President Trump vowed to bring significant transformation. His former advisor Steve Bannon proclaimed that the initial weeks would be filled with “days of thunder.”
Indeed, it has been just that and much more.
Both domestically and internationally, Donald Trump has unapologetically challenged the status quo.
A pivotal question I’ve contemplated over these past weeks is: For those who supported him back in November, what do they think nearly 50 days into his presidency, especially as much of the world (and liberal America) grapples with the repercussions of Trump’s ascendancy?
I’ve returned to Pennsylvania, a state I’ve spent considerable time in over recent years, pivotal in every election, and especially so last November.
The state serves as a microcosm of the nation. To the east and west lie the urban Democratic bastions of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
In between are the rural Republican strongholds, with smaller towns sprinkled throughout that exhibit a more mixed voter base yet generally tilt towards the Republicans or, more specifically, Trump.
Gettysburg and Waynesboro both showed significant support for Trump, with about two-thirds voting for him and one-third for Kamala Harris back in November.
On the outskirts of Gettysburg, a stark rocky outcropping signifies the site of the battle that shifted the tide of the Civil War. The threads that weave through America converge here.
A short distance away lies the area where Abraham Lincoln delivered his famed Gettysburg address.
In 1863, during the closing of the battle, America’s 16th president reminded a country torn apart by civil war of its foundation built on principles of liberty and equality.
Lincoln was regarded as America’s most impactful president until perhaps now.
Within the town’s Lincoln Square, a statue of the 16th president stands prominently. My attention, however, was directed at the new occupant of the White House.
“10!” I noted it as the first of many ‘tens’ on my Trump assessment scale.
“Oh, he’s doing fantastic… Yeah, he’s doing really great,” one man expressed.
I inquired what specifically pleased him. “The money he’s generating for me.” The same sentiment echoed from the next individual.
“Trying to eliminate tax on social security, tax on tips, and tax on overtime – assisting workers and retirees is really crucial for me,” Mike remarked.
Mike shares his thoughts with Mark Stone
My third conversation involved a couple. I brought up the federal firings, suggesting they seemed rather chaotic; akin to a sledgehammer approach.
“No. I think it’s more like using a scalpel. They’re uncovering a lot. It looks bad,” the man countered.
“There were too many individuals in those roles who weren’t contributing,” his wife added.
A couple assert that Donald Trump has been a ‘scalpel’ – not a ‘sledgehammer’
“He’s causing quite a stir in Europe too…” I remarked in my subsequent conversation. “That can’t be good, can it? We are meant to be allies.” I suggested with a grin.
“Well, we need Europe to step up as well,” the man responded.
“Zelenskyy was here for a paycheck and left with a reality check,” another remarked, referencing the Oval Office confrontation.
“I suspect he wants to prolong this war because as soon as it concludes, he stands a risk of being voted out,” he stated.
“We’re thousands of miles away. We’re giving him a significant favor by providing support.”
A lot of what I heard mirrored President Trump’s statements almost verbatim.
“You realize we’ve given him, what, $300bn? Where did all that money go?”
I refrained from correcting him that the actual American contribution was approximately half that, and that it is entirely accounted for and publicly available.
Lunch took place at Chubby’s, a local pizza establishment where I met Tom Jaskulski, a retired federal employee turned handyman.
“He ran on these policies, and he is delivering on them,” Tom conveyed. “With Donald Trump in office, it feels as if the world is awakening.
“Things are unfolding on a global scale, not solely within our borders.”
‘He’s rattling the hornet’s nest,’ Tom Jaskulski says
Tom’s rating? “10! Not just because I’m wearing his hat, but because he’s delivering on his promises.
“You know, he’s shaking things up.”
Down the road at the Yankee Doodle Pet Spa, Tina and her 22-year-old apprentice Molly showed no regrets and were perplexed that anyone would think otherwise.
“He’s fulfilling his commitments, and I’m quite satisfied with him currently,” Tina stated.
‘I don’t think (Ukrainians) deserve our money,’ Tina claims
Our discussion shifted to Ukraine. I was curious about her opinion on Trump’s abruptly changing stance and perceived neglect of Kyiv.
“It’s not our conflict. We have enough people suffering in this country, that’s my perspective. I don’t believe they deserve our funds,” Tina opined, echoing the president’s exaggerated claims about American expenditures in Ukraine.
Our conversation then delved into the essence of America’s current state: siloed realities.
Read more:
Russia ‘appears to have disregarded Trump warning’
‘Trump bump’ turns to a Trump slump
We were reflecting on Elon Musk and his initiatives to reduce government bureaucracy.
“Social security, blowing it wide open with all those people over 124 still receiving benefits,” Molly noted regarding Musk’s assertion that social security was being provided to deceased individuals.
“160 years old, I heard…” Tina remarked.
“Yeah, that’s absurd,” Molly replied.
I interjected: “You do realize that’s been debunked? It wasn’t accurate. I worry that people are believing misinformation. Are you not concerned that the Trump administration presents information that may not be true?”
“I think it goes both ways,” Molly countered, “Both sides disseminate fake news and propaganda for their respective agendas.”
It was apparent that she was unsure who to trust. She had lost faith in mainstream media, gravitating towards social media where she and Tina concluded that Trump was credible.
Back in Lincoln Square, a spontaneous encounter revealed an alternative perspective – deep apprehension.
“Being a trans person, many of his policies have adversely affected transgender individuals, and it’s a frightening time to exist,” 22-year-old Em shared with me.
Em expresses her concerns about the current climate
“There’s a massive amount of hatred in the world right now, particularly directed at various groups. It’s truly… yes…” Em said, her voice trailing off, filled with anxiety and emotion.
By night, my series of dialogues had concluded at a quiz night in a bar and brewery located in Waynesboro.
“I’ve never felt more ashamed to be American…” one participant named Jacqueline admitted.
Jacqueline, with Andrew, expresses her American pride
Her quiz partner, Andrew, added, “I believe the accessibility of information plays a role. We don’t engage in conversations with one another.
“Most of our time is spent online, which leads many to consume news from their individual echo chambers.”
“Things have been declining for quite a while,” another gentleman named Marco remarked from a nearby table.
“I’m not suggesting that Trump is right about everything, but at least he’s attempting to implement change. I align with many of his actions.”
Marco believes Donald Trump is ‘doing something different’
This wave of transformation has been striking. However, to presume that those who opted for this change – who supported Donald Trump – would harbor any regrets would be a fundamental misunderstanding of America today.
The prevailing sentiment among everyone we spoke to who voted for him is that he is prioritizing America in a manner they have never experienced before.
This might ultimately reveal itself to be a mirage. Yet, in this moment, they harbor no awareness of it.
He is stirring the pot, and many here couldn’t be more satisfied.
