In a political climate rife with contention, one thing remains clear: public scrutiny can make a difference. After intense outcry over the Trump administration’s decision to cut funding for the Women’s Health Initiative—a vital 30-year study into preventive health care—the administration reversed course. This victory underscores the power of accountability, but it also shines a light on a broader pattern of unpopular governance under Donald Trump.

A Lifesaving Program Under Threat

The Women’s Health Initiative, funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), costs just $10 million a year. For three decades, it has conducted groundbreaking research on critical issues like breast cancer, heart disease, and osteoporosis. By the government’s own estimates, this program has saved countless lives and billions in medical costs. When the administration proposed cutting this funding, the backlash was immediate and fierce, proving that public outcry can hold leaders accountable.

“They’re doing so much in so many different parts of the government that are so destructive, no one can just pay attention to all this stuff.”

Unpopular Policies, Unpopular President

The administration often operates as if its actions go unnoticed, but the data tells a clear story: Trump’s presidency is deeply unpopular. From the start, his approval ratings have been among the lowest for any modern president. Even on the economy, his traditionally strong area, recent polls show him underwater, with 56% disapproving of his handling of the economy and 59% disapproving of his approach to inflation.

Immigration and Civil Rights: Further Drops in Approval

The administration’s policies on immigration and civil rights have also faced growing disapproval. Then there’s Trump’s executive order seeking to eliminate the principle of “disparate impact” under the Civil Rights Act—a bedrock principle that Martin Luther King Jr. and others fought and died for. This move to undo decades of progress on civil rights has been met with widespread condemnation.

The Reality of an Unpopular Agenda

Despite these glaring issues, Trump continues to act as though he has a sweeping mandate. In reality, he is unpopular at basically every turn. Even his so-called “war on woke,” a cornerstone of his campaign, has failed to resonate, with polls showing him down nine points on the issue. The only thing keeping him afloat is an agenda of intimidation and fear that enforces a politically toxic discipline among Republicans. As his approval ratings continue to plummet, this strategy may not hold up.

The Power of Public Accountability

The reversal of the Women’s Health Initiative funding cut serves as a reminder of what can happen when people pay attention and demand accountability. Yet, it’s also a stark illustration of a broader issue: a presidency defined by unpopular policies and declining public support. As we look ahead, the question remains—will this pattern catch up with Trump and his administration?