By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The author condemns the voters who elected Donald Trump, arguing their actions have led to devastating consequences. These consequences include the erosion of democratic institutions, the targeting of the LGBTQ+ community through policy changes and symbolic erasure, and the implementation of brutal immigration policies. The author asserts that Trump’s actions represent a threat to American democracy and fundamental human rights, urging those who voted for him to acknowledge the gravity of their decision. The resulting damage, from economic instability to the dismantling of civil rights protections, is already being felt.
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This is why it’s okay to be angry at anyone who voted for Trump. The anger stems from a profound sense of betrayal, not just of personal beliefs, but of the very fabric of democratic principles and societal well-being. It’s not about disagreeing on policy; it’s about the conscious choice to support a candidate whose actions and rhetoric demonstrably harmed countless individuals and institutions.
This isn’t simply a matter of differing opinions; it’s about the objective reality of Trump’s actions. His history of abusive behavior, dishonesty, racism, and disregard for accountability is well-documented and undeniable. Voting for him was not an act of ignorance; it was a conscious endorsement of these characteristics. To claim otherwise is to ignore the overwhelming evidence available to any informed voter.
The comparison to Nazi Germany is not hyperbolic. It highlights the chilling parallel between those who supported Hitler, perhaps out of economic anxiety or misplaced patriotism, and those who supported Trump. Regardless of individual motivations, the act of lending support to such figures carries immense moral weight. The consequences of their actions, regardless of individual intentions, are far-reaching and devastating. We do not, and should not, excuse the culpability of those who supported harmful regimes simply because they had mitigating factors.
The argument that “they didn’t know” is simply untrue. Trump’s character and policies were extensively covered in the media. His promises to enact harmful policies were clear and readily available information. Ignoring these facts, and actively voting for him anyway, constitutes a willful disregard for the potential consequences. Therefore, the anger isn’t about differing opinions, but about the demonstrable harm caused by a decision made with full knowledge of the risks involved.
It’s perfectly reasonable to sever ties with individuals who actively support such figures. Maintaining friendships with those who willingly support someone who embodies toxicity, abuses others, and lies continuously, is akin to condoning those behaviors. Just as one would distance themselves from an abusive friend, it is understandable to distance oneself from those who support an abusive leader.
The feeling of anger extends beyond personal relationships. The damage inflicted by Trump’s presidency reaches far beyond personal interactions, impacting the economy, the environment, and the very foundations of democratic governance. The resulting political and social divisions have real-world consequences. The anger is a response to the tangible harm caused by the collective choice of millions of voters who supported a candidate whose actions directly and demonstrably negatively affect the lives of others. It’s a reaction to the tangible loss of stability, the rise of extremism and the widening chasm of political polarization.
This isn’t about suppressing dissenting opinions; it’s about holding people accountable for their choices. The anger is directed at the act of supporting a leader who actively undermined democratic norms and pursued policies that directly caused widespread suffering. The anger, in this context, is a legitimate response to the harm inflicted, not a simple expression of disagreement. It’s about the active enabling of systems of oppression, the ignoring of warnings, the disregard for the well-being of others.
The anger is further fueled by the lack of self-awareness and the refusal to acknowledge the consequences of their actions. Many Trump supporters remain stubbornly unrepentant, clinging to false narratives and dismissing criticisms. This reinforces the sense of betrayal and makes it even more difficult to reconcile with those who supported such a divisive figure. The sheer audacity of their continued denial and indifference only intensifies the anger and frustration.
Moreover, the anger extends to those who did not vote or voted for third-party candidates, effectively contributing to the election outcome. While the weight of responsibility rests primarily on those who directly voted for Trump, those who chose not to participate or who voted for alternatives despite the clear implications, share a degree of responsibility for the consequences. Their inaction, in the face of potential harm, allowed the undesirable outcome to occur.
The intensity of this anger is not unreasonable. It’s a response to profound disappointment, fear for the future, and a sense of moral outrage at the collective decision that has led to the current state of affairs. It’s a reaction to the demonstrable harm inflicted and the unwillingness of many to acknowledge their role in that harm. Therefore, the anger is not only understandable, it’s a vital and necessary response to the profound challenges faced today.