In a report from Friday, Axios viewed the results of surveys conducted with 14 North Carolina voters who chose Joe Biden in 2020 but switched to Trump in 2024. Of these respondents, 11 said that they now disapprove of his performance as president, while 12 of them said that the economy is worse now than when Trump took office. The survey pool includes 11 independents, two Democrats and one Republican.
When pressed about Trump's handling of affordability, the respondents were largely not buying his claims that the economy is surging and the cost-of-living crisis is a Democratic "hoax" against him.
"I just think he's full of it, and he's always blaming Biden for everything instead of taking responsibility for what he's done," Karen L., a 61-year-old independent from Wilmington, said.
"Gas is more expensive, groceries are more expensive," another independent, 54-year-old Stephen J. of Cornelius, added. "But then you have to factor in, you know, this is someone who is chauffeured. This is someone who's shopped for. So I think that there's a disconnect between the average, everyday American people and the president."
Some of the complaints that emerged in the surveys echoed similar ones made against former President Biden during his time in office. Rich Thau, president of Engagious, the firm that ran the surveys, said he felt a sense of "déjà vu" from the results they received.
"The same complaints swing voters voiced about Biden — about inflation's toll, and his physical decline — mirror what many are now saying about Trump," Thau explained.
Out of the 14 respondents, 11 said they had heard stories of Trump falling asleep during meetings, with independent Erica M. of Wilmington expressing similar concerns about Trump's true physical health being hidden from the public, as were expressed about Biden.
"I would just say he is too old. I mean, same thing with Biden," David D., 61-year-old independent from Waxhaw, said. "I don't know if it's any huge medical issue. I mean, you get to be 80 — this is not — CEOs aren't 80 for most companies. He just needs more sleep."
"It's not that him falling asleep is out of the ordinary given his age," Evan D., a 31-year-old independent from Charlotte, added. "But it is the most important job you could have in the country, so you probably shouldn't be falling asleep."
