Trump Voters Losing Faith in President's Economic Pivot

Frustration grows as Trump struggles to address high prices and low confidence ahead of midterm elections

Apr. 17, 2026 at 1:22am

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of an empty government office or political meeting room, with warm sunlight streaming in through the windows and deep shadows obscuring much of the scene, conveying a sense of melancholy and disillusionment.As Trump struggles to convince voters of his economic stewardship, a sense of resignation settles in among some of his core supporters.Las Vegas Today

As the November midterm elections approach, some Trump voters are growing increasingly disillusioned with the president's handling of the economy. Interviews with Republican voters and officials suggest the window for Trump to course-correct on the unpopular economy may be closing, with many feeling that his promises are not materializing. Rising fuel costs and other economic trends have undercut gains from the administration's policies, leading some to regret their 2024 vote for Trump.

Why it matters

The economy is shaping up to be a key issue in the upcoming midterm elections, and Trump's ability to convince voters that his policies are working could be crucial for Republican candidates. If Trump voters continue to sour on his economic stewardship, it could spell trouble for the GOP's chances of maintaining control of Congress.

The details

Interviews with Trump voters like 59-year-old Uber driver Victoria Partridge in Las Vegas suggest a growing sense of resignation that the president's promised economic turnaround is not happening. Despite Trump's efforts to shift focus to other issues, Republican operatives acknowledge that pocketbook concerns remain the top priority for most Americans. Even some conservative economists have cast doubt on the effectiveness of Trump's economic nationalist policies, arguing that they have not delivered the promised manufacturing job growth.

  • In 2025, the pace of losing manufacturing jobs accelerated to 1.2%, faster than the decline in 2024 of 0.7%.
  • In 2017, manufacturing jobs actually increased by 0.7%.

The players

Victoria Partridge

A 59-year-old Uber driver in Las Vegas who voted for Trump in 2024 but now regrets her vote.

John Thune

The Republican Senate Majority Leader who has politely expressed concern about Trump's attitude toward the economy.

Phil Gramm

A former Republican Senator from Texas who, along with economist Donald J. Boudreaux, argued that Trump's tariffs have not brought the economy back to life.

Gary Cohn

Trump's former chairman of the National Economic Council, who doubts the country will meet its economic goals in 2026 due to rising fuel costs.

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What they’re saying

“Whatever he promises, it's not happening”

— Victoria Partridge, Uber driver

“I'd stay focused on the economic issues, pocketbook issues that most Americans care about”

— John Thune, Senate Majority Leader

“The world isn't deglobalizing. It's reglobalizing around partners who commit to rules rather than those who wield tariffs like a club.”

— Phil Gramm and Donald J. Boudreaux, Former Senator and Economist

“There's nothing more instantaneous to a consumer than standing there holding down the gas nozzle and watching the numbers tick on the pump ... And if they were paying $80 a week ago, and they're paying $85 this week and they were paying $60 a month ago, they know that 'I lost $20 of disposable income in filling up this tank of gas'”

— Gary Cohn, Former Chairman of the National Economic Council

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.