16 Former Trump Voters Revealed Their Fears About What Another Trump Presidency Could Mean For America

This election cycle, there’s been a growing body of Republican voters who say they’re turning their backs on the Republican Party with Trump as their presidential candidate.

Some Republicans and former Trump supporters also opened up about the “breaking point” moments that led them to withdraw their support for him. Others also shared their journey of dismantling racist and sexist beliefs after stepping away from their Trump-supporting circles.

Let’s chat about all things 2024 Election

And last week, Arnold Schwarzenegger, who served as governor of California as a Republican, made a viral statement sharing that while he didn’t like either party, he found Trump’s actions disqualifying and would be voting for Kamala Harris.
I don’t really do endorsements. I’m not shy about sharing my views, but I hate politics and don’t trust most politicians.

I also understand that people want to hear from me because I am not just a celebrity, I am a former Republican Governor.

My time as Governor taught me to…

— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) October 30, 2024

Twitter: @Schwarzenegger

“We need to close the door on this chapter of American history, and I know that former President Trump won’t do that. He will divide, he will insult, he will find new ways to be more un-American than he already has been, and we, the people, will get nothing but more anger,” he wrote on X.

So, with a tight race ahead and one day away from the election, I wanted to hear directly from ex-Trump supporters and Republicans why they’re not voting for him, and what they fear most about another Trump presidency.

Here’s everything they shared:

1.

“I have a trans son who came out to me in 2022. The amount of times he’s cried from how scared he is of his rights being taken away hurts me. I can’t vote for the man who could hurt my son like that. The ads Trump has put out about trans people are just plain wrong. My son isn’t like what he’s saying trans people are. No trans person I’ve met is like that. Trump is scaring my child to tears over his future and rights. My son is 15, he shouldn’t worry about that. I want my son to live in a country where he doesn’t have to be scared of his rights being taken away or if he can get lifesaving treatments. I’m scared that my son won’t get the chance to be who he is.”

—Anonymous

2.

“I am scared there will be tanks in American streets used against Americans Trump does not like and anyone who stands up to him. It has happened in other countries and could happen here. I am terrified of the violence and injustice that could come to this country I love so much. I’m a lifelong Republican, and I can’t believe others do not see this. The dictator is great until he turns on you.”

—beckyqz

3.

“Trump’s first term was marked by massive and extremely effective environmental deregulation. Funding for conservation was slashed, national monuments and crucial habitats were built over (look up ‘border wall jaguars’), and positions scientists should have filled were given away like door prizes to the fossil fuel industry lobbyists. The [Secretary of State] was the former CEO of Exxon, for God’s sake!”

“Trump pulled us out of international climate agreements and made us a laughingstock to the rest of the world. Climate change is already affecting everyone. We need a president who will respect the solid science thousands of people have been working on (including me) and use our country’s vast resources to set a good example for dealing with this century’s most existential crisis.”

—novaeangliae

4.

“My biggest fear is the example it sets. I was raised to be respectful, humble, kind, supportive, and a serving leader. Trump is none of that. He has already destroyed so many norms. I truly fear what he will destroy next.”

—Anonymous

5.

“Former Republican. I recognized years ago that Trump had fascist leanings. I have a bachelor’s degree in history, and the things he has said sound a lot like what Hitler was saying in the 1930s. I didn’t dare put any Harris stickers on my car or posters in my yard for fear my car or property would be vandalized. Several friends feel the same. This has never happened in previous elections.”

—Anonymous

6.

“I fear that racism, hate, and bigotry will only deepen and gain more acceptance with another Trump presidency. His recent racist rally in New York made that very clear. He consistently disparages and reinforces stereotypes of people of color, immigrants, the LGBTQ community, women, you name it.”

“His worldview legitimizes and amplifies the prejudices of his supporters, creating an environment where hate thrives. It’s increasingly clear that his vision of America excludes anyone who doesn’t fit his and his supporters’ narrow view of identity. I’m genuinely concerned about the future for all non-white, non-male Americans under his leadership.”

—Anonymous

7.

“For the first time in my life, I voted primarily Democratic. I was disgusted and shocked when Trump tried to take over the country by force after he lost the 2020 election. The Republican Party will never recover until its leaders admit they lied to the American Public.”

—creativepizza738

8.

“I’m a lifelong Republican, and other than two votes for our state’s comptroller, I have never voted for a Democrat. I held my nose and voted for Trump again last time. It’s mind-boggling the numerous character and integrity issues Trump supporters are able to ignore. It’s time we had higher standards for a president than for a worker at McDonald’s.”

“PS: Trump [likely] would not even be able to apply for a job there based on his convicted felon status. Also, most employers for executive positions require medical physicals. His refusal to get an unbiased medical and psychological exam says a lot. All indications are that Trump wants another civil war.”

—Anonymous

9.

“As a 21-year US Air Force veteran, his absolute disrespect and disdain for the Constitution is offensive and diminishes my service and that of millions of others.”

—lazylegend348

Similarly, “I have voted both ways in the past, and I voted for Trump the first time he ran. But after what he has said about our military, prisoners of war, and his stunt at the Virginia cemetery, I cannot in good conscience vote for anyone who makes those kinds of remarks and the precedence that sets for the rest of the nation. He forgets that he has the freedom to make those remarks because of the men and women in our military throughout history.”

—Anonymous

10.

“Losing our democracy is my chief fear. I believe the Heritage Foundation and Project 2025 will become his true agenda, and our country will rapidly decline in terms of the economy, social equality, standard of living, and standing in the world as a great and ethical power. His election denialism and Jan. 6 is what did it for me.”

—Anonymous

11.

“I fear we will lose our Constitution, and citizens will lose more and more rights.”

—Anonymous

12.

“I’m worried he will turn the US into a dictatorship.”

—Anonymous

13.

“I’m worried that my 21-year-old trans child will not have any rights and not be treated like a human. Also, I lost many friends during COVID-19, and I blame Trump for this. He could have prevented some of the devastation from the pandemic but just acted like an ignorant idiot.”

—Anonymous

14.

“His concentration is way off, which puts the whole country in jeopardy. Nobody should want this man to run the country. He’s just not up to it. He has lost energy and concentration in this campaign and lacks leadership skills.”

—freshsquirrel628

15.

“I worry we will be heading toward a dictatorship, and I worry for the fate of women’s rights. Also, it’s an embarrassment for our country.”

—Anonymous

And lastly:

16.

“I fear we will see the collapse of our democracy. Trump has shown himself to be a person who is on it only as a power trip. The man has no dignity and no class. He will destroy this country to feed his ego. Our country deserves better.”

—Ånonymous 

Note: Some responses have been edited for length/clarity.

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