Less than a year into Donald Trump's second presidency, a remarkable shift is occurring as even his most loyal supporters and Republican politicians express growing dissatisfaction with their leader.
Broken Promises Fuel Voter Discontent
The frustration stems from multiple unfulfilled campaign pledges, with the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files emerging as a particular flashpoint. Trump had campaigned on releasing the files in full, only to dismiss the matter as 'pretty boring stuff' in July.
This reversal prompted an unprecedented petition that led to legislation passing through both the House and Congress, eventually forcing Trump to sign the bill into law.
Adam*, a 25-year-old Trump voter, voiced the disillusionment felt by many: 'We were promised tax cuts, no inflation and a booming economy. Instead, we were given an inflated stock market that is a corpse pumped full of fake liquidity, few jobs, and 50-year mortgages.'
He added: 'Trump promised us law and order, then went to pardon a bunch of rich scammers and paedophiles. It's all just so exhausting at this point.'
Former Allies Labelled as 'Traitors'
The discontent extends beyond voters to include prominent Republican lawmakers who were once among Trump's fiercest defenders. Marjorie Taylor Greene, Nancy Mace and Ted Cruz have all taken public stances against the president on various issues.
Mace and Greene notably joined every Democrat to sign the petition pushing the Epstein files bill forward, despite pressure from the Trump administration not to do so.
Greene has been particularly candid about her frustrations, revealing she faced death threats after expressing support for Epstein's survivors and pushing for full disclosure of the files. She wrote on X: 'Aggressive rhetoric attacking me has historically led to death threats and multiple convictions of men who were radicalised by the same type of rhetoric being directed at me right now. This time by the President of the United States.'
Trump responded dismissively when confronted about Greene's statement, telling reporters: 'Marjorie 'Traitor' Greene. I don't think her life is in danger. I don't think. Frankly, I don't think anybody cares about her.'
Slipping Approval Ratings and Policy Concerns
The consequences of these tensions are becoming increasingly measurable. Trump's approval rating has fallen to 38% according to a recent Reuters/Ipsos survey, largely attributed to his handling of the Epstein files controversy.
The survey also revealed that the number of Trump voters who believe the USA is not on the right track jumped from 17% to 22% between September and November.
Several issues have contributed to this decline in confidence:
- The Epstein files controversy
- The murder of Charlie Kirk
- Disputes over tariff policies
- A controversial press conference linking paracetamol to autism in children
- Frustration with the H1-B visa program amid high unemployment for graduates
Transparency has become another major point of contention. Despite signing an executive order to declassify records around political assassinations shortly after entering office, many promises about government transparency remain unfulfilled.
Adam explained: 'We were promised transparency, all while the FBI and DOJ have lied continuously about the Trump assassination attempt, and the Epstein and Kirk investigations. Trump says he's a president of peace, then turned around and simultaneously funded the destruction of Gaza and is still funding Ukraine.'
As the administration approaches its first anniversary, the growing rift between Trump and his base suggests turbulent times ahead for the Republican party and the presidency.
