Republicans Express Buyer's Remorse on Trump Ahead of Presidents Day

Polls show Trump's favorability plummeting as GOP members criticize his 'chaotic administration'.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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As Presidents Day approaches, many Republicans are voicing their regret over supporting former President Donald Trump, with polls showing his approval rating has plummeted. GOP members have criticized Trump's rhetoric, his handling of issues like the Epstein files, and his failure to deliver on key promises like bringing back manufacturing jobs. Some Republicans warn that Trump's unpopular performance could hurt the party's chances in the upcoming midterm elections.

Why it matters

Trump's declining popularity within his own party could signal a broader shift in Republican politics, with some members distancing themselves from the former president and calling for the party to 'reboot' in 2028. This dynamic could have significant implications for the GOP's electoral strategy and messaging going forward.

The details

Several recent polls suggest Trump's favorability has tanked, with his disapproval rating standing at 56% according to The New York Times daily polling average. Republican pollster Whit Ayres told Politico there is a 'sense that this is a pretty chaotic administration' that reminds people of the 'pandemic period in the first term.' Trump's handling of issues like the Epstein files and his preference for 'international exploits over domestic, kitchen-table issues' have further eroded support among some GOP members.

  • On Presidents Day 2026, many Republicans are voicing their buyer's remorse over supporting former President Donald Trump.

The players

Donald Trump

The 79-year-old former president who is facing declining approval ratings, even among Republicans.

Whit Ayres

A well-known Republican pollster who commented on the perception of Trump's 'chaotic administration.'

Gummi

A self-proclaimed 'open-minded conservative' who publicly shared their criticism of Trump on X.

Nicholas J. Stelzner

A fed-up 'America-First conservative' who warned that Trump's performance will hurt the Republican Party's chances in the midterms.

Mr Beat

A content creator who urged Trump supporters to stop 'choosing him over the rest of us.'

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What they’re saying

“Losing patience w/Trump. Promised to bring back manufacturing… -100k jobs. Hamas didn't disarm… that's coming back. His red line in Iran got thousands killed for no reason. The right has lost immigration as an issue. Tariffs suck. Killed off US-created world order. I could go on.”

— Gummi, self-proclaimed 'open-minded conservative' (X)

“Donald Trump is going to drag every Republican down in the midterms. The losses will be on him. The Republican Party needs a complete reboot in 2028. Nobody in this administration should be allowed anywhere near the 2028 ticket.”

— Nicholas J. Stelzner, fed-up 'America-First conservative' (X)

“Dear Trump supporters, he has turned us against each other over the past ten years. We can only heal as a nation when you stop choosing him over the rest of us.”

— Mr Beat, content creator (X)

What’s next

The Republican Party will need to determine how to move forward after the potential fallout from Trump's declining popularity, with some calling for a 'complete reboot' in 2028.

The takeaway

Trump's eroding support within his own party highlights the growing divisions and disillusionment among Republicans, raising questions about the future direction of the GOP and the potential impact on upcoming elections.