Six Trump Supporters on Why They’re Backing Him in 2024
Donald Trump shook up U.S. politics in 2016, bringing a bold new vision that reshaped the Republican Party and drew in many first-time voters. As he makes his third White House run, he remains a polarizing figure, convicted of a crime yet staunchly claiming the 2020 election was unfairly taken from him. Despite the controversies, Trump’s appeal still holds strong among many, especially around hot-button issues like the economy and immigration. Here, six supporters share why they’re excited to see Trump run again.
“America Shouldn’t Just Be an Open Door”
Luiz Oliveira, a small business owner who moved from Brazil to Nevada in the 1980s, feels a deep frustration with current immigration policies. At 65, he remembers the challenges he faced to secure citizenship in 2012 and views the surge in illegal border crossings as disrespectful to those who earned their way. “It’s like an invasion,” he says, convinced Trump can bring a tougher stance that will secure the border. “If you want to come here, earn it—like I did.” He believes Trump’s policies will reinstate order and secure the country’s borders once again.
“The American Worker Deserves to Come First”
Pennsylvania truck driver Ben Maurer, 38, sees Trump as a champion of the American worker. Maurer, expecting his second child in November, has felt the financial squeeze since his wife left her job due to high childcare costs. If Trump were in office, he believes things would be easier for families like his, with affordable childcare and more financial stability. He’s confident Trump’s approach to reducing inflation will help, enabling families to get by on a single income if necessary.
“Welfare Traps People; Trump Offers a Way Out”
In Chico, California, 70-year-old artist June Carey recalls how tough it was to survive as an independent artist and the dependency that welfare created in her early career. She believes Trump’s economic strategies can encourage self-sufficiency and prevent generations from relying on government assistance. Now on social security, she’s finding it hard to manage with prices rising. Carey is inspired by Trump’s business-minded approach and wants to see America’s economy shaped to help people support themselves.
“I Like His Softer Side”
In Virginia, 38-year-old educator Brooke Riske didn’t always see Trump as her ideal leader, but her opinion changed during the pandemic. She admired how he navigated the uncertain times with a steady hand. More recently, she’s been touched by his softer, family-oriented side, often shown in online videos where he interacts with his grandchildren. She values his peacekeeping demeanor and trusts that he’s sincere in wanting to make the country better, though she knows her perspective doesn’t match everyone’s.
“This Country Needs a Business-Minded Leader”
Maine car repair shop owner Jeremy Stevens, 45, is frustrated with the two-party system but saw hope when Trump came on the scene as an outsider. For Stevens, Trump’s policies prioritize the economic needs of Americans, which is crucial as rising inflation affects his business and clients. With people struggling to afford even essential car repairs, he feels Trump’s focus on reducing costs will bring back financial security for small business owners like himself.
“He Keeps the World on Its Toes”
Amanda Sue Mathis, a 34-year-old retired Navy veteran from Michigan, believes Trump’s unpredictability commands respect globally. Having never voted before 2016, she felt compelled to cast her first ballot for Trump because of his strong stance on national security. She sees Trump as the kind of leader who keeps adversaries cautious, thinking twice before threatening the U.S. His promise to limit foreign entanglements, like his plan for a quick resolution to the Ukraine conflict, aligns with her belief in focusing on America’s strength.
Each of these supporters has their own reasons for believing in Trump’s vision. For them, he offers solutions for pressing economic and immigration issues and promises a way to restore what they feel has been lost.
