Focus groups held throughout 2025 with more than 50 Trump voters — observed by NBC News and run by Syracuse University, Engagious and Sago — found broad loyalty but rising doubts. Participants flagged inflation and the cost of living as top grievances, while tariffs divided opinion and deportation tactics drew criticism for poor prioritization or harsh methods. Few said they would move en masse to Democrats, but frustrations increased by year’s end, creating potential vulnerabilities ahead of the midterms.
What Conversations With 50 Trump Voters This Year Reveal About His Coalition
President Donald Trump delivers remarks on the economy at Mount Airy Casino Resort in Mount Pocono, Pa., on Dec. 9. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds / AFP via Getty Images)
Focus-group conversations observed by NBC News and conducted by Syracuse University, Engagious and Sago show that most 2024 Trump voters remain loyal, but growing concerns about the economy and immigration are straining the coalition as midterms approach.
How the Research Was Done
Researchers held four focus-group sessions in March, June, September and December with more than 50 voters who supported Donald Trump in 2024. Participants included Black, Hispanic and younger voters, plus Trump backers who later voted for Democrats in high-profile gubernatorial contests in New Jersey and Virginia. Moderators from Engagious and Sago, with observation by NBC News and Syracuse University, tracked how views evolved over the year.
Overall Picture: Loyalty With Growing Friction
Few participants said they were ready to abandon Trump outright. Still, a growing segment expressed unease — especially over perceived inaction on inflation and concerns about the administration's deportation practices. Early in 2025, most panels approved of Trump's job performance, often with caveats; by December, expressions of frustration were noticeably louder.
Economy And Inflation
Across groups, many voters said reducing inflation and easing the cost of living were central reasons they supported Trump. Yet fewer than half in the four panels felt he had made fighting inflation a top priority. Some participants gave him the benefit of the doubt, saying economic change takes time or that a Democratic alternative would be worse. Others were less forgiving.
"I don’t think he tried at all to tackle inflation because he was focused on other things," said Justin K., a 39-year-old Virginian. "He’s been focused on prosecuting his political enemies, pardoning people."
Tariffs: Fixing Trade Or Taxing Consumers?
Tariffs produced a sharp split. Some voters embraced them as a long-overdue correction to trade imbalances and an "America First" economic approach. Others argued tariffs are effectively a tax on American consumers and businesses, increasing prices at home.
"Tariffs are a tax on the American people. That’s who pays for it," said David S., a 47-year-old New Jersey voter.
Immigration And Deportations
Immigration remained a core issue driving support for Trump, but the administration's deportation practices drew notable criticism. Many respondents approved of tougher border controls while criticizing how deportations were prioritized and carried out — arguing that violent criminals should be the focus and that some enforcement actions felt inhumane.
"I like what the President is doing, but I don’t like how he’s doing it," said Rebecca H., a 52-year-old independent from Virginia. "It makes arrests that feel like 'kidnapping people.'"
Voices From The Panels
Participants voiced a mix of hope, skepticism and conditional support. Some trusted Trump's business background and believed short-term pain might lead to long-term gain. Others felt his populist promises had benefited big business more than average Americans.
"I have faith that he, a hundred percent, has the best interest of our country at heart," said Rozlyn C., a 44-year-old Georgia voter of Cuban descent.
What This Means For The Midterms
The focus groups suggest Trump's coalition remains broadly intact but increasingly tentative. Key vulnerabilities include perceptions of ineffectiveness on inflation, controversy over tariffs, and unease about deportation tactics. While few participants said they would switch en masse to Democrats, the growing dissatisfaction could matter in tight midterm races where turnout and swing voters decide outcomes.
Conclusion
These conversations paint a nuanced portrait: loyalty tempered by concern. Trump retains strong backing among many 2024 voters, but the coalition shows fissures on economic policy and immigration enforcement that could influence electoral dynamics in the months ahead.
