Full Breakdown
Former Three-Time Trump Voter Calls President “Worst Ever” on Live TV
5/17/2026, 8:59:54 PM
Defection on C-SPAN’s Washington Journal
During a Saturday edition of C-SPAN’s *Washington Journal*, a caller from Hawaii identified only as Thomas used a live phone interview to announce that he had voted for President Donald Trump in the 2016, 2020 and 2024 elections but now considered Trump “the worst president we’ve ever had.” Host Taylor Popielarz prompted Thomas to explain the change, and Thomas cited a cumulative process of broken campaign promises.
Context: Growing Discontent Among Trump’s Base
Thomas’s remarks reflect a broader trend of unease among voters who supported Trump’s 2024 bid. The article notes that public figures formerly aligned with Trump—such as Megyn Kelly, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and commentator Tucker Carlson—have publicly broken with him on issues ranging from Iran to the Jeffrey Epstein fallout. This pattern suggests an erosion of the once-solid MAGA coalition.
Poll Data Shows Rising Reservations
A University of Massachusetts Amherst poll reported that 17 percent of voters who backed Trump in 2024 now express reservations about their vote, up from 8 percent in April 2025. The same poll placed President Trump’s overall approval rating at 33 percent, with major disapproval on inflation, jobs, immigration, Iran policy, and the administration’s handling of Jeffrey Epstein.
Criticism Within the MAGA Circle
The article cites several high-profile critics who have distanced themselves from Trump. Megyn Kelly and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene have voiced opposition on foreign-policy matters, while Tucker Carlson said his continued support for Trump would cause him personal discomfort. These departures illustrate internal dissent that extends beyond individual voters like Thomas.
Why It Matters / Impact
Thomas’s public break underscores a measurable shift within the Trump electorate. The University of Massachusetts Amherst poll’s rise from 8 percent to 17 percent of 2024 voters expressing doubts, coupled with a drop in overall approval to 33 percent, suggests weakening loyalty. The willingness of high-profile figures such as Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Tucker Carlson to distance themselves further signals that public dissent may lead to additional defections.
Verbatim Quotes from Thomas
- “It’s hard for me to say this.” — Thomas, former Trump voter
- “Now I regret my support for him and I should’ve known better.” — Thomas
- “He’s a con man, a liar.” — Thomas
- “He’s the worst president we’ve ever had and he’s the most corrupt president we’ve ever had.” — Thomas
Looking Ahead: Community Support and Potential Shifts
Thomas directed viewers to LeavingMAGA.org, a community for former Trump supporters grappling with similar doubts. The poll’s indication that nearly one-fifth of 2024 Trump voters now question their choice suggests the possibility of further defections, though the article does not provide data on subsequent voting intentions.
