President Donald Trump is facing growing political pressure as recent polling suggests Republicans have lost much of their traditional advantage over Democrats on two issues that have long favored the party: the economy and national security.
A Reuters-Ipsos poll released this week found Democrats and Republicans almost evenly matched on which party is better equipped to handle wars, foreign conflicts and terrorism. Democrats were preferred by 37% of US adults, compared with 36% for Republicans.
The result marks a significant change from the 2024 election, when Republicans held an 11-point advantage on the issue.
A recent Fox News poll produced a similar result on national security. Republicans were preferred by 50% of registered voters, while 48% backed Democrats. In January, before the war with Iran, Republicans held a 12-point advantage.
Although the latest figures fall within the polls’ margins of error, the narrow gap is notable because Republicans have traditionally dominated public opinion on national security.
Fox News polling has repeatedly found Republicans with substantial advantages on terrorism and national security. Before the conflict with Iran, Democrats had never come within 10 percentage points of Republicans on either issue in the surveys cited.
Gallup data show a similar pattern. Democrats have taken the lead on national security only once this century, in 2007. Republicans have also maintained a strong advantage when voters are asked which party is better equipped to deal with international terrorism and military threats.
The shift is also visible on the economy.
A recent Fox News survey found that 54% of voters preferred Democrats to handle the economy, compared with 45% who chose Republicans. It was the Democrats’ strongest advantage on the issue since 2006.
The survey also marked the first time Democrats had led Republicans on the economy since 2010, shortly after the financial crisis that began during George W. Bush’s presidency.
Trump has faced criticism over his handling of inflation, tariffs and the war with Iran. His administration’s economic policies have placed the president directly in charge of the results voters experience, while concerns over prices remain widespread.
The US economy also lost 23,000 jobs in July, adding to concerns about its performance.
The polling shift does not necessarily reflect strong enthusiasm for Democrats, who continue to face low approval ratings. Instead, it suggests dissatisfaction with the Republican Party may be creating opportunities for Democrats on issues where they have historically struggled.
National security may be the most significant change. Republicans have traditionally held a clear advantage on defending the country and responding to foreign threats. The narrowing gap suggests that Trump’s handling of the Iran conflict could be changing how voters assess the party on one of its defining issues.
