“Buyer’s remorse”

Do you want to know the worst kept secret in America? It’s this: People in their thousands regret voting for Donald Trump.

There are examples everywhere of people expressing such regret, particularly following his actions and policies after taking office in January 2025 for his second term. These accounts come from various sources, including social media posts, and personal testimonies shared online. Below are some illustrative examples of what I’ve found in a small number of demographics:

Farmers facing economic losses: Some farmers who supported Trump have voiced regret due to his administration’s policies, such as tariffs and cuts to federal funding. For instance, a cattle rancher from Missouri named Skylar Holden, who relied on a $240,000 USDA cost-sharing contract, took to TikTok to express dismay after the Trump administration froze federal funding. He stated he had already invested in materials and labor, risking the loss of his farm if the contract wasn’t honored. Similarly, other farmers have cited concerns over tariffs potentially leading to retaliation from countries like China, impacting their ability to sell crops like soybeans and corn – echoing economic disruptions from Trump’s first term.

Educators and parents worried about education cuts: Teachers and school administrators who voted for Trump have also shared regrets as his plans to reduce federal education funding became clearer. Jennifer Blankenship, a principal in Kentucky and Trump voter, told CNN she supported Trump to “make America first again,” but feared his policies would increase classroom sizes and cut teaching staff at her school, calling it “devastating.” Additionally, parents with children on Individualised Education Programs (IEPs) have expressed surprise and regret upon realising Trump’s promise to dismantle the Department of Education could eliminate critical support for their kids.

Personal stories: On platforms like BuzzFeed and Yahoo, individuals have shared personal accounts of regret. One person wrote about their grandparents, Trump voters, being shocked that his policies might target transgender rights and Medicaid – issues affecting their family – saying, “I didn’t think he’d do that.” Another recounted a friend with an autistic child who now fears losing educational support, lamenting a lack of research before voting. A TikTok user even claimed she left her husband after he voted for Trump, reflecting broader disillusionment with the consequences of his leadership.

Social media sentiment: Posts on X highlight similar sentiments. One user claimed “thousands” regret voting for Trump, believing he’d only target certain groups but now facing broader fallout. Another, identifying as a former supporter, cited tariffs as an “economy destroyer,” regretting their vote after two months of Trump’s second term. These posts, while anecdotal, reflect a growing narrative of buyer’s remorse among some voters.

Focus groups and polls: Beyond anecdotes, focus groups conducted by anti-Trump conservative activist Sarah Longwell, reported by The Daily Beast, found some Trump voters expressing regret as early as February 2025. Meanwhile, polls from The Washington Post and CNN in February 2025 suggested that about 5% of Trump voters disapproved of his actions post-election – though this is a small fraction, it translates to millions given his 75 million votes, and the margin of error leaves room for variation.

These examples illustrate a mix of specific policy-driven regrets – like funding cuts, tariffs, and deportations affecting livelihoods – and broader disillusionment with Trump’s leadership style or unfulfilled promises. However, it’s worth noting that while these cases exist, they don’t necessarily represent a majority. Many Trump supporters remain steadfast, and polls indicate regret is still a minority sentiment as of early 2025, with disapproval among his voters in the mid-single digits. The full scope of regret may evolve as his term progresses and policies take further effect.

For us folk here in Australia it’s easy to say; “All the fool, you. You wanted him.” But gee, you’ve got to feel sorry for them. Pure hell awaits.

References

What do Trump-supporting farmers make of his tariff and DOGE policies?, Joel Mathis, The Week

Farmers Fear More Pain From Trump’s Trade War, Alana, Semuels, Time Magazine

Farmers on TikTok Speak Out About Trump’s USDA Funding Freeze, Newsweek

China hits US agriculture, says it won’t be bullied by fresh Trump tariffs, Joe Cash et al, Reuters

Teacher layoffs, bigger classes: Potential federal education cuts could hit GOP’s base hardest, Majlie de Puy Kamp et al, CNN

Trump’s plan to dismantle Education Department raises concerns for special needs students, Abigail Velez, NBC15 News

Tell Us About Your Parents Who Regret Voting For Donald Trump, Ashley Holt, Yahoo News

Trump Supporters Shared How He Could Lose Their Support, And There’s One Issue That’s Verrrrry Important To Them, Ashley Holt, Buzzfeed

Today in regret: MAGA diehards learn their votes have consequences, Ariel Messman-Rucker, Yahoo News

Longtime GOP Pollster: Trump Voters Are Getting ‘Buyers’ Remorse’, Yasmeen Hamadeh, The Daily Beast

New poll crystallizes Trump’s self-inflicted wounds on Musk and tariffs, The Washington Post

CNN Poll: Americans worried by Trump’s push to expand power, Jennifer Agiestea, CNN

 

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