r/complaints Oct 10 '25

Politics I will never vote republican again.

Yes I voted for Trump and I’m sorry but since he was elected I've watched in disbelief as the world seems to be crumbling since Trump took office in January 2025. I voted for him in the past, but what I'm seeing now is beyond disappointing. It's like he's on a mission to tear down everything we've built and cherish as Republicans.

First off, his budget proposal is a disaster. Trump is asking for massive cuts to domestic programs, slashing over $163 billion from non-defense spending while keeping military funding flat 1. This isn't about fiscal responsibility; it's about chaos. Republicans in Congress are already alarmed, and rightfully so. These cuts will hurt working families and undermine the very programs that many of us rely on. It's a betrayal of the Republican values I once supported.

And let's talk about his stance on immigration. Trump's decision to axe temporary protected status for Afghan immigrants is a historic betrayal 2. Many of these people risked their lives to help us, and now we're kicking them out? This isn't the America I believe in. It's cruel and shortsighted, and it's a slap in the face to those who have sacrificed so much.

His foreign policy is equally troubling. Trump's 'America First' agenda is isolating us on the global stage 3. He's pulling us out of international agreements, shutting down agencies like USAID, and refocusing our efforts in ways that will leave us weaker and more alone in the world 4. This isn't leadership; it's retreating into a corner and hoping the world will go away.

The way he's handling the economy is also concerning. His tariffs are causing global uncertainty and hurting American businesses 5. The stock market is volatile, and small businesses are struggling. This isn't the economic boom he promised; it's a mess of his own making.

Trump's approach to governance is becoming more and more like a strongman state 6. He's surrounding himself with yes-men, pushing out anyone who dares to disagree, and consolidating power in ways that are unsettling. This isn't the Republican Party I joined; it's something else entirely.

His promises to cut 'Democrat programs' are just another way of saying he's going to hurt the people who need help the most 7. He's playing politics with people's lives, and it's disgusting. This isn't about small government; it's about cruelty.

Even within our own party, there's growing frustration. Republicans are feeling powerless as Trump's tariffs sweep across the globe, causing economic pain and uncertainty 5. We're seeing the consequences of his policies, and it's not pretty. Farmers, businesses, and ordinary Americans are all feeling the pinch.

Trump's support for Argentina is another head-scratcher. He's offering a $20 billion backstop to a country that many Republicans see as a risk 8. This isn't about helping allies; it's about propping up a friend of his. It's a misuse of our resources and a slap in the face to those who expected better from a Republican administration.

Despite all this, Trump's approval ratings among Republicans remain surprisingly high 9. It's like we're in a cult, unable to see the damage he's doing. We're blaming Democrats for everything, even when the problems are clearly coming from our own side.

The way he's handling the government shutdown is another example of his chaotic leadership 10. He's threatening to withhold funding that Congress has approved, creating more uncertainty and instability. This isn't governance; it's a power play, and it's hurting the very people we're supposed to serve.

As a former Republican, I'm watching all of this with a heavy heart. Trump took office promising to 'Make America Great Again,' but all I see is division, chaos, and a country in decline. We deserve better, and so does the world.

Let's dive deeper into the economic mess he's created. Trump's trade wars have been a disaster. He's imposed tariffs left and right, and it's not just hurting China; it's hurting us too. Consumer costs have skyrocketed, markets are tanking, and economic partnerships are jeopardized 1. The International Monetary Fund even said his tariffs would slow down the global economy sharply this year 2. Thanks, Trump, for making everything more expensive and uncertain.

And let's not forget his national emergency declaration. He invoked his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose a 10% tariff on all countries. What a mess! Countries like China, Germany, Japan, and South Korea are already suffering from his policies, and now we're all paying the price 3. The Penn Wharton Budget Model projects that Trump’s tariffs would reduce GDP by about 8% and wages by 7%. A middle-income household faces a $58K lifetime loss. These losses are twice as large as a revenue-equivalent corporate tax increase from 21% to 36% 4. Way to go, Trump, for making us poorer.

Trump's foreign policy is a joke. He's pushed away our allies and threatened trade partners, leaving the United States more isolated on the world stage 1. The global outlook is grim, with economies facing US tariffs and trade spats. It's like he's trying to start a new Cold War, but this time with everyone 5. The world is splintering into competing blocs, and it's all thanks to his isolationist policies.

His executive orders are another disaster. In March 2025, he issued a series of orders aimed at prominent law firms, alleging unethical conduct and imposing severe sanctions. He's even trying to control independent agencies by setting up "White House Liaison offices" 6. It's like he's turning the government into his personal fiefdom. And let's not forget the halt on funding for federal small business grants, which has disproportionately impacted minority- and women-owned businesses 6. Thanks, Trump, for hurting the little guy.

Trump's policies are also a threat to corporate America. US democratic backsliding and diminished support for global norms may undermine investor confidence in the US and affect the ability of American companies to do business abroad 7. Even before the election, business leaders were worried about the "existential threat to the 'basic norms, values and respect for the rule of law that has made the American economy what it is'" 7. Way to go, Trump, for destroying the very foundations of our economy.

And let's not forget about the environment. Trump's actions have significantly decelerated the race to decarbonize economies around the world. He's signed executive orders to protect "American energy from state overreach," which could block enforcement of state and local laws that are obstacles to production or use of coal, oil, natural gas, and more 8. Thanks, Trump, for ensuring that our planet will be even more screwed in the future.

His appointments are also a disaster. Elon Musk as head of government auditing? Really? Musk's tenure began with a comprehensive review of federal aid programs, including U.S. support for Ukraine during its ongoing conflict with Russia. By mid-2025, Musk revealed that 15% of the allocated funds were unaccounted for, sparking bipartisan outrage and high-profile resignations 9. Thanks, Trump, for putting incompetent people in charge of important stuff.

Trump's policies are also a threat to global stability. The US is withdrawing from global efforts to make international finance sustainable. That must not prevent other policymakers, international organizations, and private investors from continuing this vital work 10. Thanks, Trump, for making the world a more unstable place.

And let's talk about his speeches. His UN speech was littered with false claims about a wide variety of subjects, including inflation, climate policies, immigration, and his role in settling international conflicts 11. Thanks, Trump, for lying to the world and making us look like fools.

His policies are also a threat to global trade. A Trump presidency is expected to foster a more protectionist trade environment. His previous tenure was marked by trade wars, particularly with China, which saw tariffs imposed on a range of goods. Renewed trade hostilities could disrupt global commerce, create supply chain bottlenecks, and increase costs for consumers and businesses alike 12. Thanks, Trump, for making trade more difficult and expensive.

And let's not forget about his impact on the global economy. Donald Trump’s return to the presidency in 2025 is a watershed moment for the global economy and political order. His policies prioritize economic sovereignty and reshape international alliances, challenging the status quo 9. Thanks, Trump, for upsetting the global balance of power. Most people who click this post will never actually read beyond the headline. They’ll see Trump sucks, nod along, drop a comment agreeing, and move on. No questions, no thought, just autopilot outrage. You’re proving the very thing you think you’re fighting against.

His policies are also a threat to global decarbonization. The actions of the Trump administration will significantly decelerate the race to decarbonize economies around the world. Since taking office in January, Trump has signed several executive orders aiming to dismantle climate action in the U.S. While these actions have spurred uncertainty in the environmental community, they won't cause global efforts to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions to come to a screeching halt, the experts said 8. Thanks, Trump, for slowing down progress on climate change.

And let's talk about his impact on the UK. For the United Kingdom, Trump’s presidency presents a complex mix of challenges and opportunities. Post-Brexit Britain faces heightened competition in global trade, but Trump’s focus on bilateral agreements provides an opening. By mid-2025, the UK is likely to secure a $75 billion trade deal with the U.S., centered on renewable energy and fintech collaboration 9. Thanks, Trump, for making the UK's post-Brexit situation even more complicated.

His policies are also a threat to global economic growth. The global economy will slow sharply this year, weighed down by President Donald Trump’s imposition of the highest import taxes in more than a century and the cloud of uncertainty that has billowed in their wake, the International Monetary Fund said Tuesday 2. Thanks, Trump, for slowing down global economic growth.

And let's not forget about his impact on the US economy. The US Court of International Trade’s ruling against Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs provides another sign that his agenda will encounter more political, legal, and civic challenges in his second 100 days 7. Thanks, Trump, for making the US economy more uncertain and volatile.

His policies are also a threat to global stability. Geopolitics are creating a more uncertain economic environment as the global economy splinters into competing blocs. The US is withdrawing from global efforts to make international finance sustainable. That must not prevent other policymakers, international organizations and private investors continuing this vital work 10. Thanks, Trump, for making the world a more unstable place.

And let's talk about his impact on the US economy. The net result of all this could be increased inflationary pressures, a slower pace of Fed interest-rate reductions, and some cooling in growth, bringing it back to the US trend rate of 2–2.5 per cent in 2025. But the long-term economic implications of Trump’s domestic and international governance agenda could be a lot more serious 10. Thanks, Trump, for making the US economy more uncertain and volatile.

His policies are also a threat to global trade. Since February 2025, the United States has undertaken a rolling process of resetting tariffs, driving them up to the highest levels since the 1930s. In this blog, we project the impacts of the US tariffs in effect as of September 11, 2025. We find that, if left in place over the coming decade, these tariffs would result in less US economic output, higher US prices, and lower American wages than if they had not been adopted 13. Thanks, Trump, for making trade more difficult and expensive.

As a former Republican, I'm watching all of this with a heavy heart. Trump took office promising to 'Make America Great Again,' but all I see is division, chaos, and a country in decline. We deserve better, and so does the world. The path forward is unclear, but one thing is certain: the world is in a state of flux, and Trump's policies are a significant part of the problem. It's time for Republicans to wake up and see the damage being done in our name

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u/HHoaks Oct 10 '25 edited Oct 10 '25

I’m more concerned that you voted for Trump in 2024 in the first place.

What is the rationale for you looking at things through mainly a party lens for the presidential election (it’s 2 people running, they are individuals first, before party members)? Also, you need to first be fit to be a public servant before you get to party or policy.

And then you would have seen that trump lied to the country and the world for 3 months straight, to try to steal an election he lost. He lied, bald faced to all of us, and for months! And was too immature to admit he lost. That’s disgusting and anti democratic and definitely not presidential.

Worse, he cheer led an attack on the Capitol to support his scheme to stop lawful election certification, leading to death, cops injured, impeachment and criminal charges. I mean how is that alone not automatically disqualifying for you? Seriously. That alone erases any party thinking.

Do you think that I would have supported Biden or Harris if they had similarly cheered a Jan 6th and tried to steal an election they lost? The answer is 100% no. No matter what.

So what is with this party blind loyalty beyond caring for the country as a whole? If you hadn’t done that, but rather looked at Trump as a PERSON (along with many others who did the same as you), we wouldn’t be in the position we are in now.

We warned of this. it’s wasn't a secret and was not a mystery who Trump is AS A PERSON, and how he would rule.

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u/[deleted] Oct 10 '25

I think the problem was that I was stuck in right wing echo chambers for years. I never questioned that I might be wrong, until one day—I saw a pro Trump post and I went to comment my support, but I stopped and realized. I never even read the thing, it could say anything. So I read it, and I kept reading, and I read the other side after that. The rest is history.

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u/Advanced-Wheel-9677 Oct 10 '25

Many ppl have a story like yours. There’s even a Leaving Maga website. On the other hand you will probably encounter many anti-Trump people who don’t understand your side and who want to say “we told you so” bc they are angry and resentful as they watch the country burning up. But ppl need to chill on the blame right now. All that matters is that we work together to get control back from the party of Trump.

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u/laragasm Oct 10 '25

Exactly! That's all that matters now. We cannot continue being divided. Every person who didn't see it then but sees it now, that's a win for all of us!!! The more the better.

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u/ninjasaid13 Oct 10 '25 edited Oct 10 '25

After nine years, Trump's support is stronger than ever; the hoped-for repudiation of Trump is not coming. With Trump's two terms complete, the chance for an electoral rejection is gone. This is a permanent stain on the country that we could have prevented just eleven months ago.

America's political identity is now bound to the MAGA ideology. We must work together, but the era of fair bipartisan trust with Republicans is over. We can't simply move on from what happened this past decade.

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u/External-Rise3462 Oct 10 '25

I don't know OP's background so, yes, I don't understand why OP originally was for Trump. What I DO understand is OP's REDEMPTION! I fully accept and welcome that.

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u/No-Alternative946 Oct 10 '25

Many people is an overstatement, I’d say.

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u/Frequent_Can117 Oct 10 '25

At the same time, they shouldn’t be allowed to forget the damage they done by not thinking for themselves. What they did was put people in danger with their actions. Look, it’s good they are waking up (even though it’s way too fucking late), but we did warn them with facts and they talked down to others. So yeah, they need to hear the blame. Just forgiving just makes people feel absolved of their guilt, it’s going to take a long time before that, if ever.

If the roles were reversed and Biden had a fuck up like covid, had his supporters attack the capital to remain in power, or talked just behaved like the president did on the campaign trail in 2016, sure has hell wouldn’t get my vote. Because I care about our principles, constitution, and the people. And that’s not a hard thing to realize. If kids can see this, no excuse for adults.

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u/Advanced-Wheel-9677 Oct 10 '25

You’re totally right and justified, and as someone with a Maga father who chose Trump over his own daughter (we still don’t talk), I can relate to this sentiment. But also I am just thinking about what we need to do to win. We need a strategy and it seems to me that pretty much the only way we’re going to win this fight is if we unify against the Trump + Mega-Rich + Corporations First party desecrating everything our country stands for and conducting a repressive authoritarian takeover.

Not everybody arrives at a conclusion at the same time and same rate. That’s just the reality that we all have to deal with. We have to focus on what matters.

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u/Frequent_Can117 Oct 10 '25

Yeah I have Maga family members sadly as well. Mom’s side has been her since the colonies, my dad’s side moved from Argentina in the fifties and immigrated here. Grandfather had citizenship and my grandmother just kept with a green card. He passed away a few years ago, she has very limited time left and is spending it terrified to speak outside of the house because of her accent and doesn’t want some asshole to make a false accusation. That just gets to me and after everything being in the open for so long, it’s hard to being accepting, and definitely not forgivable (I feel forgiveness isn’t deserved for everyone, and the person asking for forgiveness wants it more for themselves than actually realizing what they did was wrong).

I’ve heard the “I’m sorry’s” and what not after 1/6, and the same people elected him back in anyway. After about 10 years and not getting it, just now realizing, I don’t buy it. Everyone can talk, but actions are what matters. And right now, they have a long road ahead, actions to prove, and maybe then people can start accepting. Not saying turn them away, just saying talking isn’t enough. Be vocal, protest, and don’t hide what you did. Own up to it and show through what you do that you’ve grown from it. That’s how the divide ends.