Today, Explained: "Oops!... I Voted for Trump!"
Released May 13, 2025
Hosts: Sean Rameswaram and Noel King | Part of the Vox Media Podcast Network

Overview

In the episode titled "Oops!... I Voted for Trump!", Vox's Today, Explained delves into the emerging sentiment of voter remorse among individuals who recently supported Donald Trump in the 2024 election. Hosts Sean Rameswaram and Christian Paz investigate the experiences and frustrations of newer members of Trump's coalition, particularly focusing on younger, Black, and Latino voters in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Through personal stories and data analysis, the podcast explores the factors contributing to this growing disenchantment and its implications for the Republican Party's future.

Voter Remorse Among New Trump Supporters

Sean Ramaswaram introduces the episode by highlighting how Trump's actions since returning to office have left many of his new voters shocked and disillusioned. He references various controversies and policies, such as the "signals scandal" and inconsistent tariff implementations, which have undermined voter expectations.

“[00:03] Sean Ramaswaram: Donald Trump's been back in office long enough to shock or surprise just about anyone who voted for him at this point...”

The hosts express a particular interest in whether newer voters, who did not traditionally align with Republican values, are experiencing regret over their support for Trump.

Personal Stories from Philadelphia

Sharita White's Experience

One of the central figures in the episode is Sharita White, a Black woman from Philadelphia who shifted her vote to Trump based on his first-term economic performance. Ramaswaram recounts meeting Sharita at a "Black Voters for Trump" event and later reconnecting with her at her home in Kensington.

“[00:03] Sean Ramaswaram: ... we lost contact until last week when Miles was able to get in touch, and she invited us to her house in Philadelphia for a check-in.”

Sharita shares her disillusionment with Trump's administration, citing personal hardships such as the loss of her husband, job, and home, alongside rising inflation and inadequate economic improvements under Trump's tenure.

“[Time Stamp] Sharita White: I just see things just keep rising and stuff, and things does not look like they're getting better and stuff.”

She expresses concerns about potential cuts to Social Security and other government services, which have further fueled her regret over her voting decision.

Jose's Frustration

Another interviewee, Jose, a Dominican American handyman in Kensington, reveals his disappointment with Trump's immigration policies. Initially a long-time Democrat, Jose voted for Trump hoping for economic relief and stricter immigration controls.

“[Time Stamp] Jose: ... he picked up the delinquents, I'm all for that. But those that aren't doing anything wrong, leave them alone.”

Jose is particularly upset that the Trump administration's approach to immigration is not aligning with his expectations, as non-violent immigrants are still being deported, causing confusion and frustration among supporters like him.

Economic Discontent and Tariff Policies

The podcast delves into the economic policies that have significantly impacted voters' satisfaction. The implementation of broad and chaotic tariffs has led to increased costs for consumers and businesses alike.

Christian Paz explains how the Trump administration's tariff strategies have backfired, causing widespread dissatisfaction among new Trump voters who initially supported him for economic reasons.

“[Time Stamp] Christian Paz: ... tariffs on this show. But did any of the Philly voters you and Miles spoke with sound off on tariffs? Yeah, yeah, they did.”

Voters like Sharita and Nikita, a finance major struggling to find employment, express their frustration with the rising prices of everyday goods, undermining their original support for Trump's economic promises.

“[Time Stamp] Nikita: ... everything's been up my ass. I'm struggling in big letters.”

The hosts highlight that while some tariffs, particularly those targeting China, still retain support, the indiscriminate application of tariffs on allied nations has led to increased costs and reduced confidence in Trump's economic stewardship.

Dissatisfaction Beyond Economics

Beyond economic grievances, the episode touches on dissatisfaction with Trump's immigration policies and governance style. Voters expected targeted deportations focusing on violent criminals and international gangs, but the reality has been broader and less discriminating.

“[Time Stamp] Jose: ... the hard workers, he's kicking them out. The ones that don't work, he's letting them be.”

This misalignment between voter expectations and administrative actions has led to heightened frustration among newer supporters who feel betrayed by Trump's failure to deliver on specific policy promises.

Impact on the Republican Party and Future Elections

The episode underscores the significance of voter remorse among newer Trump supporters. According to a Pew Research Center study cited by Christian Paz, Trump's approval among non-MAGA (Make America Great Again) soft supporters has declined by about six points from February to April 2025.

“[Time Stamp] Christian Paz: ... Trump's approval among his own voters declined about 6 points.”

This trend suggests potential vulnerabilities for the Republican Party, as disillusioned voters may disengage from future elections or consider shifting their allegiance back to the Democrats. Sharita's sentiment epitomizes this disenchantment, expressing a desire to abstain from future voting due to perceived ineffectiveness.

“[Time Stamp] Sharita White: ... I'm not going to be a part of it.”

The hosts emphasize that while Trump's core base remains loyal, the wavering support from newer voters could have significant implications for upcoming midterm and presidential elections.

Conclusion: The Double-Edged Sword of Trump’s Coalition

Today, Explained concludes by reflecting on the fragmented nature of Trump's current support. While his steadfast base continues to provide a solid foundation, the emerging disillusionment among newer supporters poses challenges for maintaining a cohesive and expanding coalition.

The episode serves as a critical examination of how initial support based on economic promises and populist rhetoric can falter when policy implementations do not meet voter expectations. The stories of Sharita and Jose illustrate the real-world consequences of political dissonance, highlighting the precarious balance the Republican Party must navigate to retain its diverse voter base.

“[Time Stamp] Christian Paz: ... the people have long memories. They're not gonna forget what they're feeling right now.”

Notable Quotes

• Sean Ramaswaram [00:03]:
  "Donald Trump's been back in office long enough to shock or surprise just about anyone who voted for him at this point."

• Sharita White [Time Stamp]:
  "I feel like my vote don't matter. So why should I vote?"

• Jose [Time Stamp]:
  "The hard workers, he's kicking them out. The ones that don't work, he's letting them be."

• Christian Paz [Time Stamp]:
  "Trump's approval among his own voters declined about 6 points."

Key Takeaways

• Voter Remorse: Newer Trump supporters, particularly younger, Black, and Latino voters, are expressing regret over their support due to unmet economic and policy promises.

• Economic Policies Backfire: Broad and chaotic tariffs have led to increased consumer costs, eroding confidence in Trump's economic management.

• Immigration Policies Cause Frustration: Misalignment between voter expectations and actual immigration enforcement has led to disillusionment among supporters.

• Implications for Republican Party: Deteriorating satisfaction among newer voters poses challenges for future elections, despite unwavering support from the core base.

• Potential Political Shift: Disenchanted voters may disengage from the political process or consider shifting their allegiance, impacting the Republican Party's future strategies.

This episode of Today, Explained provides an insightful exploration into the complexities of Trump's voter base, highlighting the nuanced challenges faced by the Republican Party in retaining and expanding its support amidst growing dissatisfaction among newer supporters.