Trump knows exactly who the voters are mad at — and it’s not him

President Donald Trump spoke with Punchbowl News reporter Jake Sherman for a 45-minute interview posted on Friday, and the president made it clear that the country still loves him; they just don't support the Republican Party anymore.

Trump admitted that people had a lot to be upset about during his second term, but said it was not his fault. Punchbowl described it as a decade-old problem that Republicans have had: GOP turnout is consistently lower in Trump's base when he is not on the ballot. Republicans simply can't win when people aren't coming out to support Trump.

Whatever Trump thinks about approval ratings with the Republican Party and himself, the voters have made it clear they want nothing to do with the policies he's pushed in his first 19 months in office. While Trump's approval continues to sink, polls show that voters are concerned about the economy, the high cost of housing and increasing food and fuel prices.

In a generic ballot, meaning whether someone would vote for a Republican or Democrat, the GOP is down by 8 points. It is even worse for people who indicate they are “extremely motivated to vote." Among that group, Democrats lead by 20 points.

Sherman explained that Trump is very upset with the Republican-led Senate for refusing to carry out his demands. Now that the election is near, it might mean his agenda takes a back seat for the rest of his term.

Trump made it clear that if they pass his SAVE America Act, Republicans will continue to win elections, and without it they'll lose. He also thinks that Democrats will eliminate the filibuster the second they come into office.

"They're going to do that so fast. And I say, 'As long as we all know that they're going to do it,'" said Trump. "I would do it whether they did it or not. I would — We would get in the next two and a half years, we would get things that nobody ever dreamt of. We would be in office for the next hundred years. And I'll tell you what, if they get in, I may be the last Republican president."

They're “vicious," Trump said of Democrats. Meanwhile, Trump said, “I think the Republicans are too nice,” and “much more gentle than the Democrats.”

Trump's anger might result in a leadership change for the GOP. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) has been the Senate leader, but it appears Trump isn't all that impressed.

Asked if he'll keep Thune around, Trump said, “We’re going to find out, and I’ll let you know.”

“He’s trying hard, I really believe that,” Trump added. “But, uh… if he doesn’t get there, it would be unfortunate.”