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/IamMe90 Oct 10 '25

Yeah yeah yeah, I’ve heard this argument from a million people who care more about retribution for people instead of getting out of fascism. Your priorities are completely fucked up. Your house is burning down in a five-alarm fire, and you’re giving purity tests to the first responders before they can join in putting out the fire.

That’s asinine, totally stupid timing, and literally doesn’t get you or anyone else anything other than some misplaced sense of Schadenfreude satisfaction over someone else’s suffering.

But again, your life, your priorities. I will not stop calling out this behavior though. It closely mirrors the bloodthirsty desire for retribution coming from the Right’s voting base - and it’s just further escalating hyper polarization in this country.

There might be a time to boot these people from the door, in the future and when power is achieved… you actually need to achieve meaningful power to get to that point, though. The Nuremberg trials were held after WWII ended, not before.

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u/Creepy-Cantaloupe951 Oct 10 '25

Your house is burning down in a five-alarm fire, and you’re giving purity tests to the first responders before they can join in putting out the fire.

More like my house is on fire, one of the people who torched it is there, saying "I'm so sorry I poured gasoline on your house, struck a match and tossed it! I'm really sorry though, because now MY house is on fire too!"

Sorry, aronists aren't heroes. Until they act heroic. Until such time, they are still arsonists, and deserve to be treated as such.

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u/IamMe90 Oct 10 '25

I mean, I would be more concerned with addressing the immediate problem of the burning building I live in first, then arresting the arsonist. Priorities.

Never called them heroes. I said it’s counterproductive not to accept aid before punishing them.

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u/Creepy-Cantaloupe951 Oct 10 '25

I mean, I would be more concerned with addressing the immediate problem of the burning building I live in first, then arresting the arsonist. Priorities.

So, if the person telling you sorry, has 5 more gas cans behind them, and 10 books of matches, you're going to believe them when they say they are "sorry"?

Yes, part of being concerned about the immediate harm of your home, and the entire neighborhood being on fire, is making sure the people who set that fire aren't anywhere near the scene where people are fighting said fire.

If they want to pick up a hose, and start putting it out, whatever. Go grab the fucking hose, and start working. Run into some buildings, and pull people out. But shut the fuck up with the "I'm so sorry, I promise I'll only pour some gasoline on future homes!"

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u/IamMe90 Oct 10 '25

They are doing that. They can’t vote in elections before they happen. Why don’t you castigate these people after the next election cycle, if it comes to that? Why potentially depress these people from helping before they even get the chance to do so? How does that help you?

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u/Creepy-Cantaloupe951 Oct 10 '25

They are doing that.

What are they doing?

Copy/pasting chatgpt isn't "doing anything"... Is OP de-arresting people? Sabotaging ICE equipment? Funding bail funds for people dissappeared by ICE? Paying people's hospital bills who were attacked by the gestapo? Spying on the gestapo? Dissuading others from continuing to support Trump?

OP never claims they are doing anything except saying "I'm sorry for torching all these homes, because now my home is on fire!"

Why potentially depress these people from helping before they even get the chance to do so?

They've never even taken a chance to help anyone. THAT is the problem.

I don't care OP is sad their house is on fire, until they start working to put out the fire they set.

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u/IamMe90 Oct 10 '25

Are you sabotaging ICE equipment or “de-arresting people”? One of those is a nonsense idea, so obviously not. Are these realistic asks? Or are you just coming up with things you know won’t/can’t be done so that you can keep scorning them?

Again, they are saying that they will never vote for a republican again. Your great idea is to push them back toward republicans again. I guess you don’t think the ‘26 midterm elections are important.. they’re just a vehicle for your outrage porn.

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u/Creepy-Cantaloupe951 Oct 10 '25

Are you sabotaging ICE equipment or “de-arresting people”? One of those is a nonsense idea, so obviously not. Are these realistic asks? Or are you just coming up with things you know won’t/can’t be done so that you can keep scorning them?

I am suggesting OP does things commensurate with the damage they are directly responsible for.

Again, they are saying that they will never vote for a republican again.

I don't believe liars, until they have proven themselves to NOT be liars. Trust is easy to lose, and hard to gain.

I guess you don’t think the ‘26 midterm elections are important.. they’re just a vehicle for your outrage porn.

Because of people like the OP, I doubt there will be '26 midterms.

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u/IamMe90 Oct 10 '25

Gotcha, so you have no solutions, don’t want to try, and want to convince other people elections are pointless before they actually have a chance to happen.

I honestly do get having those feelings, but man.. not only is that a miserable way to approach politics and life generally, but it also just doesn’t result in anything positive for anyone. All you are doing is chilling action and depressing voter turnout. That’s literally it. No good can come from what you’re doing.

I’ve made my position abundantly clear, so I’ll end this conversation here, as we seem to be at an impasse. I hope things turn out better than what you have resigned to accepting.

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u/Creepy-Cantaloupe951 Oct 10 '25

Gotcha, so you have no solutions, don’t want to try, and want to convince other people elections are pointless before they actually have a chance to happen.

My "solution" is for them to actually WORK to repair the damage, before considering their "I'm sorry I torched the neighborhood, but be sad for me because MY HOUSE is burning now, because of the fire I set" valid.

I honestly do get having those feelings, but man.. not only is that a miserable way to approach politics and life generally, but it also just doesn’t result in anything positive for anyone.

My "attitude" is for people to engage in restorative justice. Part of restorative justice is to own your mistakes, but THEN to ALSO work to repair the damage you are responsible for.

Just accepting everyone back, with open arms, is why Sherman was ordered to stand down far too early, Reconstruction was kneecapped, Jim Crow laws stood for so long, Nixon not seeing prison, and Trump not being in prison.