Unraveling the Disturbing Shift Among Trump Supporters: What You Need to Know

Following the tragic shootings of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti, a palpable change in sentiment is sweeping across the United States.

In a striking op-ed, a prominent publication declared, “The Resistance Libs Were Right.” Even Joe Rogan, once a staunch supporter of the former president, has recently tempered his enthusiasm, questioning, “Are we really going to be the Gestapo?” just weeks ago.

Amidst this backdrop, a Quinnipiac University poll revealed that 53% of voters deemed the shooting “unjustified,” while 57% expressed disapproval of the enforcement tactics employed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Anecdotal evidence suggests a growing number of individuals are distancing themselves from the MAGA movement, with surveys indicating a decline in self-identification as fervent supporters.

For those who have long sounded alarms about the previous administration—often dismissed as “deranged”—the current climate is both unsettling and unsurprising.

“When people raise concerns that others dismiss, it can lead to feelings of despair and isolation,” noted Melissa S. Tihinen, a licensed clinical social worker from New Jersey. “The sense that you ‘predicted’ this turmoil can be incredibly isolating, especially among those whose circles are less politically engaged.”

Tihinen elaborated, “I guide my clients to connect with others who have voiced similar concerns. Despite louder dismissive voices, many have been fighting against these dangers in their own ways.”

Therapist Jeff Guenther (@TherapyJeff) highlighted the severe consequences of repeated dismissal. “It creates chronic stress that leads to hypervigilance,” he explained. “When your valid concerns are labeled as overreactions, trust in your instincts erodes.”

“This results in a frazzled nervous system,” he continued. “You find yourself constantly on alert for threats because you’ve learned that validation often comes too late. We see increased depression and isolation, alongside symptoms of moral injury as your sense of right and wrong is challenged by those closest to you.”

In less critical situations, being right can feel rewarding—like when you predict a movie’s failure or suggest an alternate route only to hit traffic. However, the stakes here are far higher; Tihinen argues that what her clients experience transcends mere “political anxiety” and borders on “political trauma.”

“They didn’t want an ‘I told you so’ moment,” she stated. “They sought acknowledgment of their concerns from the outset rather than waiting for harm to manifest.”

Anger intertwines with despair in this emotional landscape, which Guenther describes as a rational response to a profound breach of trust. “You mourn the fact that your perspective wasn’t valued until it was too late,” he said. “Being right feels hollow when it means facing dire realities.”

“My clients who raised alarms early believed they were safeguarding their communities and themselves. While they now receive validation from the media, there’s lingering anger and frustration over their initial dismissal,” Tihinen remarked. “They wonder how it escalated to this point before others recognized the dangers.”

Tihinen emphasizes that processing anger can be healing for her clients. “I encourage them to trust their instincts regardless of external validation,” she added.

Trusting one’s anger is crucial; Guenther asserts, “Your anger serves as a protective force, signaling that something is amiss. Don’t let anyone shame you into compliance if that calm feels like surrender. The goal is to care without self-destruction.”

The recent admissions from those who previously dismissed concerns can stir up long-held frustrations. Guenther noted, “It’s about being gaslit by friends and family for years. They labeled you dramatic or urged you to disengage, yet now they act as if they’ve just realized the severity of the situation.”

He advises those grappling with these dynamics to “honor your resentment.”

“You don’t need to rush into gratitude for their newfound awareness. It’s valid to feel anger over their delayed recognition of your humanity,” he said.

This can manifest in various ways; setting boundaries is a good starting point. “You’re not obligated to be their political guide or emotional support while they catch up,” he advised. “If they’re finally acknowledging your perspective, that’s great for them, but you’ve carried this burden alone for years. Prioritize your healing.”

While future relationship considerations can wait, it’s essential not to succumb to despair—this requires disciplined self-care rather than succumbing to doomsday impulses. (Think: less indulgence in superficial self-care and more focus on maintaining healthy boundaries.)

Both therapists agree on the importance of reducing screen time. Tihinen remarked, “This administration seems intent on overwhelming dissenters to render them ineffective. I remind clients to prioritize their mental health; constant doomscrolling can lead to burnout.”

Guenther echoed this sentiment, addressing our collective doomscrolling habit: “You may feel informed, but you’re actually subjecting your brain to ongoing trauma. The algorithm thrives on fear rather than empowerment.”

He suggests scheduling news consumption—perhaps 20 minutes each morning—then stepping away from screens to engage with real life instead of fixating on online negativity.

“Focus on community and local action,” he advised. “Your nervous system isn’t designed to bear the weight of global suffering continuously. Concentrate on what’s manageable.”

Aligning with your mental health provider is crucial; both Guenther and Tihinen stress the need for supportive therapy that doesn’t exacerbate trauma stemming from political issues.

“As therapists, we can’t ignore the chaos outside while working with clients. The challenge is shared reality; we often share similar fears,” Guenther explained. “It’s difficult to tell someone they’re catastrophizing when catastrophe is the headline news.”

Not all providers are equipped for this reality; Guenther advises vetting therapists as if hiring for a critical role: “Ask tough questions early on about how they handle political anxiety or systemic oppression in therapy.”

A good fit means you won’t spend half your session explaining why certain policies are alarming. If they push a neutral narrative or dismiss your fears, they may not be suitable for your specific needs. You deserve validation to facilitate healing.