NBC Politics Desk Report: Examining Trump’s Coalition & Dreamer Deal Doubts
TL/DR –
The article discusses Donald Trump’s increased support in New Jersey, particularly among Hispanic, Asian American, Muslim, and Arab American voters. It questions whether Republicans can maintain this demographic coalition in the upcoming 2025 gubernatorial contest. It also covers Trump’s renewed call for a bipartisan deal to protect Dreamers, despite his previous attempts to end the DACA program, with Senate Republicans expressing skepticism about the prospects of such a deal.
Welcome to the virtual edition of From the Politics Desk, your evening digest from NBC News Politics. In this edition, we analyze how New Jersey may serve as an early test for the Trump coalition. Plus, we explore the skepticism towards Trump’s recent calls for a Dreamer deal.
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Trump’s support gains in New Jersey
By Steve Kornacki
Donald Trump’s improved performance in New Jersey, a traditionally blue state, is noteworthy. He lost the state to Kamala Harris by only 6 points, much improved from his 16-point defeat against Joe Biden in 2020.
This gain is attributed to increased Hispanic voter support, consistent with a national trend. Given these demographic shifts, New Jersey’s 2025 gubernatorial race may be an early litmus test for a post-Trump Republican coalition.
For example, Trump made significant inroads in Newark, suffering a 58-point loss compared to an 85-point loss in 2016. Similarly, in Palisades Park, a town with a high concentration of Korean Americans, Trump narrowed his loss margin significantly. In Lakewood, a stronghold for Orthodox Jews, Trump enlarged his winning margin.
It remains to be seen if these demographic gains can be sustained in the upcoming governor’s race without Trump himself on the ballot.
Trump’s Dreamers deal received with skepticism
By Sahil Kapur
President-elect Donald Trump recently expressed interest in a deal with Democrats to protect Dreamers. However, senators from both sides of the aisle remain skeptical, given his previous actions and rhetoric.
During his first term, Trump attempted to end the DACA program and rejected a bipartisan deal to provide legal status to Dreamers. Can Trump deliver on his renewed promise to work with Democrats on the Dreamers issue this time?
Senate Judiciary Chair, Dick Durbin, welcomed the talks but urged a degree of skepticism.
More MTP interview reaction: Rep. Bennie Thompson, who chaired the now-defunct House Jan. 6 committee, refuted Trump’s suggestion that the panel’s former members should be imprisoned. Read more →
Today’s top stories
- Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is recovering from minor injuries after a recent fall. Read more →
- Trump defends his top intelligence official nominee, Tulsi Gabbard, as she faces Senate scrutiny this week. Read more →
- Caleb Vitello, Trump’s pick for acting ICE head, brings years of agency experience. Read more →
- Democratic senators question Mehmet Oz’s previous Medicare privatization advocacy as he seeks to head CMS. Read more →
That’s all from the Politics Desk today. Please share your feedback at politicsnewsletter@nbcuni.com. Share this newsletter with others by having them sign up here.
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