Democrats in Dumps as Trump’s Second Term Fuels Party Pessimism

Four months into Donald Trump’s second term, the Democratic Party is grappling with a crisis of confidence. A recent AP-NORC poll reveals a stark reality: only about one-third of Democrats feel optimistic about their party’s future, a sharp drop from last summer’s six-in-10 high. The November elections, where Republicans reclaimed the White House, Senate, and held their House majority, have left Democrats in a political tailspin. Worse, the GOP made inroads with Black, Hispanic, and younger voters—groups long considered Democratic strongholds.

The survey, conducted May 1-5, paints a contrasting picture for Republicans, with 55% expressing optimism about the GOP’s trajectory, up from 47% last year. Meanwhile, Democrats are not just frustrated with Trump’s controversial agenda; they’re also fed up with their own leaders for what many see as a lackluster pushback. This internal discontent has tanked the party’s favorability, hitting historic lows across multiple polls, including a Fox News survey showing just 41% approval.

Leadership under fire: Prominent Democrats are feeling the heat. Sen. Bernie Sanders retains strong support among Democrats, with three-quarters viewing him favorably, but Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a progressive star, is less popular, with only half of Democrats in her corner. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer is struggling even more—only a third of Democrats approve of him, a steep fall from December. Schumer’s backing of a GOP-led funding bill earlier this year drew fierce criticism, fueling speculation that Ocasio-Cortez might challenge him in a 2028 primary.

The broader picture is grim. Polls from Pew, CNN, and others show Democratic favorability underwater, with confidence in congressional leadership at a record low of 25%, according to Gallup. Even among young voters, approval for Democrats in Congress has plummeted, per the Harvard Youth Poll. As Trump’s GOP gains ground on key issues like the economy and immigration, Democrats face a daunting task: rediscover their voice or risk further erosion of their base.