The first year of U.S. President Donald Trump’s second term has been tumultuous already. A new Buzzfeed survey shows just how Americans are feeling about it, and about their national identity.
The U.S. saw the longest federal shutdown in history, and aggressive tactics were used by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to sweep up far more than just undocumented immigrants.
Highlights
- Americans reveal mixed feelings after Trump’s first year, ranging from pride and optimism to shame, fear, and disillusionment with the country’s direction.
- The longest federal shutdown and aggressive ICE tactics sparked fear and criticism, especially among younger Americans fearing raids and family separations.
- Supporters praise Trump for fulfilling campaign promises, boosting jobs, and strong foreign policy, while critics highlight scandals and divisive governance.
- Younger Americans mostly report shame and fear, and older Americans lean towards pride, showing generational contrasts in perspectives on American identity.
A scandal around the release of files related to the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein affected Trump critics and MAGA supporters alike.
Americans revealed how they feel about their national identity after a year of the Trump administration
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It also consisted of the Trump administration circumventing Congress — including capturing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and pardoning Jan. 6 rioters.
Buzzfeed asked people how they feel about being Americans after a year of the Trump administration being in power, and we’ve highlighted seven such responses.
1. Ashamed and embarrassed to be American
“I have never been particularly proud of being an ‘American’ because it was savagely stolen from the Indigenous people of this land. But I’ve certainly never been more embarrassed and ashamed to admit that I am American,” said a woman from Texas.
2. Proud of America
Contrary to that, another woman said she was immensely proud to be an American. “Our president cares about our national security, the definition of a woman, protecting unborn babies, and being a good steward of taxpayers' money. As a woman and solo runner, I feel safer in this country knowing that violent illegal immigrants are being held accountable for their criminal actions. I have hope that we have reached a turning point in our country.”
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3. Horrified and angry about the country’s direction
“Ashamed, embarrassed, and humiliated on a global level,” said a third person. “And angry. Angry that literally every single ‘we're warning you’ from 2024 was both ignored AND is being fully realized. I didn't think we'd make it to 1939 Germany so quickly, and I'm horrified by what's happening in this country. And NOW, some people are all ‘Well, I didn't think he meant it,’ and I'm angry all over again.”
4. Satisfied with campaign promises and foreign policy
A fourth person was satisfied with the Trump administration, saying they have kept campaign promises and stopped illegal immigration. “He [Trump] is lowering the prices of goods with no support from Democrats. He is bringing in capital through tariffs, which I was skeptical of. His foreign policy is pro-American and America first. More American jobs are coming back to America,” the person said.
They continued, “The icing on the cake is his peace-through-strength dealings with the Middle East, China, and Venezuela. America is being respected again throughout the world. Also, his peace in the Middle East is wonderful. My only concern is his coddling of Putin. He’s too light on Russia, and I don’t understand why.”
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While the Trump administration has repeatedly touted a reduction in grocery prices, the latest Consumer Price Index inflation report showed grocery prices spiked from November to December at the fastest month-to-month rate.
5. Critical of the government's actions and scandals
The fifth person listed several recent controversies related to Trump. “Not only has our president been convicted of felonies, overturned DEI, created a new government department whose head promptly quit right after firing countless government employees, turned away desperate refugees and separated families, appointed a cabinet full of nincompoops, insulted too many female reporters, caused even more problems for LGBTQ+ people only trying to live their lives peacefully, kidnapped another president, and so much more, but he makes me disgusted to say I’m an American,” they said.
“When people from other countries talk about us, this is what they say: brainless, unaware fools who only care about how to make the most money and push everyone else around them down. At least from my perspective, I see no hope.”
6. Proud supporter of Trump
For one person, socialism is the opposite of what America stands for. “I'm a very proud American. I am disgusted by the waste and fraud that has been carried out in our country by the liberal Democrats, and it makes me very happy to see President Trump and DOGE righting the ship,” they said. “The people who want socialism are the opposite of what America stands for.”
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7. Witnessing fear in the community
Lastly, a pastor spoke about the fear of ICE raids among people. “Since Trump has been in office, many people are afraid to come to church for fear of ICE raids,” she said. “The emotional and spiritual conflicts that people place on pastors right now are so heavy to bear. On the other hand, I have seen beautiful moments when people of authentic faith come together to support those in need and uplift those whose dignity is taken from them. Those moments are few and far between, if they do happen.”
Of the eighteen responses shared by Buzzfeed, younger Americans, particularly those in their teens to 30s, expressed more fear and shame, and disillusionment, while middle-aged respondents showed a mixed perspective. Older Americans, particularly those in their 60s and above, reported optimism or pride.
Regionally, support for Trump was stronger in the South and parts of the Midwest, while the West Coast and the Northeast leaned critical.