A growing number of younger voters who previously backed Donald Trump are now voicing regret over their choice, saying his presidency has not lived up to their expectations.
When asked by The New York Times to sum up life under Trump in a single word, some participants described it as “reckless,” “overpowering,” and “aggressive.”
Many explained they had supported him in hopes of economic improvement, but feel that promise hasn’t been delivered. Others said his immigration measures have gone too far, drifting away from what was once pitched as an “America First” vision. Some also criticized his handling of global conflicts, arguing his administration is more concerned with international affairs than addressing pressing challenges inside the United States.
During the 2024 election, Trump made significant inroads with younger voters, a group that historically leaned Democratic. But in a recent installment of The New York Times’ “America in Focus” series, several voters in their late 20s and early 30s shared mixed views, with some openly admitting they regret their vote.
Mustafa, a 28-year-old from Georgia, was blunt when asked to sum up his current view: “The way that he’s been handling things recently, dictatorship.” He said his disappointment comes from what he sees as misplaced priorities. “We’re focused on Ukraine and Israel more than I feel like the United States,” he said. “The military, I like it, has gotten much better than it used to. But I thought he was going to come in and end the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.”
Polling suggests this sentiment is spreading. A Pew Research Center survey in August found that while 69 percent of Trump supporters under 35 still back him, that number reflects a sharp 23-point decline compared with the beginning of his second term.
Quinton, a 33-year-old account manager, also from Georgia, said his frustrations center on the economy. “For me, it comes down to taxes and jobs,” he explained. “The job market is just not good at all. I have a lot of friends and family members who are struggling to find work. He made it seem like he was going to look out for the working-class people, and it’s the exact opposite.”
John, a 28-year-old delivery driver from Florida, said his regret is tied to cryptocurrency. “Even though my personal investment in crypto is doing fine, he has really messed up the market overall,” he said. “A lot of wealthy people are just pumping and dumping coins and launching useless tokens. This is not what I voted for.”
Kelsey, 32, an independent working in the tech field, voiced concern over Trump’s aggressive deportation policies. “I just think it’s way too aggressive,” she said. “Even if it’s the worst of the criminals, can they be treated more humanely once they get to the deportation centers?”
Sarah, a 32-year-old engineer from Montana, agreed, saying the way these policies are executed has shaken her trust. “I’m having a hard time trusting in my current democracy and my Constitution,” she said. “I’m not really sure I’m seeing those honored, even in these deportation processes.”
