• Political commentator Kim Iversen argues Trump has alienated parts of his base through policy reversals and personal attacks on allies
• The president faces historically low approval ratings with independents as Republicans brace for potential midterm losses
• Administration officials defend Trump’s foreign policy approach as consistent with protecting American interests in the Western Hemisphere

LOS ANGELES, CA (TDR) — Conservative political commentator Kim Iversen posed a pointed question on her podcast this week that has resonated across conservative media circles: Why is President Donald Trump struggling to understand his declining popularity?

The question comes as polling data shows Trump’s approval rating has fallen to 42%, down from over 50% when he began his second term. A Marist Poll conducted in November found Democrats leading Republicans by 14 points on the generic congressional ballot, their largest advantage since 2017.

3 reasons Trump lost MAGA pic.twitter.com/rAYc8KjEBD

— Kim Iversen 🇺🇸 (@KimIversenShow) January 13, 2026

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Iversen, who hosts The Kim Iversen Show and describes herself as an independent-minded political commentator, outlined what she sees as several key factors driving voter disillusionment with the president.

The Epstein Files Controversy

At the top of Iversen’s list was Trump’s handling of documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

“Maybe we should start with the Epstein files, because this is where a lot of MAGA voters finally lost their trust for him.”

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The president has repeatedly characterized demands for document release as a Democratic hoax, even after bipartisan legislation passed both chambers with near-unanimous support. Trump eventually signed the Epstein Files Transparency Act in November, though Justice Department releases have drawn criticism from lawmakers in both parties for containing heavily redacted or previously public information.

White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt has maintained that Trump was always committed to transparency and that the documents prove the president did nothing wrong.

Attacks on Conservative Allies

Iversen also highlighted Trump’s public feuding with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) and Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), two lawmakers who championed the Epstein transparency bill. The president withdrew his endorsement of Greene and labeled her “Marjorie Traitor Greene” before she announced her resignation from Congress in November.

“He went after actual MAGA, the most consistent America-first Republicans.”

Greene, once among Trump’s staunchest allies, pushed back forcefully. She told CNN that the president’s attacks were “not America first positions” and apologized for her own role in what she called “toxic politics.”

Massie warned fellow Republicans that votes against releasing the files would haunt them politically long after Trump leaves office.

Foreign Policy Questions

Perhaps the sharpest criticism Iversen leveled concerned Trump’s foreign policy, which she argued contradicts his 2016 campaign promises to end regime change and nation-building abroad.

“When exactly is it America’s turn? When exactly are we going to be focusing on the needs of the United States rather than the needs of other countries?”

The administration’s capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in early January and Trump’s subsequent declaration that the U.S. would “run the country” marked a dramatic shift from his earlier rhetoric. As a candidate, Trump consistently pledged to “abandon the failed policy of nation-building and regime change.”

The president has also renewed calls to acquire Greenland from Denmark, proposed U.S. control over Gaza’s reconstruction, and threatened action against Cuba, Colombia, and Iran.

Polling shows Americans remain skeptical of expansionist policies. A Reuters survey found only 33% approved of the Venezuela operation, while 74% opposed proposals to take control of Gaza.

Administration Response

White House officials and Trump allies have defended the president’s approach as consistent with protecting American interests.

Alexander Gray, who served as chief of staff for the National Security Council during Trump’s first term, argued that Venezuela represents a legitimate national security concern distinct from Middle East interventions that Trump previously criticized.

RNC spokesperson Kiersten Pels told Newsweek that Democrats “have abandoned common sense” and that Trump’s coalition remains strong among voters focused on “affording a home, supporting a family, and building a secure future.”

The president maintains solid approval among Republican voters, with roughly 90% continuing to support his performance. However, his standing among independents and young voters has deteriorated significantly, with only 15% of independents indicating they will vote Republican in the midterms.

As the 2026 election calendar approaches, Democrats need only three House seats to reclaim the majority, while a record number of Republican lawmakers have announced retirements.

Will Trump’s base remain loyal through November, or has the coalition that swept him back to power begun to fracture?

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