Former President Donald Trump finds himself in an increasingly precarious situation as a relentless wave of attack ads tears into his public image, leaving him visibly frustrated and, according to insiders, deeply pained by the negative portrayal. The ads, launched by both Democratic political action committees (PACs) and even some conservative groups opposed to Trump’s influence on the Republican Party, have left the former president fuming as he struggles to counter the narrative just weeks before the critical 2024 election.

These attack ads, which have been running on major television networks and across digital platforms, focus on a variety of issues. From Trump’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic to his role in the January 6 Capitol riot, and even his numerous legal battles, the ads spare no opportunity to highlight what they call Trump’s failures, corruption, and recklessness. Some of the most damaging ads target Trump’s legal woes, showcasing footage of his recent court appearances and emphasizing the criminal charges he faces in New York and Georgia, which include allegations of election interference and financial crimes.

One of the most devastating ads aired by a Democratic PAC focuses on Trump’s infamous phone call to Georgia election officials in which he asked them to “find” enough votes to overturn the 2020 election results. The ad portrays Trump as a dangerous figure willing to undermine democracy for personal gain, ending with the words, “He betrayed America once, and he’ll do it again.” Another ad, released by Republican rivals, zeroes in on Trump’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, showing footage of Trump downplaying the virus even as thousands of Americans lost their lives.

According to sources close to Trump, these ads have hit the former president hard. While Trump has always prided himself on being able to withstand attacks from his political opponents and the media, those close to him say that this time feels different. The sheer volume of negative advertising, combined with his already existing legal challenges and the dwindling support from within his own party, has left Trump feeling isolated and agitated. “He’s used to being in control of the narrative, but these ads are really getting under his skin,” one insider shared. “It’s one thing when it’s the Democrats, but when Republicans start going after him too, that’s when it stings the most.”

Trump, who has always been a master of media manipulation, is reportedly struggling to mount an effective counterattack against the ads. While he has responded with his own barrage of ads accusing his rivals of corruption and dishonesty, his messaging appears less effective than in previous campaigns. Some political strategists believe that Trump’s inability to pivot away from the mounting legal threats and negative press is hurting his ability to rally the kind of passionate support that propelled him to victory in 2016.

The ads have also begun to take their toll on Trump’s polling numbers. Recent surveys show his favorability ratings dipping among key voter blocs, including suburban voters and independents. In swing states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Georgia, where the election could be decided, Trump’s support is showing signs of erosion, particularly among moderate Republicans who are weary of the constant controversies surrounding his campaign.

Despite his public displays of confidence, sources close to the former president say that the attack ads have taken a personal toll. Trump is known to watch hours of television coverage, and the nonstop barrage of negative ads has left him agitated and angry. Reports indicate that he has been lashing out behind closed doors, blaming his advisers and campaign team for not doing enough to combat the damaging narratives.

As the 2024 election draws nearer, it’s clear that the attack ads are leaving a lasting impact. Whether Trump can recover from this barrage of criticism remains to be seen, but for now, the former president is feeling the pressure like never before, and the pain of these attacks is impossible to ignore.