The article discusses the early signs of weakening support for Donald Trump's administration. Although Trump's confident rhetoric and the Democrats' inability to control the public debate have made the past two months appear comfortable for him, recent events suggest a turning tide.
The article highlights the results of the April 1st elections in Wisconsin and Florida as significant indicators. In Wisconsin, the progressive candidate won the state Supreme Court election by a wide margin, while in Florida, Republicans' large margins from November significantly decreased. Trump's decision to cancel the nomination of Elise Stefanik for ambassador to the UN, to avoid a special election in her vulnerable district, highlights the Republican party's current election vulnerabilities.
Trump's new tariff package caused division within the Republican party, with some conservatives criticizing it as a betrayal of free-market principles. The article outlines three core contradictions within Trump's policies:
These contradictions undermine Trump's core campaign promises and suggest growing international instability. While Trump could still implement significant reforms, the article suggests his ability to govern with the same ambition and speed as the first two months of his term is likely diminished.
The upcoming gubernatorial elections in Virginia and New Jersey this November, along with the 2026 legislative elections, will be important indicators of political momentum. The possibility of Democrats regaining control of the House of Representatives increases, potentially significantly limiting Trump's agenda, even if he retains control of the Senate.
The article concludes that Trump's tariff strategy may backfire, and April 2025 could possibly mark the peak of Trumpism.