"A retreat could hint at an eroding base after Trump enjoyed widespread support among Republicans for much of 2025 even as his aggressive tariffs shocked businesses and trading partners, including close U.S. allies. But cracks emerged late in the year as November elections highlighted the affordability crisis and Congress ordered the release of the Epstein files on near-unanimous votes. Heavy redactions and the Justice Department's failure to disclose all of the records by the deadline added to the tension."
"The conversation quickly changed when Maduro was toppled as Trump basked in the U.S. military's proficiency and his new ability to call the shots in Venezuela, despite grumblings that another foreign intervention strayed from his 'America first' motto. The Fed Then two weeks ago, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell issued an unprecedented video statement that revealed he was facing a Justice Department criminal investigation related to a renovation project at the central bank's headquarters."
Trump experienced a surge after U.S. forces captured Nicolás Maduro, but faced mounting resistance within weeks across economic, foreign-relations, and immigration fronts. A second deadly federal-agent shooting in Minnesota provoked widespread outrage and prompted the administration to "review everything" and consider withdrawing immigration officers from Minneapolis. Political support that persisted through much of 2025 showed signs of erosion amid affordability concerns highlighted in November elections and controversy over heavily redacted Epstein files. The Maduro operation shifted attention even as critics questioned its alignment with an "America first" posture. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell disclosed a DOJ criminal inquiry tied to a headquarters renovation, intensifying tensions.
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