The Trump Fever Is Breaking

Voter Remorse, Economic Chaos, and the Cracks in His Coalition

Let’s face it: The Republican Party—and more importantly, those who have voted for the GOP since 2016—have been infected by a virus called Donald Trump. This political pathogen has caused a fever so disorienting that many cannot see his malevolence. But according to recent polls and reports of Trump voters experiencing regret, the fever may finally be breaking.

Despite his claims of a sweeping mandate, Trump was elected for one primary reason: to improve the economy. Yet, just two months into his presidency, a CNN poll shows that 54% of Americans believe he’s failing at this task. Alarmed by the consequences of his policies, 61% now oppose his tariff schemes, and only 46% think he is doing a good job overall.

These numbers suggest that the body politic is beginning to reject the Trump pathogen. But even more telling are the words of his own voters expressing buyer’s remorse.

In focus groups conducted by nonpartisan policy analyst Rich Thau, self-identified moderate Trump voters from crucial swing states around the Great Lakes are having serious second thoughts. They see the chaos in Washington, the tumbling stock market, and persistently high prices and realize this isn’t what they signed up for.

As one focus group participant, a woman named Shannon, put it: “I don’t think anyone would have voted for him if they expected to see what we’re seeing now.” Another, Sheryl, admitted she is “almost scared to watch the news.”

Meanwhile, in Michigan, Arab and Muslim voters who helped tip the state to Trump in 2024 are also expressing regret. In a recent NPR report, many of these formerly loyal Democrats said they feel betrayed by Trump’s apparent indifference to the plight of Palestinians.

For them, the suffering of civilians in the Israel-Hamas war is deeply personal. Now, Trump’s suggestion that Gaza be rebuilt as a “resort region” feels like a slap in the face. “When he came to Dearborn, to the community, he said that he would strive for peace and justice first in the whole region,” said Ibrahim Duhaini.

If you think Michigan’s Arab and Muslim voters are focused too narrowly on a single issue, consider what longtime GOP strategist Sarah Longwell has observed. Longwell, the publisher of the conservative news site The Bulwark, has been speaking with Trump voters since his inauguration. She sees a trend emerging. In a recent cable news appearance, she noted, “I think what we are starting to see is the very beginning of buyer’s remorse setting in.”

Like other analysts, Longwell says that swing voters supported Trump primarily because they believed he would fix the economy. “They thought things were too expensive,” she explained. “Now, they’re asking, ‘What is he focusing on? I didn’t vote for this dismantling of the government.’”

It’s worth noting that Longwell describes some of these Trump swing voters as “low-information voters”—not deeply engaged in politics, often relying on social media and word-of-mouth to form their opinions. But now, they appear to be paying closer attention to real news sources. And they don’t like what they see.

As more reports emerge on the impact of Trump’s economic policies and his reckless governance, millions may wake up from their fever dreams. When they do, it will be tempting to say, “I told you so.” But instead, let’s welcome them to our side.