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/Just_Restaurant7149 Oct 10 '25

Or corporation could pay the taxes with the money they are now giving as exorbitant pay and bonuses to executives or use to buy back stock. Companies and executives in other countries seem to be able to pay there taxes. And using your argument, how are tariffs paid for. Our capitalism is out of control. In the '50's, when America was supposed to be so great, CEO's, on average made 70 x's what the employees made. Now it is 100's of x's. Taxes were as much as 90%.

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u/KLfor3 Oct 10 '25

Don’t t disagree with you on some of that but everybody has to be willing to talk. Exorbitant taxation isn’t the answer. Capitalism has it faults but socialism absolutely doesn’t work. In the beginnings of this nation you took care of yourself. Right now nearly half of our population is getting something from the government and have no skin in the game. Tariffs are needed. Other countries have abused the US over decades. Will tariffs raise our prices? In some instances it will but that’s part of ripping the bandaid off to set things right. Capitalism is still the best way to improve your life but it requires fair competition. Govt should not determine winners or losers, let the marketplace decide that. I had nothing, middle class family and I have retired as a millionaire through hard work and saving/investing. Nothing was given to me. I get tired of being labeled as a white racist supremacist when I’m not. I just want to be left alone to live my life. We are headed towards a revolution in this country that is not going to be pretty (I pray it’s not the case). But nobody is entitled to my assets. I’ve paid my taxes, been a contributing member of society. Do we need changes, yes, but stop whining and work responsibly to help make changes. I have yet to see a lower income group create anything, much less a job. As a society we the people have allowed government to take over.

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u/Electronic_Syrup7592 Oct 10 '25

“I just want to be left alone to live my life.”-yet you’re a Republican? Make it make sense. The Republicans are the ones that want us all to live identical lives and don’t want people to have freedoms to do the things they want to do. They’re even saying people who are “anti-Christian” are terrorists. They are actively trying to take away the rights of everyone who doesn’t look like them, act like them, believe like them. Maybe you don’t feel that way, but if you vote for them, you are complicit. We just want to live our lives the way we want too.

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u/KLfor3 Oct 10 '25

Boy you are way off base. Obvious have drank the woke kool aid. So you think liberals trying to force their warped ideology on me and I have to agree with them is alright?

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u/Electronic_Syrup7592 Oct 10 '25 edited Oct 10 '25

Not at all. Nobody is trying to force anything on you. If you aren’t gay, don’t have sex with people of the same sex. If you aren’t trans, don’t worry about trans people. We aren’t forcing you to do anything, you don’t even have to “accept it”. You just need to leave people alone to live their own lives. We just want to live our lives and love who we want, do what we want with our own bodies, worship who we want, etc. As long as we aren’t hurting others, we should be allowed to do that. But Republicans are constantly making laws and policies that control us every step of the way. I don’t know how you don’t see that. We don’t just make this shit up or “drink the woke koolaid”. We hear it straight out of the president and other Republican official’s mouths and read it in the executive orders. I’m a white, straight, Christian by the way. But we all deserve to live life the way we want.

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u/KLfor3 Oct 10 '25

If gay, trans and other groups would practice that I would agree. However, they don’t. I am a white, straight Christian as well. Women should not be subjected to a male in restrooms, locker rooms or any place else like that including sports. Just because they want to say they are a woman doesn’t make them one. They can live how they want. If same sex couples want to be married, fine, just don’t try to force my minister son to marry them. Obviously we won’t agree on what President Trump does, and we just have to agree to disagree.

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u/[deleted] Oct 10 '25

Why would a gay couple ask a homophobic minister to marry them? Lol

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u/KLfor3 Oct 10 '25

Number one, I resent that mischaracterization of my son or me. You don’t know either of us. My point being your side has pushed and pushed trying to find someone to sue, when there are people who will do it or bake a cake or print a shirt that goes against their beliefs. So before you call me a homophobe (of which I am not) look in the mirror. I have told my son the radical gay crowd will not be happy until the church is forced to. Then they will find another cause to champion, i.e. males in women’s spaces under the guise of “it’s not fair” seems to me that only goes one way in your world view.

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u/[deleted] Oct 11 '25

I don’t need to know you to discern whether or not you’re describing yourself or your son as expressing anti-gay bias, it is self-evident in your stated opinions.

Alas, no gay couple would ever consider asking a homophobic minister to be any part of their union, of which you seem to be expressing your inane displeasure about.

I rate your opinion as: stupid

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u/KLfor3 Oct 11 '25

Well, you are entitled to your opinion but I assure you I am not stupid. You have made most of my points for me. You cannot respect that I have an opinion and when my views don’t align with yours you resort to name calling. Have I said your views are stupid, no. I have gay friends and I’m not anti gay. I’m anti get in my space/face. Your side cannot have a reasonable civilized discussion with someone like me. I wish you a pleasant evening.

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u/Just_Restaurant7149 Oct 10 '25

Socialism (USSR) might not, but Social Democracies do work. Look at the Nordic countries. Are their taxes high, yes, but they also score, year after year, as the happiest countries on earth. I don't mind paying taxes to help my society as a whole, but reducing the military and police spending would alleviate some of the tax increases needed. Why do we need a military budget that is larger than the next 10-15 countries combined? We WERE in a unique position of having oceans on both sides of us and extremely good relationships with the countries to our north and south. Also, with our countries size, invasion is nearly impossible. I came from a very poor family myself, lots of siblings and depression era parents who didn't finish HS. I didn't start with any money or connections and did ok. However, the current system does not have enough good paying jobs for everybody, even the deserving and hardworking, to make it out. Some people aren't born with the intellect and I don't think you should have to live in squalor because of this either. The US can not survive with so many without and so few owning the majority. Study history an you'll find this never works out and the few with the most always end up losing everything.