Columnist claims Trump’s support is unraveling among traditional conservatives

Nick Catoggio argues that a growing segment of non-MAGA Republicans is abandoning Donald Trump, citing low approval numbers and dissatisfaction with war and corruption.

In a recent column, Nick Catoggio contends that a notable portion of the Republican electorate, particularly older Reagan-aligned conservatives, is drifting away from Donald Trump. He highlights three polls where Trump’s approval fell beneath 35 %, a rare low for the former president. The columnist notes that 18 % of conservatives now prefer Democratic Texas Senate hopeful James Talarico, indicating a broader realignment beyond typical “RINO” defections.

Internal data cited by one outlet reveal waning enthusiasm even among historically reliable GOP voters, with some considering abstention or a Democratic vote. Catoggio attributes part of the backlash to the war’s effect on gas prices and inflation, as well as a disputed “cash for MAGA criminals” fund that shields Trump’s family from IRS scrutiny, which two GOP senators have demanded be halted as a condition for confirming Todd Blanche. He concludes that the combination of policy failures and perceived corruption is prompting a conditional loyalty among non-MAGA Republicans.