Full Breakdown
Trump Voters Express Regret Over Second Term, Describing It as a “Horror Movie”
4/29/2026, 1:49:41 AM
Focus Group Findings
A New York Times focus group convened in early May gathered twelve voters who supported Donald Trump in the 2024 election. Nine participants said they regret their vote, and none assigned a grade higher than a D; eight gave a D and three an F. The group repeatedly described the administration as a “horror movie” and voiced disappointment with immigration policy, the economy, and foreign affairs.
Context of the Second Term
Trump’s second term has been marked by an unpopular war in Iran, persistent inflation, and an intensified ICE-driven immigration crackdown. The administration also faced renewed scrutiny over the Jeffrey Epstein case.
Participant Perspectives
Participants included Jose, a 62-year-old independent employment specialist from Florida, who said he expected Trump to learn from past mistakes but found the term disastrous; Alla, a 51-year-old Republican portfolio manager from Alabama, who condemned ICE’s treatment of detainees; Pamela, a 65-year-old Republican small-business owner from Tennessee, who expressed embarrassment for the country; Kitty, a 36-year-old independent student from Pennsylvania, who characterized the administration as dictatorial; and Chris, a 42-year-old Republican electrician from Illinois, who highlighted unaffordable gasoline and food prices.
Approval Data and Poll Results
- NBC News poll (April 19) gave Trump an overall approval rating of 37 %.
- Fox News poll recorded 28 % approval of his handling of inflation.
- YouGov/CBS data show white voters without a college degree now disapprove of Trump for the first time.
- Republican-only approval remains near 80 %, while independent approval has “cratered.”
- The focus group’s twelve participants represent a small, non-random sample.
Criticism and Opposition from Former Supporters
Former supporters criticized the administration for unfulfilled immigration promises, rising living costs, and the ongoing Iran conflict. Several described the government’s approach to dissent and minority groups as authoritarian and un-American. Economic concerns centered on stagnant wages and higher gasoline and food prices, reinforcing feelings of betrayal and embarrassment.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
Polling results differ, with NBC reporting 37 % approval and Fox reporting 28 % on inflation, reflecting methodological variation. The focus group’s limited size and lack of demographic balance limit generalizability. No official statements from the Trump administration appear in the source material, leaving a gap in the administration’s response.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It’s turned out to be a horror movie. I was so wrong with the vote for him,” — Jose, 62, independent employment specialist, Florida
- “How ICE was treating people. This is not the way to do it,” — Alla, 51, Republican portfolio manager, Alabama
- “I’m embarrassed for our whole country that this is what we’re dealing with daily now.” — Pamela, 65, Republican small-business owner, Tennessee
- “It’s like, now we have a dictator.” — Kitty, 36, independent student, Pennsylvania
