Supporters of former President Donald Trump still feel good about their vote. This confidence continues to hold, even after a series of frightening changes since his administration. In a recent poll, 74% of Trump voters reported being very confident in their decision. By contrast, only 2% say they regret having voted. As his policies start inflicting harm, many of these advocates are starting to publicly express disappointment—especially in the areas of economic volatility and immigration.
Heavyweight billionaire supporters such as investor Bill Ackman have recently called out Trump’s tactic. Because Americans are becoming increasingly frustrated with his policies. People who know them, though, really feel the sting of his tariffs, which have created record volatility in the stock market. The top 10% of Americans now hold 93% of all stocks, exacerbating concerns among those who feel excluded from economic prosperity.
Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, has taken a leading role in the administration’s deportation efforts. Recent media coverage highlighted a controversial video posted by the White House featuring a man being deported, all set to the backdrop of Semisonic’s famous lyrics: “You don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here.” This stark contrast between the positive outreach of music and the administration’s negative overtures on immigration policy has resulted in understandable outrage and concern.
Once a diehard Trump fan, Crystal Minton recently recorded herself lamenting what has become of the nation.
“I voted for [Trump], and he’s the one who’s doing this,” – Crystal Minton.
When Trump was first elected, a number of media organizations sought out Trump voters who came to deeply regret their choice. This fed into the then-ongoing narrative of voter disaffection. A national poll from February 2017 showed that just 3.5% of Trump voters said they regret their vote. With inflation and prices rising still, Trump’s popularity is sinking. Consequently, some of his diehard supporters are starting to feel the sting of his policies firsthand.
“I thought he was going to do good things. He’s not hurting the people he needs to be hurting.”
The White House recently made headlines with a Valentine’s Day message that included a poem referencing deportation:
This message has sparked conversations about the administration’s focus on immigration policy and how it resonates with voters who might have differing priorities.
“Roses are red, violets are blue, come here illegally, and we’ll deport you.” – White House.
In some cases, Trump’s higher education policies have been harmful and widely condemned. He’s reduced money for Ivy League schools, calling them “woke” and disconnected from American values. This decision alone has alienated many of his supporters from Wall Street. They are worried about the implications for the next generation and the burgeoning economy.
Given that Trump’s base is still more or less intact, we should not get the idea that they are impervious to unhappiness. As inflation continues to climb and consumer goods become increasingly unaffordable, Americans find it harder to meet their basic needs. Against this backdrop, the fetish of “owning the libs” thoroughly loses its charm. Nate Enten remarked on the growing anxiety among voters:
Many Trump voters stay more committed to Trump the longer time goes on. Beneath the surface, there runs a countercurrent of impatience and anger at his policy choices. Few things are more discouraging than voting for a candidate you know is actively going to hurt those you love. This predicament is becoming an increasingly difficult burden for many voters.
“If Harris wins, the signs were clear as day.”
As time goes on, it appears that while many Trump voters stand by their choice, there is an undercurrent of frustration surrounding his policies. The idea of supporting a candidate who is perceived to be harming those they care about is becoming increasingly difficult for some.