According to Reuters, U.S. President Donald Trump is facing a string of policy failures that have exposed the limits of his power, causing unease among congressional Republicans and his supporters. White House aides worry that if Republicans lose control of both the Senate and the House in the midterm elections, Trump could become a "lame duck" president.
The report notes that nearly 17 months into his second term, Trump has seen multiple policies blocked by the courts, a stalemate in the Iraq war ceasefire, and a decline in his approval ratings. One White House adviser, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, "Trump will start losing influence, especially after the midterms." Another former aide revealed that Trump has privately discussed running for a third term precisely to avoid becoming a powerless lame duck.
Polls indicate growing concern over Trump's physical and mental condition. According to a recent Reuters/Ipsos survey, 61% of U.S. respondents believe Trump is becoming more erratic with age. Another poll found that a majority of Americans are deeply worried about Trump's mood and thinking. Trump claimed to be in good health after a routine check‑up in May, but he was recently photographed appearing to fall asleep courtside during an NBA Finals game.
Signs that Trump's influence is being challenged have already emerged. Bipartisan groups of senators and representatives have opposed Trump's decision to launch the Iraq war, blocked funding for a new White House banquet hall, and forced him to withdraw his "anti‑weaponization fund." However, Trump can still set policy through executive orders and could exert key influence by designating the 2028 Republican presidential nominee between Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Douglas Brinkley, a presidential historian at Rice University, argued that given Trump's unpredictable nature, he will continue to make waves for the remainder of his two‑year term. "Whether Democrats control Congress or not, Trump's chaotic and disorderly leadership style will not change," Brinkley said.
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