A wave of disillusionment is sweeping through the Democratic Party’s base, with a significant portion of its own supporters labeling it “weak” and “ineffective” in the face of President Donald Trump’s resurgent administration, according to a new poll from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

Conducted July 10–14, the survey paints a bleak picture for Democrats less than a year into Trump’s second term. When asked to share the first word that came to mind about their party, only 23% of Democrats offered a positive descriptor. Far more—about one-third—used negative words like “weak,” “lost,” “directionless,” and “ineffective.”

Losing Faith from Within

The dissatisfaction isn’t just rhetorical. The AP report shows that Democrats are significantly more likely than Republicans to criticize their own party. While 41% of Republicans used positive terms to describe the GOP, Democrats were far more reserved, with roughly twice as many describing their party in critical terms as in flattering ones.

This internal revolt comes as Trump racks up major victories—on border security, the economy, and foreign policy—with seemingly little resistance from Democratic leadership. His administration recently secured an EU trade deal and even brokered a regional peace agreement between Thailand and Cambodia, burnishing his image as a global dealmaker while his opposition looks increasingly impotent.

A Powerless Opposition

The root of the despair seems to stem from a growing belief that the Democratic Party simply cannot compete with Trump’s assertive and results-driven governance. With Republicans in control of Washington, many Democrats now view their own party as incapable of effectively opposing the GOP’s agenda—or even articulating a coherent one of their own.

“Nearly nine months into the second Trump administration,” the report reads, “Democrats appear to be harboring more resentment about the state of their party than do Republicans.” That is an understatement. The AP-NORC data suggests Democrats may be facing a full-blown crisis of confidence.

More Than Just a Mood

This isn’t just about bad vibes—it has real implications for 2026 and 2028. The lack of enthusiasm within the Democratic base may translate into weak turnout in the midterms and primary contests, further cementing Trump’s advantage. And without a clear leader or message, Democrats may struggle to rally their base at all.

Notably, the poll was conducted before Kamala Harris’s recent media reappearance, where she insisted her leadership will now occur “outside the system.” That message, too, may have reinforced the perception that the party is aimless and adrift.

Conclusion: A Party in Crisis

The AP-NORC poll confirms what many observers have sensed since Trump returned to power: the Democratic Party is fractured, demoralized, and increasingly unsure of its role in the current political landscape. With no clear plan to counter Trump and rising infighting among the party’s factions, Democrats aren’t just losing ground—they’re losing hope.