Supporters acknowledge that President Donald Trump can be “braggadocious.”
At times, they wish he would “just stay quiet” and allow his actions to speak for themselves. Nevertheless, they describe Trump as a doer who “truly cares” and is ultimately contributing “positively for America.”
Since his return to office two months ago, Trump has implemented changes at a breathtaking pace, reshaping the nation’s relationships with allies, unsettling those dependent on federal funding, and transforming the lives of the federal workforce, many of whom reside in Maryland.
Despite these monumental changes, Trump voters from November show little regret—even as their neighbors may struggle under the weight of these policies.
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According to a survey by The Baltimore Banner, Trump supporters are largely in favor of the president’s initiatives. They shared minimal regrets, defending Trump’s “chainsaw approach,” while recognizing it may have significant ramifications for their state.
“I know it’s going to be tough for Maryland in the coming year,” said Steve Schultze, a 36-year-old Republican from Gaithersburg. “But we’ll be fine in the long term.”
High regard for DOGE
Under the guidance of billionaire Elon Musk, the newly established Department of Government Efficiency—known as the U.S. DOGE Service—has closed various governmental offices and eliminated thousands of federal jobs. Two federal judges determined that the administration must reinstate many of the laid-off probationary staffers, labeling the layoffs as unlawful. Trump is appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn these rulings.
Philip Rismiller, a Maryland resident originally from a “devastated coal town” in Pennsylvania, expressed skepticism about Trump’s commitment to reducing government size. He remarked that DOGE seemed almost too good to believe, admitting with reluctance that he finds Trump to be a “big government guy.” In his first term, Rismiller noted, Trump “spent money like a drunken sailor.”
Despite his concerns, Rismiller is currently supportive of DOGE’s initiatives, arguing that reducing “comfortable government roles” will ultimately benefit the economy. Although he could also face job loss, he believes it’s a necessary step to cut down on the excessive bureaucracy in Washington, D.C.
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“The impact could be compared to an addict undergoing withdrawal,” Rismiller stated. “Maryland has to detox from its dependence on federal money before it can truly recover.”
Frank Roden, a 73-year-old Republican from Anne Arundel County, mentioned that he’s familiar with many federal employees due to his past career as a defense contractor. He stated that many of the government workers he interacted with “didn’t work.” He holds a particular disdain for government auditors, whom he referred to as “idiots.”
Having yet to receive his federal income tax refund for 2023, Roden predicted that Trump’s job cuts would not exacerbate his situation; rather, they would motivate the remaining federal staff.
“If your job is on the line, you’re going to work a lot harder,” he remarked.
Nonetheless, he suggested that Trump might benefit from a more measured approach.
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“He should take a moment to breathe and establish a process,” Roden noted. “Continue to make cuts, but perhaps implement a ranking system.”
Maryland faces challenges, but hopes for a brighter future
Recently, state officials reported an economic forecast indicating that Maryland anticipates a revenue shortfall of $107 million in taxes for the current budget year, and $173 million less for the following year due to mass layoffs of federal employees, who account for 10% of the state’s overall workforce.
Michael Evans, 64, a Trump supporter and former Teamsters member at UPS, expressed sympathy for the federal workers, many of whom are from Maryland, who will end up losing their jobs because of the cuts. However, he argued that restructuring is a reality for all businesses.
Although Evans’s eldest child is a teacher, he supports Trump’s plans to partially dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, suggesting that state and local authorities can provide more responsible management of educational funds.
“Maryland will suffer, no doubt. Many will be left unemployed,” he said. “It’s going to be painful, but it can be managed.”
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Schultze, the construction worker from Gaithersburg, believes Maryland can endure the hardships. He is aware of federal employees who “sit at home earning substantial salaries while doing nothing.” He finds it “refreshing” to see Trump championing the cause of “working people” like himself.
“I recognize it’s affecting Maryland since I know how many government employees reside here,” he said. “But overall, I think a freer market with less governmental interference is a positive change.”
On the economy: ‘He’ll figure it out’
The introduction of tariffs on key imports and the threat of more have unsettled the U.S. stock market in the initial months of Trump’s tenure. Major stock indexes dipped to their lowest points of the year earlier this month but later bounced back as administration officials suggested that the tariffs may not be implemented as Trump has threatened.
Christopher Garza, a 66-year-old Republican from Howard County, appreciates Trump’s tariff strategy for its potential to encourage companies to move back to America. As an estimator for a bathroom renovation company, Garza is willing to pay a bit more for domestically produced items.
He cautioned, however, that significant changes, especially in the economy, will require time. Consumer goods were already costly at the time of Trump’s inauguration, he pointed out.
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“I feel okay,” he stated. “I’m not looking for an overnight turnaround.”
Emily Kottraba, a Republican who voted in Baltimore County before recently relocating, expressed enthusiasm about Trump’s initial months in office. Although she hoped for lower prices for consumer goods by now, she believes the president is “moving in the right direction.”
Like Garza, Kottraba emphasized her patience regarding Trump’s economic approach.
“The stock market has its fluctuations,” she said. “We’re currently experiencing one of those cycles. He’ll sort it out.”
Anthony Carreira, who grew up in northern New Jersey, witnessed Trump’s rise to prominence in the “New York area.” Now residing in Frederick, the 59-year-old appreciates what Trump represents.
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“I view him as a patriot. I believe he has a genuine love for America,” Carreira remarked. “Does he make the right decisions all the time? I’m not sure, but I trust his intentions are generally sincere.”
Carreira feels the country has been lacking effective leadership for years, citing former President Barack Obama as a leader and suggesting that President Biden has not met that standard. With Trump having garnered the popular vote and Republican control in both the House and Senate, Carreira expects an easier path for Trump in his second term.
“I think he deserves a chance,” he asserted. “If he falters, so be it. But I truly believe that in four years, we’ll be in significantly better shape.”
