, young voters, Latinos, and even some religious conservatives, could spell major trouble for Republicans in the upcoming midterm elections. This shift in sentiment highlights the fragility of Trump's political coalition and the challenges the GOP may face in maintaining control of Congress.