By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The article argues that Donald Trump’s actions in his second term have gone too far, triggering a “thermostatic” response from the American public. This reaction is evident in declining approval ratings regarding his economic policies, particularly trade, which is resulting in farm bailouts and rising inflation. Furthermore, the administration’s hardline stance on immigration, marked by mass deportations and harsh rhetoric, has also faced a backlash, with a growing number of Americans viewing immigration positively. Ultimately, the article suggests that Trump’s policies, characterized by protectionism and isolationism, are facing increasing public disapproval, potentially leading to a renewed appreciation for international cooperation and inclusive values.
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Americans Are Turning Hard Against Trumpism: A Skeptic’s View
Americans are undoubtedly grappling with the legacy of Trumpism, and it’s easy to get the sense that a shift is underway. The narratives surrounding Trump and his policies are being re-evaluated, and a growing number of people seem to be questioning the foundations of the movement. However, the path towards a true rejection of Trumpism is not a straightforward one, and the reality might be more complex than headlines suggest.
The issue is that while the appeal of Trump himself might be waning, the underlying ideologies and grievances that fueled his rise remain. The “Trumpanomics” approach, marked by protectionist tariffs and quick fixes, may have been exposed as detrimental, but the economic anxieties that birthed the movement are still present. The fear is that a charismatic figure, perhaps someone embodying a more polished version of the same ideals, could easily step in and rally the same base. The money and the machinery that supported Trump are still there, waiting to be unleashed.
There’s also a significant concern that the rejection of Trump is coming too late. The damage, both domestically and internationally, has been done. The erosion of trust in institutions, the rise of divisive rhetoric, and the normalization of behavior that once would have been considered unacceptable, all these things have left a lasting impact. The worry is that even if Trump is removed from the equation, the long-term effects of his presidency will continue to reverberate.
And this leads to the skepticism. Many people have been reading variations of the headline “Trump is losing support” for years, but the core of his base seems to remain. The visuals haven’t changed: Trump flags are still flying, the merchandise is still selling. This suggests that the sentiment, even if it is turning against Trump, isn’t necessarily translating into a complete abandonment of the underlying beliefs. There’s a persistent fear that people are simply waiting for the next figurehead, another charlatan who will promise a return to a perceived “golden age,” a white utopia, or something of that nature.
Furthermore, there is a legitimate concern that many voters are misinterpreting or minimizing the issues. Some voters are still in denial. Some believe the narrative that the other side is creating problems, and that the opposition is lying. There seems to be a lack of critical self-reflection. Instead of addressing the deep-seated issues that are central to Trumpism, some voters prefer to make excuses and defend their “champion.” This is what makes it so difficult to trust Americans to act as a whole for the common good.
The focus then shifts to the upcoming midterms and beyond. The hope is that the vote will definitively show a rejection of Trumpism. But the fear is that the electorate may not have collectively learned its lesson. If those in power are not being held accountable, there is no consequence for bad actors. The test is simple: Would Americans want someone like Trump reporting to them? Someone who ignores instructions, breaks rules, attacks, lies and blames others.
There’s also the fundamental question of whether the rejection of Trump is broad enough. Does “turning hard against Trumpism” represent a genuine shift in values, or simply a strategic retreat until the next political ad cycle? A small percentage drop in support isn’t enough. It’s not enough when the foundations of democracy are at risk.
The truth is, some things are just not easy to fix. People are responding negatively to the polls because they are miserable, but they may vote for the same ideology. The reality is that we’ve lived through years of it, and it’s not clear whether the electorate has collectively learned its lesson.