By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Evidence mounts that President Trump’s working-class supporters are facing negative consequences from his administration’s policies. These policies, including the budget bill’s Medicaid cuts and the implementation of tariffs, have reportedly generated significant opposition among his base. A recent Fox News poll revealed that a majority of white men without a college degree, a core demographic of Trump’s voters, disapprove of the bill, echoing concerns raised by Trump’s own pollster. Economist Jared Bernstein further emphasizes the detrimental impact on these voters, painting a grim picture of the collective effect of these initiatives.
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“Mind-Boggling”: Trump Voters Shocked at How Badly He’s Screwing Them: The reality seems to be that these are not, as the headline suggests, shocked. The situation, however, is far more complex.
The entire premise of the headline feels off. The narrative suggesting widespread shock among Trump voters at the consequences of his actions simply doesn’t ring true to what many have observed. The idea that these voters are just now realizing they’ve been, as the saying goes, “screwed,” is highly questionable. This is especially true given the clear, often blunt, promises he made during his campaigns. In essence, he told everyone what he was going to do.
The truth is, many of these voters have remained steadfast in their support, even in the face of actions that are objectively harmful to them. The idea of an unconstitutional third term, even after experiencing the results of his presidency, doesn’t deter them. They’re willing to overlook any misgivings. This unwavering loyalty, even when faced with evidence of betrayal, is what many find truly perplexing.
Perhaps even more jarring is the reality that many of these supporters seem to be aware of the consequences, yet still remain devoted. Reports detailing the exploitation of his supporters, such as the practice of enrolling them in recurring donation programs without their knowledge, have surfaced. Some people still defend him without hesitation. They’re loyal.
The situation is a stark illustration of the power of political tribalism. It seems the identity of a Trump supporter has been forged. The fact that many Trump voters are likely aware of the issues but dismiss them, or find ways to rationalize them, speaks to the deeply ingrained nature of this political identity. They knew what they were getting; the promise of ‘burning the country to the ground’ was essentially what they voted for, and a portion of them are enjoying the flames.
The focus on the “shock” of Trump voters, as the headline presents it, feels like a misdirection. This is not the story. The true story is the resilience of the support. The fact that so many of them, even when demonstrably harmed, have continued to support him is what is mind-boggling. The question of what it will take to change their minds remains unanswered. Are they truly shocked? It’s difficult to say they have a moment of hesitation.
Trump, in a sense, promised to break things. He promised to disrupt the status quo and the people voted for a dramatic change. The notion that they are somehow surprised by his actions seems misleading.
The phenomenon of unwavering support is understandable in the context of the broader political landscape. Many feel that, as bad as things may be, they are still better than the alternative. It’s the idea that the Democrats are worse, or that any perceived failures are worth it to own the “libs.” This is how it works.
The idea that this is all some sort of revelation for his voters feels inaccurate. They knew what they were getting. It’s the lack of care, and the almost perverse enjoyment of the suffering of others, that is on display.
The situation is a symptom of a larger issue. The issue is about the current political climate, the decline of the news, and the rise of social media. In the long run, this could be seen as a disaster.
The reality is that many of his voters are getting exactly what they wanted. There is no mass exodus, no wave of remorse. There is a dedication. The story isn’t one of shock, but one of unwavering, often blind, faith.
The bigger picture is that the actions were predicted, and yet the support endures. They were warned of the consequences, and yet they embraced them. They’re getting the changes they voted for. They’re loyal, and that’s the point.