A man who once supported Donald Trump says he now feels deeply disillusioned with the president and the current administration, describing it as corrupt and damaging to the country.
The remarks were made during Friday’s broadcast of Washington Journal, when a caller identified as Russel spoke candidly about why he no longer supports the president he once voted for.
A Republican Background and Past Support for Trump
Russel began by outlining his political background. Now 73 years old, he explained that conservatism had long been a part of his identity.
“I was a conservative when I was younger,” he said. “I was a registered Republican. I even voted for Donald Trump the first time.”
His support, however, did not last long once Trump entered office. According to Russel, his concerns emerged early in the presidency and only grew stronger over time.
Early Disappointment After the Inauguration
Russel said his change of heart began within the first month of Trump’s presidency. One of his earliest criticisms focused on Trump’s frequent travel to Mar-a-Lago, the private club Trump has referred to as his winter White House.
“Man, one month into his presidency, he started this Mar-a-Lago flying home every weekend,” Russel said.
To him, this behavior symbolized a lack of seriousness and a troubling approach to leadership.
Fear of War and Declining Global Standing
Russel also expressed deep concern about the direction of U.S. foreign policy under Trump and his vice president. He said he feared their decisions could lead the country into a major conflict.
“This president, I don’t even like to use that word,” he said. “This president and his vice president will definitely get us into a war, into some kind of big war.”
He added that he no longer believes the United States holds the position of strength it once did on the world stage.
“At this time, America, I’m afraid we are not going to be the victors,” Russel said. “We’re not the most powerful anymore. We’re the nastiest.”
Personal History and Longtime Observations
Russel emphasized that his views were not based on recent impressions alone. He said he had known of Trump for most of his life and had watched his public persona develop over decades.
Russel noted that he was born in the same hospital as Trump and that both he and his partner lived in the same downstate area.
“We’ve known, we’ve seen Trump from the very beginning, from his youngest days,” he said.
This long familiarity, he suggested, gave him confidence in his assessment of Trump’s character and leadership style.
Impact on Supporters and Farmers
Russel said his anger was not only about Trump’s behavior but also about the real-world consequences he believes the administration has had on ordinary Americans.
“I’m totally disgusted by what he’s done to farmers and so many people that supported him,” he said.
He described the presidency as a betrayal of those voters who believed Trump would stand up for them.
A Harsh Final Judgment
Russel concluded his call with an uncompromising verdict on the administration and its legacy so far.
“This is nothing but corruption, and this country is heading down the road to failure,” he said. “It’s been nothing but a total chain of lies since this has begun.”
His comments reflect the frustration and disappointment voiced by some former Trump voters who say their early hopes have been replaced by anger and distrust as the presidency has unfolded.
