America Divided: Reflections on Trump’s Second Term
In the United States, the fissures laid bare by President Trump are becoming increasingly evident. Outside a local supermarket, an elderly woman reacted with fury when asked about him, shaking her head vehemently and exclaiming, “Shall we talk about Germany in the 1930s? Because I think that’s where we are headed!” Others express their concerns somberly, feeling the ominous shadow of fascism looming over the nation as divisions deepen under Trump’s leadership.
Yet, in stark contrast, standing by a coffee shop in a different Virginian town, several individuals share their unreserved admiration for the 47th President. “I absolutely love him,” declares a man in his sixties. A medical therapist places Trump alongside iconic leaders like Ronald Reagan and JFK, saying, “I like him a lot.” George Williams, a businessman, exclaims, “He’s phenomenal! He’s doing exactly what he promised to do, and that’s a rarity in politics.”
Farmville, located in Prince Edward County, Virginia, with a population of about 7,500, saw a shift from Biden to Trump in the last election.
Welcome to America under the resurgence of Trump. It seems almost surreal that it has been only six weeks since the billionaire’s return to the presidency, marked by a torrent of executive orders, a fierce assault on federal bureaucracy led by Elon Musk, a cozy relationship with the Kremlin, and an aggressive stance on diplomatic norms through tariffs and threats. The reverberations from Washington are felt globally, with each day bringing fresh controversies—a strategy coined by his former aide Steve Bannon as “muzzle velocity,” aimed at overwhelming opponents through a flood of news and confusion.
Trump’s second term exhibits a markedly different demeanor than his chaotic first. He appears more self-assured and even less restrained in his disruptive ambitions. While the preening egotism, social media tirades, and a cascade of falsehoods remain, he now seems more focused, supported by a team of loyalists eager to execute his directives without the setbacks experienced in his previous administration. Though much of this may be bluster or face obstacles in the courts, observers like Williams believe we are witnessing a revolutionary approach to governance, both domestically and internationally. “This country needed someone to shake things up,” remarked the 52-year-old manufacturing consultant.
‘I’m Not Voting for Him to Date My Daughter, But to Run Our Country’
This week marks 50 days since Trump took office once more. I ventured to Virginia to engage with voters across three distinct areas: a Washington suburb populated by federal employees and Democrats; a strongly Republican town; and the only county that switched allegiances in last year’s presidential election, where Trump significantly closed the gap but ultimately lost the state. Virginia is gearing up for an “off-year” gubernatorial election in November, seen as a key popularity barometer for the President; rivals hope it serves as a launchpad for their comeback in a state housing one of the largest federal workforces in the country.
The first individuals I encountered in Farmville were Pat and Jenny Dimaano, a couple with four children who own a shop selling firearms and guitars. Pat, a former police officer from the Philippines who immigrated to the U.S. 35 years ago, and Jenny, who describes Trump as “a misogynist prick,” surprisingly both cast their votes for him. “I wouldn’t date him if he were the last man on Earth, but he’s shaking things up, forcing people to align with the rules, and I appreciate that,” Jenny stated. “He’s looking out for folks like us—small business owners.”
This demonstrates Trump’s unique ability to attract unexpected supporters, even in light of concerns over his character, as many view him as a champion for their interests. “I’m not voting for him to date my daughter; I’m voting for him to run our country and ensure our safety,” declared Mike McIntosh, 62, who is employed in the construction industry. “He’s not your typical politician. He doesn’t need the job or the money; he’s surrounding himself with individuals who genuinely want to serve the nation. And this time, he seems much more focused.” When I asked if he would want Trump to date his daughter, he chuckled, “No!”
Others expressed even more fervent praise. “So far, I like what I see,” said Lee O’Neal, a car salesman. “I admire his aggressive approach to safeguarding our country. Protecting the border is crucial. Ensuring that businesses remain in the U.S. is vital, whether achieved through tariffs or negotiations with world leaders. And I don’t think transgender women should participate in female sports or share locker rooms. That’s simply not right.”
Transgender Issues and Political Discontent
The issue of transgender participation in sports—a focal point of significant campaign spending by Republicans and one of Trump’s 76 executive orders—clearly resonates with voters, as evidenced by the frequency with which it was mentioned to me by his supporters. “It’s wrong for males to compete in women’s sports, don’t you agree?” asked Robert Stora, 66, a retired worker from the nuclear submarine sector, before expressing his belief that ultra-conservative Fox News is the only trustworthy media outlet.
Another supporter brought up claims that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky owns a $34 million mansion in Miami—illustrating the insidious nature of disinformation. This unfounded allegation, which originated in Russia just before their full-scale assault on Kyiv three years ago, resurfaced on social media following Zelensky’s disappointing meeting with Trump.
Disillusioned Republicans Speak Out
However, I was also struck by the presence of three lifelong Republicans who have abandoned their party in disillusionment over Trump’s behavior, all citing his harsh treatment of Zelensky as a key example. “It was disgraceful to do that publicly; he acted like a petulant child. The president should never treat anyone that way. If there’s a point to convey, it should be done privately,” said Bill, a former defense contractor from Fairfax, near Washington. He was also appalled to witness his party’s abandonment of free trade principles: “Trump is a complete jerk, and they’re lost in their direction.”
Sarah, 63, another traditional Republican who recently retired from social services, has also shifted her political allegiance. “I dislike how he treats people and how he represents our nation,” she lamented. “I voted for Trump in 2016 but regret that decision. I didn’t support him in 2020 after being a lifelong Republican. I am deeply concerned about our country’s future. I care about people and how we present ourselves globally. I don’t believe this administration is succeeding.”
A restaurant owner in Fairfax noted that “the Trump effect” has resulted in a 20% drop in business as locals curtail spending out of fear of job insecurity. Yet Sarah admitted she refrains from discussing politics with her friends, as “many of them have drunk the Kool-Aid and believe he can do no wrong.” Others on the liberal side seemed hesitant to voice their dissent or share names in public under an administration that claims to champion free speech. “I would risk my job for speaking to you,” said a young staffer at a medical contracting firm.
Bill and Sarah exemplify the political realignment occurring in many Western democracies, as conservatives and populists target new demographics. “I don’t support Trump. I’m a Democrat and Hispanic,” stated Evelyn Smith, 28, a healthcare consultant. “But my brothers voted for Trump. He connects with hardworking people at the lower end and excels at marketing his message to make them believe he will deliver for them.” Smith views Trump as a bigot and is anxious about her country’s future, yet she also believes the Democrats must awaken and shift their strategy after their significant failures. Trump’s approval ratings remain steady, slightly higher than during his first term. He boasted about his presidency being off to a “swift and unrelenting” start in a recent speech to lawmakers, taking delight in mocking the dispirited Democrats. Nonetheless, there is growing concern regarding the cost of living, exemplified by skyrocketing egg prices, with only one in three Americans believing the nation is headed in the right direction.
Despair Among Liberals
A palpable sense of despondency characterized many liberals I encountered. “I’m extremely depressed,” said Claire, 39, who works for an organization providing health clinics in Africa severely impacted by funding cuts. “He’s undoing all the progress we’ve made. While I anticipated difficulties, the reality has been dreadful from day one.”
Raised in northern Virginia, where one in eight residents are employed in federal civilian roles, Claire expressed her frustration. “I feel utterly defeated—the speed at which he’s enacted these changes, and the Republican majority in Congress means there’s no stopping him. This country is on a downward trajectory, and I don’t know what will happen, but the division is too great. It won’t end well.”
One man, working in technology within the government, described a pervasive atmosphere of “anxiety and depression” across the region. “Many chose government work out of a deep belief in their mission and the causes they serve. Now, they’re being told their efforts are meaningless, ineffective, and unhelpful. Regardless of personal impacts, that’s a message that’s hard to absorb after dedicating your life to a cause.”
Caleb, 34, and a friend—whose former partner is transgender—reflected on their shattered belief that liberalism and rights would inevitably advance during a conversation in a Fairfax café. “We always assumed rights would progressively increase, but now we’re witnessing regression,” said Caleb’s friend, who requested anonymity due to her job. “I’m profoundly shocked and disappointed. I thought we’d be on a slow upward path.”
Pensioner Joan Kruzicki labeled Trump “a deplorable, self-centered narcissist,” but after decades of fighting for progressive causes, she decided to step back—though her younger wife continues the struggle. “I refuse to let him steal my happiness,” she declared. “At 78, how many years do I have left? I don’t want to spend them complaining about this circus.”
Conversely, Caleb feels inspired by the “overwhelming” events to explore ways to defend democracy, a cause he never thought necessary to protect in his own country. “We’re seeing Nazi symbolism being revived and discussions about fascism on a daily basis. These are not conversations I anticipated Americans would be having in this day and age.”
Hope for the Future
As another young woman in Fairfax remarked with a smile, “We’ve never had a president declare themselves king—that’s the opposite of our identity as Americans. But I believe we can recover; the foundation of democracy is robust, and there exists a nation of people committed to free speech, built upon the melting pot of diversity.”
This striking divergence of opinions within a single state underscores the polarized landscape of American politics. For Trump’s ardent supporters, he is a hero valiantly battling a corrupt political system to restore democracy; for his disheartened opponents, he embodies a dangerous demagogue dismantling the very fabric and freedoms of society. Only time will reveal which side prevails in this divided nation.
