As Donald Trump hits the 100-day mark of his return to power, his supporters across the country are reflecting on the promises he’s kept, the challenges he’s faced, and what they expect moving forward. From veterans and business owners to truck drivers and artists, Trump’s base is as diverse as it is passionate, and their views on his presidency are mixed—ranging from bold praise to cautious optimism.
Here’s a look at what some of his staunchest supporters had to say about the first 100 days:
“If This Doesn’t Work, I’ll Say It’s a Mistake”
Luiz Oliveira, a 65-year-old coffee shop owner from Nevada, is impressed with Trump’s immigration policies, especially the new border restrictions and deportation efforts. However, he’s not completely convinced that Trump’s economic strategies will pay off immediately. “It’s going to be painful,” Oliveira says, “and I don’t think it’s going to be as fast as he says.” While he’s still supportive, Oliveira remains cautious, acknowledging that if the president’s aggressive approach doesn’t work, he’ll admit it was a mistake.
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“He’s Kicking Butt”
Amanda Sue Mathis, a Navy veteran, is all in on Trump’s agenda. She backs his vision of a “merit-based society” and applauds his rollback of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policies. Mathis believes Trump is doing a great job addressing the country’s issues before turning his attention to international matters like the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine. She’s confident that his first 100 days have made her “happier with [her] vote.” However, Mathis, like many of Trump’s supporters, is not blind to potential missteps: “If he messes up, I’ll be the first one to tell you,” she says.
“Trump Has Earned Back the Respect”
For Ben Maurer, a 39-year-old truck driver from Pennsylvania, the tariffs have been a big win. Maurer was initially skeptical about Trump’s promises to bring manufacturing jobs back to America, but now he’s a believer. Despite the ups and downs of the administration’s tariff policies, Maurer is convinced they’ll benefit businesses in the long run. “Trump has earned back the respect [for the US],” Maurer says, adding that America is still a “force to be reckoned with.”
“Musk is a Character I Don’t Understand”
June Carey, a 70-year-old artist from California, is one of Trump’s more reserved supporters. While she acknowledges the president’s aggressive approach, she finds herself baffled by the role of Elon Musk in the administration. Carey is particularly struck by the cuts Musk claims to have made to government spending, though she is cautious about the potential impact on social security. “Why would they cut [social security] when they’ve cut so many things that have saved them millions and millions of dollars?” Carey asks. Though uncertain about Musk, she trusts that Trump’s leadership is pushing the country in the right direction.
“Temporary Pain”
Jeremy Stevens, an automotive repair shop owner from Maine, is another Trump supporter who believes the economic pain from tariffs will be temporary. Stevens acknowledges the backlash from those who don’t understand the president’s long-term strategy but remains convinced that the tariffs will ultimately benefit the country. “This too shall pass,” Stevens says, emphasizing that the uncertainty caused by Trump’s economic policies is just a “temporary pain.”
Conclusion
As Trump enters the next phase of his presidency, his supporters remain divided on the speed and impact of his policies. Some, like Mathis and Maurer, feel confident that the president is on the right path, while others, like Oliveira and Stevens, express concerns about the short-term effects of his aggressive strategies. What’s clear is that Trump’s base is deeply invested in his success, but they also expect results—and are willing to voice their concerns if things don’t go as planned.
