Trump's Global Sprint Faces Domestic Backlash
President Donald Trump has embarked on a remarkably ambitious international travel schedule during the first ten months of his second term, visiting 13 countries in a whirlwind diplomatic sprint. His itinerary has already included stops across the globe, from Canada and the United Kingdom to Egypt, Israel, Italy, South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, the Netherlands, and Saudi Arabia.
This frenetic pace shows no signs of slowing, with the President suggesting future trips to Gaza and Kazakhstan are inevitable, while a visit to Australia is 'under serious consideration'. Furthermore, after brokering a peace deal, he hopes to visit both Armenia and Azerbaijan, and has expressed a desire to travel to Africa 'at some point'.
Growing Discontent Among the 'America First' Base
However, this focus on global statesmanship is causing significant unease within a key constituency: the MAGA loyalists. Many of his core supporters prefer their president to be wheels-down in the United States, tackling domestic problems, rather than racking up frequent-flier miles abroad. Inside the West Wing, aides are reportedly expressing their concerns about this strategy.
An anonymous White House staffer told the Daily Mail that the administration has devoted 'an enormous amount of energy to solving the world's issues,' and that those close to Trump are now urging him to 'bring it back home now.' For critics, the concern is straightforward: the more time Trump spends overseas, the more vulnerable he becomes to slipping domestic approval ratings.
This is particularly acute on issues like immigration, the economy, and border security, where supporters expect a hands-on presidential presence. New polling underscores this vulnerability, showing Trump's approval rating plunging to one of its lowest points yet, with just 37 percent of Americans approving of his performance so far.
Polling Woes and Political Divisions
A recent CNN/SSRS poll reveals a steep drop from the early days of his second term in January. When voters were asked how things are going in the country today, a bleak 68 percent said things are going 'pretty or very badly'. With midterm elections looming next November, the warning signs are growing, as 41 percent of Americans stated that a congressional vote today would be a way to show opposition to Trump.
This internal discontent is symbolised by the very public 'divorce' between Trump and former ally Marjorie Taylor Greene. Once a champion of the President, Greene has grown frustrated with his foreign focus. 'Affordability is a major issue in my district and so is health insurance,' Greene said last week. 'I'm America first... people really want their problems solved with their hard-earned tax dollars.'
Trump's own Vice President, JD Vance, has echoed similar concerns, arguing that domestic issues like affordability must take priority, especially after GOP losses in New Jersey and Virginia. A White House insider suggested that 'Vance is already laying the foundation... for 2028' by emphasising these priorities.
Paul Dans, who served in Trump's first administration, criticised the amount of 'foreign galavanting', stating, 'The country is at its breaking point... America first, the rule is help yourself before you help others.' Republican commentators like Raheem Kassam and Mike Cernovich have also voiced concern, arguing that the focus on the Middle East and Ukraine alienated American voters and contributed to recent electoral setbacks.
The White House Response and Shifting Focus
The White House is pushing back against the criticism. Spokesman Kush Desai told the Daily Mail that the president has been busy 'cleaning up Biden's inflation and economic disaster' and was elected on a 'resounding mandate to implement America First Foreign policy'. He pointed to achievements like negotiating fairer trade deals and securing defence spending pledges from NATO allies.
The anonymous White House staffer indicated the president is aware of the critiques and is starting to turn his focus back to domestic issues. Evidence of this shift can be seen on Trump's social media, with recent posts promoting a 'Golden Age' of investment and job creation in the US. Furthermore, Trump is taking part in a 'McDonalds Summit' to address affordability and the cost of living.
According to the White House, domestic travel will ramp up as the midterm election year approaches. However, the tension remains between a president pursuing a legacy of global diplomacy and a base that demands an unwavering focus on problems at home.
