After Election Day, members of the BuzzFeed Community who voted for Donald Trump reflected on what they wish they had known before casting their ballots and shared their reasons for potential regret. Here are some of their insights:
- Nuclear and Foreign Policy Fears
“I voted and let the chips fall where they may. Now I get to wait and see. The biggest concerns are nuclear weapons and alliances like Russia, North Korea, and China. North Koreans fighting for Russia makes me wonder—what did Putin give Kim for that boost?” – zery - Education and Economic Worries
“I didn’t vote, but if I did, I would’ve picked Trump. Now I’m second-guessing because of the Department of Education and tariffs’ impact on me. I was drawn to him due to immigration and abortion views but worry about the economy and schools now.” – Anonymous, 26, Iowa - Health Insurance Concerns
“My 20-year-old son is worried about losing health insurance. The best chance for the ACA might be rebranding it as ‘TrumpCare’ with minor tweaks.” – Anonymous, 49, Maryland - Impact on Families with Special Needs
“I regret not knowing Trump would mess with the Department of Education. I have two kids with IEPs and one in college.” – Anonymous, 40, Georgia - Cabinet Appointments
“His cabinet picks are poorly qualified and morally compromised. RFK Jr., in particular, concerns me due to his vaccine misinformation history. I regret there wasn’t a better conservative candidate.” – Anonymous, 44, South Carolina - Workplace and Healthcare Consequences
“The threat of tariffs reversed my insurance company’s approval for a costly treatment I need. My medication is made in China, and now I can’t access it.” – Anonymous, United States - Disappointment in Israel-Palestine Policy
“I voted for Trump to free Palestine but feel betrayed after he picked Zionists for his cabinet.” – Anonymous, 32, Pennsylvania - Public Education Fears
“I was pro-Trump for immigration control, but I didn’t realize he’d jeopardize public education. I fear it won’t survive.” – Anonymous, 37, Texas - Tax and Overtime Work Misunderstandings
“Trump promised no tax on overtime, but now there might not even be overtime work. Labor jobs are getting layoffs and bonuses are being cut.” – Anonymous, 24, Arkansas - Economic Implications of Deportation Policies
“I supported mass deportations but not all at once. I’m worried about higher grocery prices as a result.” – Anonymous, 38, South Carolina - Trade and Gas Price Concerns
“Young men like me felt overlooked, but Trump gave us a seat at the table. Now I’m worried about gas prices and his lack of clarity on trade with Mexico and Canada.” – Anonymous, 22, Iowa - Realization of Misinformation
“I had no idea undocumented people paid taxes. I regret buying into misinformation but still believe Trump mixes truth with dramatics to get attention.” – Anonymous, 58, Georgia
These candid reflections highlight the complexity of voters’ expectations and concerns after casting their ballots for Trump, with many expressing regret or unease about policies and decisions that directly impact their lives. Entries have been edited for clarity and brevity.
A reminder that elections have consequences.