Trump Hits Record GOP Support as Border Numbers Plummet Under New Policies

Paul Riverbank, 7/21/2025Trump's GOP support soars as new border policies dramatically reduce illegal crossings.

The Political Pendulum Swings: Examining Trump's Resurgent Influence

As someone who's covered American politics for three decades, I've rarely witnessed such a dramatic shift in national direction. The numbers tell part of the story, but the deeper narrative reveals something more profound about our democracy's capacity for rapid transformation.

Let's start with what's happening at the border. December's peak of 301,981 encounters under Biden has plummeted to just over 9,000 last month under Trump. I was speaking with a Border Patrol agent in El Paso last week – he mentioned they're seeing changes that would've seemed impossible just months ago.

Trump's base hasn't just stuck with him – they've doubled down. While his team trumpets approval ratings as high as 95% among Republicans, I'm seeing something more nuanced in my conversations with voters. Even those who express reservations about his style consistently praise his policy outcomes.

But here's where it gets interesting – and complicated. That same decisive leadership style that energizes his base appears to be creating new friction with moderate voters. The latest CBS News/YouGov numbers caught my eye: while 64% credit Trump for the reduced crossings, a majority now view his approach as excessive. It's a paradox I've seen before: voters often support policy outcomes while questioning the methods used to achieve them.

The administration's wins extend beyond immigration. They're moving faster on energy permits, NATO allies are boosting defense spending, and we're seeing multiple peace initiatives gaining traction internationally. Having covered previous administrations' attempts at similar goals, the speed of these changes is remarkable.

Yet something Biden said recently stuck with me: "Many of the things I worked so damn hard, that I thought I changed in the country, are changing so rapidly." It's a candid admission that captures the whiplash nature of modern American governance.

Looking ahead, I'm watching several key developments. There's talk of adjusting visa processes to address labor shortages – a practical step that might help bridge the gap between strict border control and economic needs. My sources in agricultural states tell me this could be crucial for maintaining both security and productivity.

What we're witnessing isn't just policy change – it's a fundamental shift in how quickly American democracy can pivot. Whether this speed of transformation strengthens or strains our institutions remains to be seen. But one thing's certain: we're living through a period that future historians will study intently.

As always, I'll keep watching, analyzing, and sharing what I learn. These are complex times that deserve careful, thoughtful coverage.

The Political Pendulum Swings: Examining Trump's Resurgent InfluenceAs someone who's covered American politics for three decades, I've rarely witnessed such a dramatic shift in national direction. The numbers tell part of the story, but the deeper narrative reveals something more profound about our democracy's capacity for rapid transformation.Let's start with what's happening at the border. December's peak of 301,981 encounters under Biden has plummeted to just over 9,000 last month under Trump. I was speaking with a Border Patrol agent in El Paso last week – he mentioned they're seeing changes that would've seemed impossible just months ago.Trump's base hasn't just stuck with him – they've doubled down. While his team trumpets approval ratings as high as 95% among Republicans, I'm seeing something more nuanced in my conversations with voters. Even those who express reservations about his style consistently praise his policy outcomes.But here's where it gets interesting – and complicated. That same decisive leadership style that energizes his base appears to be creating new friction with moderate voters. The latest CBS News/YouGov numbers caught my eye: while 64% credit Trump for the reduced crossings, a majority now view his approach as excessive. It's a paradox I've seen before: voters often support policy outcomes while questioning the methods used to achieve them.The administration's wins extend beyond immigration. They're moving faster on energy permits, NATO allies are boosting defense spending, and we're seeing multiple peace initiatives gaining traction internationally. Having covered previous administrations' attempts at similar goals, the speed of these changes is remarkable.Yet something Biden said recently stuck with me: "Many of the things I worked so damn hard, that I thought I changed in the country, are changing so rapidly." It's a candid admission that captures the whiplash nature of modern American governance.Looking ahead, I'm watching several key developments. There's talk of adjusting visa processes to address labor shortages – a practical step that might help bridge the gap between strict border control and economic needs. My sources in agricultural states tell me this could be crucial for maintaining both security and productivity.What we're witnessing isn't just policy change – it's a fundamental shift in how quickly American democracy can pivot. Whether this speed of transformation strengthens or strains our institutions remains to be seen. But one thing's certain: we're living through a period that future historians will study intently.As always, I'll keep watching, analyzing, and sharing what I learn. These are complex times that deserve careful, thoughtful coverage.