In February, 62% of Americans believed Donald Trump was a man of his word. By April, that number fell to 45%. The biggest drop, at 25%, was among women.

Trump appeared to walk away from repealing the Affordable Care Act after Republicans failed to agree on the healthcare replacement bill that Trump stood behind. Political friends and foes alike have complained that Trump is not carrying out the promises he made on the campaign trail. Supporters have expressed unhappiness that more has not been done on taxes and immigration, in addition to healthcare. Opponents say he has not protected middle- and working-class Americans. (Gallup)

Most of his support is still coming from older Republicans (over age 55), especially males.

His approval rating also dropped from 42% to 40%.

Trump took office facing challenges in winning public support that are unique for a modern-day president. A majority of Americans viewed him unfavorably before his inauguration, and this continues to be true today. He was the first elected president in Gallup polling history to receive an initial job approval rating below the majority level and has yet to come close to surpassing the 50% mark.









Trump has flip-flopped on many campaign promises as well. He said he would designate China a currency manipulator; he no longer will. The Export/Import Bank is unnecessary; now he likes it, because it makes money. NATO was obsolete; now it is not. Federal Reserve Chairwoman Janet Yellen kept interest rates artificially low to help Obama; he respects her and may keep her on. The national debt will be eliminated in eight years; that was hyperbolic. Tax reform will be done by August; there is no deadline. James Comey is wrong and should be fired; he asked Comey to stay, then said it was too late to fire him. Trump repeatedly defended Russia and praised their leadership; now he is saying it looks like Russia is responsible for Syria. These are just from the past week. (Axios)

Donald Trump will take whatever position on an issue suits him at a particular time. Some say it is based on the last person he spoke to, and some say it is what is most convenient. Others think he is finally learning about things he never understood. Chris Cillizza at CNN says:

What we see as flip-floppery and weakness, Trump sees as flexibility and uncertainty — which he thinks are two hallmarks of any strong deal-maker. Trump doesn’t feel any allegiance to past positions or, really, past statements about issues. Those are the sorts of things that get in the way of making the best deals. And that’s what Trump believes the public wants from him, ideology or consistency be damned.

Perhaps it is a combination of all of these things. Whatever the case, it has obviously led to an increased lack of trust on the part of voters, and that is a problem for the President and Republicans. Whether it is the inability to pass promised legislation or an outright reversal of a stated position, the inconsistency in the White House has not been a positive for Donald Trump.