Report card: Conservative and liberal strategists reveal how Trump has fared on campaign promises
Trump's record on his campaign promises is mixed, with progress in some areas and setbacks in others, as assessed by strategists from both sides ahead of his first State of the Union address after returning to office.
As President Donald Trump approaches his first State of the Union address during his second term, an evaluation of his campaign promises reveals a mixed performance. Key issues at the forefront of his campaign included immigration reform, economic growth, implementation of tariffs, and a reduction of U.S. military involvement overseas. While some strategists from both the Republican and Democratic parties acknowledge that Trump has made strides in certain areas, others point to notable shortcomings, especially regarding the overall economic outlook and foreign policy.Critical public opinion metrics indicate that voters view Trump unfavorably on the economy, foreign policy, and tariffs, with approval ratings at approximately 40% for the economy, 37% for foreign policy, and similarly low for tariffs. In contrast, immigration efforts appear to resonate slightly better with voters, where Trump holds a 44% approval rating, and he receives a positive net approval of 52% regarding border security. This suggests that while there is some public support for Trump's immigration policies, discontent remains prevalent concerning other prominent issues, demonstrating a bifurcated perception of his presidency's effectiveness.As Trump heads into the next election cycle, these mixed results on campaign promises could shape voter sentiment and influence strategic decisions for his 2024 campaign. The ongoing legal challenges surrounding some of his policies also complicate the landscape for his administration, as both his supporters and critics evaluate whether he has delivered on his pledges or whether he has fallen short of expectations. The trajectory of his policy execution and its reception amongst the electorate may prove critical in determining his standing in the upcoming electoral contests.