'Kicking butt' or 'going too fast'? Trump voters reflect on 100 days

In a significant political shift earlier this year, Donald Trump made a historic return to power, rallying a diverse coalition of voters from various backgrounds, including truck drivers, veterans, and business owners. This eclectic mix of supporters reflects the multifaceted nature of Trump's enduring appeal and the complexities of American politics today. Now, as we mark 100 days since his inauguration, the BBC revisits five of these dedicated supporters to gauge their sentiments regarding the promises that Trump has fulfilled, those that remain unaddressed, and their expectations moving forward.
Ronda Churchill, a key Trump supporter, believes that the pace of policy changes has been unprecedented. Luiz Oliveira, a Brazilian immigrant who legally came to the United States in the 1980s, expresses his concern about the rapid-fire nature of Trump's policies. Residing in Nevada, Luiz has noted the administration's aggressive stance on immigration, particularly the implementation of new border restrictions. He appreciates the administration's commitment to deportations, including the controversial practice of sending undocumented individuals to a notorious mega-prison in El Salvador. As a result of these measures, encounters between migrants and U.S. border agents at the southern border have plummeted to a four-year low. Luiz describes the influx of undocumented migrants as an 'invasion' and admires Trump's assertion that the country should prioritize its borders, asserting, 'This is my house, my yard, and you're not going to stay here.' However, he is wary of the economic repercussions of Trump's other policies. While he supports the notion of imposing tariffs on foreign countries to make them pay their 'fair share,' he fears the short-term economic impacts and is uncertain about the timeline for realizing any potential benefits. 'It's going to be painful,' he cautions. 'I'm a supporter, but if this doesn't work, I'll say it's a mistakehe did things too fast, scaring the markets and the economy.'
For others like Amanda Sue Mathis, a 34-year-old Navy veteran, Trump's leadership gives her hope for a 'merit-based society.' Amanda, who backed Trump in the 2024 election, praises his progress on national issues, particularly his withdrawal from interventions in foreign wars. 'There were a lot of people who cared about the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, but I think it's time we look at our country and get things in order before we go fix other countries' problems,' she states emphatically. She commends Trump's rollback of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policies aimed at promoting minority representation, which she believes had become excessively discriminatory in recent years. Her satisfaction extends to the executive orders restricting gender care for individuals under 19 and banning transgender women from competing in female sports. Ultimately, Amanda feels that Trump's first 100 days have validated her vote, proclaiming him to be 'kicking butt'. However, she remains open to reevaluating her support, stating, 'If he messes up, I'll be the first one to tell you.'
Ben Maurer, a 39-year-old freight truck driver from Pennsylvania, is thrilled to see Trump fulfill his promise to impose tariffs aimed at reviving American manufacturing jobs. Ben reflects on how many skeptics doubted Trump's resolve, noting that his swift action on tariffs has earned him respect domestically and internationally. 'A lot of people thought he was bluffing on more than a few things,' he recalls. Trump has implemented tariffs on imports from various countries, including allies like Canada and Mexico, and adversaries such as China, with a substantial 145% tariff on Chinese goods. While the administration has faced criticism for its fluctuating tariff policies amid evolving trade negotiations, Ben believes that these measures ultimately benefit American businesses. 'Trump has earned back the respect for the US,' he asserts, feeling that the administration has demonstrated more productivity than in his previous term.
Conversely, June Carey, an artist from California, expresses mixed feelings about the early days of Trump's second term. Although her opinion of Trump remains unchanged, she admits that his approach has been more aggressive and unpredictable than she anticipated. 'He's a bit more aggressive and a little bit more erratic than I expected,' June comments. Despite her reservations, she is impressed by the findings of the Department of Government Efficiency, led by billionaire Elon Musk, regarding wasteful spending. Nevertheless, she harbors uncertainty about Musk, saying, 'Musk is a character I don't understand.' June hopes that Trump's administration will focus on fostering self-sufficiency among Americans, and while she supports the cuts made so far, she hopes that vital programs like Social Security remain intact. 'Why would they cut that when they've cut so many things that have saved them millions of dollars?' she questions.
Overall, Trump's supporters exhibit a mix of optimism and skepticism as they reflect on the first 100 days of his presidency. Some express unwavering support, eager to witness the outcomes of his policies, while others remain cautious, contemplating the potential for adverse effects in the near future.