Author: USA Facts News

Presidents Day Sparks Debate as Trump’s Popularity Declines Amid Growing Distrust

Presidents Day, one of the most confusing holidays in the U.S., has long sparked debate over who should be honored. While it is officially recognized as Washington’s Birthday by the federal government, the day has taken on different meanings across states, with some celebrating all presidents and others focusing on specific figures like Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, or even civil rights leader Daisy Gaston Bates. For decades, Americans have debated whether the holiday should focus solely on the country’s founding father or include others who have shaped the nation’s history. Some argue that by recognizing all presidents, the day loses its meaning and fails to highlight any individual leader’s contributions. Washington state legislator Hunter Abell recently called the holiday “a confusing mishmash of ideas” and pushed for his state to rename it back to Washington’s Birthday. Despite these ongoing discussions, Presidents Day remains a moment to reflect on the nation’s leaders, past and present. However, with President Donald Trump now in his second term and facing increasing public discontent, a new question arises: Will Trump be remembered as one of the great American presidents worthy of mention on this day, or will he be an example of a leader who lost public trust too quickly? New polling data shows that Trump’s support is weakening rapidly just weeks into his second term. According to a recent YouGov survey, his approval rating has dropped significantly, and the number of Americans who disapprove of him has risen sharply.

When he returned to office, Trump enjoyed a narrow popular vote victory, and his approval was slightly higher than his disapproval. However, that margin has disappeared, and if the trend continues, he could face severe political consequences in the 2026 midterms. Some analysts warn that Republican lawmakers may pay the price for his growing unpopularity, much like they did in 2018 when they lost control of the House of Representatives after Trump’s first two years in office. A key factor behind Trump’s declining support is his failure to address issues that matter most to Americans. Inflation and the high cost of living remain top concerns, yet Trump has focused his attention on renaming the Gulf of Mexico, defending plastic straws, and appointing himself chairman of the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts. Many voters—particularly younger Americans—feel abandoned and question why their president is prioritizing culture wars over economic relief. Another growing issue is public distrust in Trump’s leadership. While he retains strong backing from his core supporters, a larger segment of the population is increasingly skeptical of his decisions. His attempts to bypass constitutional checks and balances, as well as his disregard for judicial rulings, have fueled concerns about the direction of his administration. Recent court rulings blocking his efforts to end birthright citizenship and dismantle federal agencies have only added to the perception that his leadership style is reckless. As Americans celebrate Presidents Day, it remains uncertain how Trump will be remembered in the long run. Some states have designated special holidays to honor specific presidents, including Herbert Hoover in Iowa, Dwight Eisenhower in Kansas, and John F. Kennedy in Massachusetts. However, being remembered on a state holiday requires more than just holding office—it demands a lasting legacy of leadership. Despite his efforts to cement his place in history, Trump faces significant challenges in achieving that status. His presidency has been marked by deep divisions, legal battles, and growing distrust. The idea that future generations might honor him alongside figures like Washington or Lincoln seems increasingly unlikely, especially as his approval ratings continue to decline. Meanwhile, his influence over the Republican Party remains strong, but it is uncertain whether that will last beyond his presidency. While some lawmakers, such as an Oklahoma state senator, have proposed recognizing Trump with a holiday, those efforts face opposition even within his own party. Many Republicans worry that associating too closely with Trump could harm their electoral prospects, particularly as his policies become more controversial. Public perception plays a crucial role in determining how a president is remembered. Some leaders, like Lincoln, have become legendary figures, with their birthdays celebrated and their legacies studied for generations. Others, like Herbert Hoover, are largely forgotten outside of their home states, remembered more for economic hardships than for their leadership. Even among Republican presidents, Trump’s place in history remains uncertain. While figures like Eisenhower and Reagan are widely respected across political lines, Trump remains one of the most polarizing leaders in modern history. His refusal to accept election losses, his handling of legal challenges, and his confrontational approach to governance have made him a uniquely divisive figure. As Presidents Day continues to evolve, the question remains: Will future Americans reflect on Trump’s leadership with admiration, or will he be seen as a cautionary tale of a leader who lost the public’s trust? The answer will depend on whether he can reverse his declining approval and prove that his presidency is more than just controversy and conflict. For now, however, the numbers paint a troubling picture for Trump. With his support slipping and skepticism growing, his second term is off to a rocky start.

If his presidency continues on its current trajectory, it is unlikely that future Presidents Days will celebrate him alongside the nation’s greatest leaders. Instead, he may become a symbol of political division and missed opportunities—a president who, despite his ambition, failed to win the trust of the people he claimed to serve.

Mexico’s President Hits Back at U.S. Over Drug Cartel Allegations

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has fiercely criticized the United States, accusing it of harboring drug cartels and failing to address its own role in the drug crisis. Her comments came in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim that there is an “intolerable alliance” between the Mexican government and organized crime.During her Thursday morning press conference, Sheinbaum rejected Trump’s accusations, turning the focus back on the U.S. “There is also organized crime in the United States, and there are American people who come to Mexico with these illegal activities,” she stated. “Otherwise, who would distribute fentanyl in the cities of the United States?”Her remarks follow a recently released report that revealed a staggering 450% increase in the arrests of U.S. citizens for crimes related to organized crime during the tenure of her predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador. Sheinbaum used this data to emphasize that the responsibility for tackling drug cartels does not lie solely with Mexico.“The United States must do its job in its own country, make the arrests that need to be made, and stop the trafficking of drugs within its own borders,” she asserted.

Trump and other U.S. officials have long accused Mexico of not doing enough to curb drug trafficking, particularly the flow of fentanyl into American cities. His administration even designated certain Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, further escalating diplomatic tensions between the two nations. In his presidency, Trump threatened to impose a 25% tariff on all Mexican goods, using the pressure of economic consequences to demand stronger enforcement against both drug and migrant flows. In response, Sheinbaum’s administration agreed to deploy an additional 10,000 national guard troops along the U.S.-Mexico border. Despite these efforts, experts note that Mexican organized crime networks are deeply embedded in the United States itself, controlling vast drug distribution operations across the country.“ They’re in virtually every corner of the country, no doubt about it,” said Jack Riley, former head of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) office in Chicago. “In terms of the control of the dope, the movement of narco money, I would say they’re the number one.

”Sheinbaum’s counterattack highlighted another growing concern—Americans themselves are playing a significant role in drug smuggling. Former law enforcement officials, like Riley, have acknowledged that U.S. citizens, particularly those with dual citizenship, are frequently recruited by cartels to smuggle drugs across the border.“ Anybody that has dual citizenship, [or] U.S. citizenship, can be influenced and corrupted by the cartels,” Riley explained. “Almost all of that occurs at the border checkpoints in vehicles. It’s not the guy with the backpacks when they cross the Rio Grande.

”With fentanyl overdoses becoming a national crisis in the U.S., Sheinbaum insisted that American authorities need to focus on enforcement within their own borders rather than solely blaming Mexico . Beyond drug-related tensions, Sheinbaum also addressed another brewing controversy—Mexico’s dispute with Google Maps. The tech giant recently changed the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America,” allegedly following pressure from Trump. “If necessary, we will file a civil suit,” Sheinbaum declared. “Even President Trump isn’t proposing that the entire Gulf of Mexico be called the ‘Gulf of America,’ only their continental shelf. So Google is wrong.

”Her statement reflects Mexico’s broader effort to push back against perceived U.S. overreach, both in political rhetoric and geographic disputes. Sheinbaum’s firm stance signals that the friction between Mexico and the U.S. over drug trafficking and security policies is far from over. As both nations prepare for upcoming elections and shifting political landscapes, their relationship remains one of complex negotiations and mutual accusations.While Sheinbaum has made it clear that Mexico will not accept sole blame for the drug crisis, the pressure from the U.S. is unlikely to subside.With fentanyl and cartel violence remaining major concerns for American politicians, particularly in conservative circles, Mexico will likely continue to be a focal point of U.S. domestic policy debates.For now, Sheinbaum is doubling down on her country’s sovereignty, demanding that the U.S. acknowledge its own failings and take responsibility for the role its citizens and institutions play in the international drug trade.Whether her pushback will change the tone of diplomatic relations or further escalate tensions remains to be seen.

Trump Faces Declining Approval as Early Presidency Struggles Mount

New polling data from a national survey conducted by YouGov for The Economist suggests that President Donald Trump’s early days in his second term have not gone as smoothly as he hoped. Just three weeks into his return to the White House, his approval rating has dropped significantly, raising concerns about his political capital and the long-term impact on the Republican Party. At the start of his new term, more Americans approved of Trump’s performance than disapproved. Now, disapproval has risen to match approval, signaling early trouble. If his approval numbers continue to slide, congressional Republicans could face severe consequences in the 2026 midterms, potentially mirroring the losses they suffered in 2018 when they lost control of the House of Representatives during Trump’s first term. Adding to his challenges, Trump’s personal favorability has also declined. While he retained a solid base of support when he took the oath of office again, the number of Americans who personally dislike him is now nearly equal to those who like him.

His approval has suffered the most among voters under 30, many of whom find his focus on cultural issues divisive and are frustrated that he has not addressed rising costs as he promised during his campaign. Public perception indicates that Trump has failed to expand his appeal beyond his narrow electoral victory. Instead of reaching out to the millions of Americans who did not vote for him, he has already lost some of the support he initially had. His administration’s early priorities have not resonated with the broader public, leaving many questioning whether he is up to the task of leading the country through pressing economic challenges. One of the biggest reasons for Trump’s early struggles is his failure to address inflation and the high cost of living—issues that remain top concerns for most Americans. While he has made headlines for renaming the Gulf of Mexico, defending plastic straws, and appointing himself chairman of the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, he has yet to take meaningful steps to lower consumer prices. As Americans continue to feel financial strain, Trump’s lack of focus on economic relief has led to mounting frustration. Beyond economic concerns, Trump is also picking battles that the public does not support.

While there is general agreement on the need for government spending reform, Americans oppose some of his proposed cuts. For example, Trump has signaled his intention to eliminate the Department of Education, but polling shows that by a two-to-one margin, Americans oppose dismantling the agency. Similarly, more than four-to-one Americans oppose his plan to abolish the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the IRS’s free tax assistance program. These unpopular proposals may further erode his support among key voting blocs. Another significant concern surrounding Trump’s presidency is his disregard for the traditional system of checks and balances between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government. Vice President J.D.

Vance recently posted on X, “Judges aren’t allowed to control the executive’s legitimate power,” implying that the courts should not interfere with presidential authority. While the president does have constitutional powers, the system of government was designed to prevent any one branch from exercising unchecked control. Even Vance, a Yale Law School graduate, should recognize that the Supreme Court has long upheld judicial review, granting federal courts the authority to strike down executive actions that violate the Constitution. The landmark case Marbury v. Madison established this principle, ensuring that presidential power has legal limits. If Trump attempts to sidestep these constitutional restrictions—such as by unilaterally cutting spending already authorized by Congress or attempting to abolish federal agencies without legislative approval—his administration could face major legal challenges. The perception that he is governing without accountability may further damage his standing with voters. For Democrats, Trump’s struggles present an opportunity. His failure to unite the country and his early missteps give them a chance to expand their coalition. However, to capitalize on this, the Democratic Party must rethink its approach. While Trump’s declining numbers might suggest an opening for Democrats, they cannot assume that voters will automatically turn to them. According to polling, fewer than half of Democrats approve of how their party’s leadership is handling Trump’s actions. Democratic media consultant Will Robinson recently emphasized the need for the party to adopt fresh, creative strategies to connect with the public. Speaking on the Deadline D.C. with Brad Bannon podcast, Robinson argued that traditional Washington press conferences and appearances on major news networks like CNN fail to reach the millions of Americans who do not consume mainstream political news.

Robinson pointed out that Republicans have been more effective in using alternative online platforms to engage voters, especially young people. In an era where information is increasingly decentralized, Democrats must modernize their communication tactics. Establishing a “truth squad” of young Democratic activists and leaders to engage directly with communities on social media and other digital platforms could help counter Trump’s messaging and broaden the party’s reach. Trump’s early presidency has been marked by controversy, inaction on key issues, and unpopular policy proposals. While his aggressive political style has always been a core part of his appeal to his base, his inability to address everyday economic concerns may prove to be his undoing. However, Democrats cannot afford to sit back and wait for his administration to collapse under its own weight. The nation is at a critical moment, and if Trump’s presidency is to be effectively challenged, the Democratic Party must take bold, decisive action to present a clear alternative. If they fail to do so, some voters may continue to accept Trump’s extreme actions by default, allowing him to maintain power despite growing discontent.

The months ahead will determine whether his administration can course-correct or whether the cracks in his leadership will continue to widen.

Fired Federal Workers Speak Out Amid Mass Layoffs Under Trump Administration

Thousands of federal workers have been abruptly terminated in recent days, leaving many struggling with uncertainty about their futures. Among them is Hanna Hickman, a former senior litigation counsel for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), who described the experience as both shocking and frightening. “It’s scary,” Hickman told ABC News. “I had a real moment—I was at CVS the other day and it kind of came on me all at once that I might not have health insurance in a few weeks, and that really hits you. It underscores the fact that we’re just regular, middle-class people, just like the people we’re trying to serve. “Hickman is one of thousands of federal employees, mostly new hires classified as probationary workers, who were laid off this past week. These employees, many of whom had been in their roles for less than two years, lack the job protections that apply to more senior federal workers. The layoffs hit multiple agencies, including the Department of Education, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the CFPB. Hickman, who had worked at CFPB for nearly two years, received her termination notice unexpectedly around 9 p.m. last Tuesday. “It was shocking, frankly—not just to us but to our direct managers, who had not been told this would happen and received notice of the terminations at the same time we did because they were CC’d,” she said.

he situation at CFPB has been particularly chaotic. Just days before the terminations, employees were informed they could not enter the office. Hickman’s belongings remain inside the building, but she has been locked out of all work systems. “It’s really a shock,” she added. “Especially for a lawyer, because we have professional obligations. I have a case that I’m currently litigating for the bureau, and all of a sudden, I’m cut off from our systems. It’s the equivalent of being escorted out of the building and fired. It’s just absolutely shocking, especially when there have been no concerns about my performance during my time at the bureau. “Hickman last entered the CFPB office on Friday, February 7—the same day that Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency made sweeping changes to the agency. That day, Musk posted on X: “CFPB RIP. “”We’re under attack by billionaires, but I’m not a billionaire,” Hickman said. “For me, the next steps are scary. I’m trying to stay focused on working productively, but it’s a scary moment .”Hickman believes Musk is attempting to dismantle the agency, which was created by Congress to regulate financial markets and protect consumers from predatory practices. However, she and several former colleagues plan to fight back, exploring legal avenues to challenge the terminations .

“Civil servants do this work to fight for regular Americans,” she said. “That’s what the job is. That’s why it’s intended to be insulated from partisan swings. That’s why it requires expert people skills and experience, and that’s why there are these protections around the jobs. We go to work every day to fight for regular people. “Hickman explained that the CFPB acts as “the cops on the beat for the financial market,” working to prevent financial crises, fraudulent loan schemes, and excessive interest rates. “Donald Trump and Elon Musk can just call their lawyers,” she said. “But regular people don’t have lawyers on speed dial. These agencies exist to fill that gap and to keep people safe. “For Hickman, working at CFPB was a calling. “It was something I felt really passionate about doing in this next phase of my career,” she said. “I spent 15 years in private practice before this, and this was just a whole different type of work—one that was incredibly fulfilling before I was terminated. “Hickman is not alone in her frustration. Other federal employees have spoken out about how they were fired without warning or explanation. Earlier this week, ABC News obtained copies of termination notices sent to federal workers. The notices simply stated, “The Agency finds, based on your performance, that you have not demonstrated that your further employment at the Agency would be in the public interest.

“However, many of those who received these notices say they were never given performance warnings or evaluations indicating any problems .Chelsea Milburn, a disabled veteran, was fired from the Department of Education on Wednesday. She received a memo that gave no specifics about why she was being let go.”I was definitely upset,” Milburn said. “I’ve only ever gotten positive feedback from my team and leadership, so I was pretty surprised to get that email. “One former probationary employee at the Department of Education recalled receiving an unexpected phone call from a supervisor who was in tears. “I’m getting word that you’ve been terminated,” the supervisor told the employee .The worker, who spoke anonymously for fear of impacting future job opportunities, described the experience as “devastating. “”It was heartbreaking,” the former employee said. “When I went up to my computer, it was already locked down. I couldn’t access anything. I’m still trying to reach out to HR to find out if I get a severance package. What happens to my health insurance? When does it end? Nobody knows anything. “As fired federal workers try to navigate the fallout, many remain in limbo. The abrupt mass terminations have left employees without clear answers about their benefits, severance, or next steps. Legal experts say the nature of these terminations—especially those targeting probationary hires—makes it difficult to challenge them through traditional employment protections. While unions and advocacy groups may attempt to intervene, the affected employees have little immediate recourse. For now, those who have lost their jobs are left with difficult decisions. Some, like Hickman, are considering legal options. Others are scrambling to find new employment, unsure of when their next paycheck will arrive. In the meantime, the Trump administration continues its push to restructure the federal workforce, with Musk at the center of controversial efforts to cut government agencies and overhaul staffing practices .

For workers like Hickman, the fight isn’t over “We were doing this job to help people,” she said. “And if they think we’re just going to go quietly, they’re wrong.”