Evaluating Donald Trump’s Second Term: Rattling the Cage and Gaining Support in Pennsylvania | US News

President Trump vowed to bring significant transformation. His former aide Steve Bannon remarked that the initial weeks would be ‘days of thunder’.

It has indeed been all that and even more.

Both domestically and internationally, Donald Trump has boldly challenged established norms.

One pivotal question for me over the past few weeks has been: if much of the world (and liberal America) feels disoriented and unsettled by Donald Trump, what are his supporters from November thinking almost 50 days into his term?

I’ve returned to Pennsylvania, a state where I’ve spent considerable time in recent years. It’s vital in every election and was especially significant last November.

The state serves as a microcosm of the country itself. On either side lie the urban Democratic bastions of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

Between them are the rural Republican strongholds. Scattered throughout these areas are smaller towns where voter preferences show a mix, yet generally lean towards Republicans, and more specifically, Trump.

Gettysburg and Waynesboro each voted approximately two-thirds for Trump and one-third for Kamala Harris last November.

On the outskirts of Gettysburg, a stark rocky outcrop signifies where a pivotal battle reshaped the civil war. The threads that bind America traverse this region.

Just a short distance away is the site where Abraham Lincoln delivered his Gettysburg Address.

In 1863, America’s 16th president concluded the battle with a reminder to a nation torn apart by civil war that it was founded on the ideals of liberty and equality.

Lincoln was America’s most impactful president until possibly now.

In Lincoln Square, a statue of the 16th president stands prominently. My attention, however, was focused on the new occupant of the White House.

“10!” This marked the first of many ‘tens’ on my Trump scorecard.

“Oh, he’s doing great… Yeah, he’s doing really great,” one man shared.

I inquired what specifically made him pleased. “The money he’s bringing in for me.” This sentiment echoed with the next individual I spoke to.

“Aiming to eliminate taxes on social security, tips, and overtime – supporting workers and retirees is crucial to me,” Mike stated.

My third discussion involved a couple. I suggested that the federal job dismissals seemed chaotic; almost like a blunt instrument.

“No. I believe they’re using precision. They’re uncovering a lot. It may appear negative,” the man responded.

“There were too many people in those roles, many were underperforming,” his wife interjected.

“He’s upsetting Europe as well…” I mentioned in my next conversation. “Isn’t that a concern? We’re meant to be allies.” I added with a smile.

“Well, we need Europe to take responsibility too,” the man replied.

“Zelenskyy was here for a paycheck and got a reality check,” another claimed, referencing the Oval Office confrontation.

“I think he wants to prolong this war because as soon as it’s over, he’s out of a job,” he asserted.

“We are an ocean away. We’re doing him a significant favor by supporting him.”

Much of what I heard echoed President Trump’s rhetoric almost verbatim.

“You know, we’ve given him, what, $300bn? Where did all that money go?”

There was no point in correcting him that the actual American contribution was about half that, and it is all thoroughly documented.

Lunch was at Chubby’s, a local pizzeria where I met Tom Jaskulski, a retired federal employee now working as a handyman.

“He ran on all these policies and is delivering on them,” Tom shared. “It feels like the world is waking up with Donald Trump entering office.

“A lot is happening globally, not just in our country.”

Tom’s score? “10! Not just because I’m wearing his hat, but because he’s delivering on his promises.

“He’s stirring things up.”

Further down the road, at the Yankee Doodle Pet Spa, Tina and her 22-year-old apprentice Molly expressed no regrets and marveled that anyone could think they would.

“He’s doing what he promised, and I’m quite satisfied with him right now,” Tina remarked.

Our conversation shifted to Ukraine. I was eager to hear her thoughts on President Trump’s sudden changes in position and near-abandonment of Kyiv.

“It’s not our conflict. We already have plenty of people in need in this country, that’s my perspective. I don’t think they merit our funds,” Tina expressed, echoing the president’s inflated figures regarding aid to Ukraine.

Yet, our dialogue revealed a deeper issue: America’s divided realities.

Read more:
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We began discussing Elon Musk and his attempts to streamline government operations.

“Social security, unraveling all the instances of payments still going to deceased individuals,” Molly mentioned, referencing Musk’s claims about deceased beneficiaries receiving social security.

“160 years old, I’ve heard…” Tina added.

“Yeah, that’s outrageous,” Molly agreed.

I interjected: “You know that’s been disproven? It isn’t accurate. I worry that people might believe misinformation coming from the Trump administration. What’s your take?”

“I think it goes both ways,” Molly replied. “Both sides spread fake news and misleading propaganda.”

It was evident she was uncertain of whom to trust. She had lost faith in mainstream media and, alongside Tina, found President Trump to be a reliable source.

In Lincoln Square, a spontaneous encounter unveiled another facet of this situation – deep-rooted anxiety.

“As a trans person, his policies have greatly affected transgender individuals, and it’s a frightening time to live in,” 22-year-old Em shared with me.

“There’s so much hatred in the world today, particularly directed at various groups. I mean, it’s really… yeah…” Em said, her expression reflecting anxiety and deep emotion.

As night fell, my series of conversations took me to a trivia night at a bar and brewery in Waynesboro.

“I’ve never felt more embarrassed to be an American…” one woman named Jacqueline confessed.

Her quiz partner, Andrew, added, “It stems from our access to information. I believe we aren’t engaging in dialogue with one another.

“Many people are glued to the internet, drawing news from their own echo chambers.”

“Things have been declining for quite some time,” another man, Marco, sitting at a nearby table stated.

“I’m not claiming Trump is correct about everything, but you know what? At least he’s making an effort, he’s doing something different. I support his approach.”

This wave of transformation has been significant. However, to assume that those who chose this change – who supported Donald Trump – would harbor any regrets would fundamentally misinterpret today’s America.

The prevailing sentiment among everyone I spoke to who voted for him is that he is prioritizing America in a way they have never sensed before.

It might ultimately prove to be an illusion. But they do not perceive it that way at present.

He is shaking things up, and many here couldn’t be more pleased.