Trump is trying to make himself and the office more than it is. But we will keep an eye on him.
Newlin has been a Republican for almost his entire life and voted for Donald Trump in the 2016 election. But the president's actions during the first term, particularly during the deadly storming of the Capitol, left him with a bad taste that persists.
What he has done since taking office shows that he is not suitable for the job. As an American, I will show resistance, even if it means I personally have to take on the state apparatus, says Newlin, who TT met last fall, over the phone from his hometown of Blissfield.
Against the Constitution?
In the presidential election, he voted for the Democrats' Kamala Harris but supported Republican candidates locally. He was also active in the organization Republican Voters Against Trump (RVAT), which drew attention in the Republican-dominated county where the insurance official lives with his family.
On election night, I was disappointed that so many were fooled into voting for a convicted criminal, he says.
Several of the measures Donald Trump has taken during his first days in the White House – such as the start of the promised mass deportations of undocumented immigrants, the decision to freeze state loans and grants, and the dismissal of certain state employees – Newlin sees as unconstitutional.
I don't think the mass deportations can continue as he wants. In the Constitution's fourth amendment, it states that people should be safe in their homes, that unreasonable searches and seizures are not allowed.
How does Newlin view Trump's pardon of those convicted of the congressional attack on January 6, 2021?
It felt like a slap in the face. It is disrespectful to the police and guards who worked that day. My family is full of military and police, for us, the message is that we don't count.
Talking about Taxes
Despite the election result, Newlin says that many voters in the Midwest feel the same way he does. In his circles, the focus is now on the 2026 midterm election and the courts. One example is the joint lawsuit filed by 20 states against the presidential decree to repeal the law that automatically grants citizenship to children born in the USA.
I hope and believe that the Supreme Court will make a decision in accordance with the Constitution, despite the fact that three judges were appointed by Trump, says Newlin.
Do you socialize with Trump voters?
Yes, it's going pretty well. We know we can't influence each other's opinions, but we can talk about factual issues like taxes and local business.
Tina Magnergård Bjers/TT
Facts: Support for Donald Trump
TTTT
Republican Donald Trump took office on January 20 for his second term as President of the United States. The controversial Trump evokes strong emotions but has wind in his sails in public opinion:
Currently, 48.8 percent have a positive view of Trump, while 47.6 percent do not.
Furthermore, 49.4 percent of Americans believe the president is doing a good job, and 44.8 percent believe he is not.
The proportion of citizens who believe the USA is heading in the right direction is still low, 34.1 percent, but has increased by 6 percentage points since Donald Trump took office.
Source: Real Clear Politics compilation of current measurements
