Concern is mounting among allies of President Donald Trump that he has grown dangerously out of touch with the American public, according to a new report. The fears stem from his significant reduction in the large-scale, campaign-style rallies that once defined his political brand and connected him directly with his voter base.
The Disappearing Rally and the Growing 'Echo Chamber'
Insiders speaking to The Atlantic have expressed alarm that the President is now isolating himself within a tight circle of advisers who refrain from criticism. They report he is increasingly immersed in what they describe as an "echo chamber" of supportive coverage on media outlets like Fox News, Newsmax, and One America News.
This marks a stark shift from the 2016 campaign and his first term, where Trump's political strategy was built on direct, fervent communication with supporters in towns across the nation. He campaigned relentlessly on economic issues, promising to lower the cost of groceries and bring back manufacturing jobs.
A Shift in Focus: From Main Street to Mar-a-Lago
The contrast between his first and second terms is highlighted by his travel schedule. In the fall of 2017, he travelled domestically more than a dozen times, including visits to energy workers in North Dakota and a campaign rally in Alabama.
This past fall, however, his U.S. travel has been drastically scaled back. When he does travel within the country, trips are more frequently to his private golf clubs in Bedminster, New Jersey, and Mar-a-Lago in Florida. His last public rallies were in April in Michigan, marking 100 days in office, and on July 3 in Des Moines, Iowa, to celebrate the passing of his "One Big Beautiful Bill."
An unnamed close ally told The Atlantic's Jonathan Lemire: "People voted for him to lower prices, to bring manufacturing back, to stand up to those taking advantage of them. They didn’t vote for him to build a damn gilded ballroom. He’s not hearing them." The report notes that plans for a roadshow to promote the benefits of his signature bill were abandoned because "Trump got distracted." Vice President JD Vance subsequently toured states like Ohio, Wisconsin, Georgia, and Pennsylvania to promote the legislation instead.
International Travel and Domestic Discontent
While domestic rallying has slowed, international diplomacy has accelerated. In 2025, Trump has undertaken eight international trips, double the four he took in the entirety of 2017. These have included a one-day trip to Israel and Egypt in October and a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska concerning the war in Ukraine.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has defended this focus, stating the President's overseas work is aimed at "securing deals for Americans back home." She also confirmed Trump plans to travel extensively ahead of the 2026 midterm elections to campaign for Republican candidates.
Nevertheless, Republican leaders have reportedly urged the President, both publicly and privately, to reconnect with his core supporters. They have expressed frustration that his attention has been captured by issues not prioritised by voters, including:
- Seeking retribution against political enemies.
- A potential conflict with Venezuela.
- Large-scale Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids.
- The controversial demolition of the historic East Wing to construct a $350 million ballroom.
As one ally starkly put it, "He’s not hearing them, perhaps, because he’s not seeing them." With approval ratings falling, the question now is whether the President will return to the rally stage or remain within the confines of his curated political bubble.
