One year ago, USA TODAY Opinion invited readers to take part in a new initiative, Forum, designed to bring everyday voices into the national conversation. Since then, thousands have responded, sharing candid thoughts on issues as varied as vaccines, economic stress, voter regret, and the small moments of joy that cut through uncertain times.
Yet no subject has stirred stronger emotions than President Donald Trump’s return to the Oval Office. As readers reflected on his first year back in office, the responses poured in quickly and passionately—revealing a nation sharply divided between optimism and alarm. Within hours of the latest call for feedback in early January, messages arrived expressing everything from deep despair to renewed pride in the country’s direction.
What follows is a snapshot of those voices, captured under the theme Pride and despair: Readers reflect on Trump’s first year back in office.
“I Feel More Hopeless Than Ever”
For some readers, Trump’s second term has intensified fears rather than eased them. One educator described the past year as a period of regression, arguing that affordability remains out of reach while immigration enforcement has grown harsher and more aggressive.
Though acknowledging limited progress—such as changes to marijuana classification for medical research—the reader said these steps were overshadowed by what they view as sweeping failures. Military actions abroad, aggressive immigration raids, the dismantling of federal education and aid agencies, and provocative foreign policy rhetoric were cited as signs of a country moving in the wrong direction.
The impact, they said, is personal. As a teacher with student loans, the rollback of prior loan relief policies has increased monthly payments to an almost unmanageable level. The reclassification of education careers, they fear, could further shrink access to student aid and worsen an already critical teacher shortage.
Their plea was simple: reduce military involvement overseas, ease deportation tactics, and refocus on strengthening life at home.
“Trump Has Brought Success—and Made Politics Interesting Again”
Other readers see the same year through an entirely different lens. One supporter praised Trump for what they called unprecedented success for ordinary Americans, arguing that media coverage has deliberately downplayed his achievements.
They credited the administration with restoring moral values in government, cutting waste and fraud, and projecting strength on the global stage. Trump’s unapologetic style, they said, has made politics compelling again after years of stagnation.
Health policy emerged as a particular point of praise. Supporters highlighted reforms under Health and Human Services leadership, applauding efforts to question long-standing medical practices, reshape food and farming standards, and challenge the influence of major pharmaceutical interests.
While acknowledging missteps—such as Trump’s response to a high-profile domestic tragedy—the reader expressed hope that his administration would continue pushing for tax reform, including the elimination of property taxes in favor of a flat tax system they believe would be fairer for working Americans.
“Every Day Brings a New Outrage”
For others, the past year has felt like a relentless erosion of democratic norms. One retired reader described daily life under the administration as a constant barrage of shattered expectations, constitutional violations, and moral exhaustion.
They argued that the president’s greatest failure has been a disregard for the rule of law, paired with what they see as self-enrichment and damage to America’s global reputation. Though personally insulated from many direct consequences, the reader said empathy for more vulnerable communities has made the year emotionally devastating.
Still, even among harsh critics, moments of agreement surfaced. Some acknowledged successes in identifying government waste, strengthening border controls against drug trafficking, and promoting workforce participation. Others expressed confidence in military leadership and welcomed increased investment in defense readiness.
Looking ahead, readers across the spectrum shared hopes—if not expectations—for reforms that address environmental sustainability, affordable insurance, support for farmers, better access to education and trades, and long-overdue tort reform.
A Nation Still Talking—and Divided
One year into Trump’s return, the responses reveal a country wrestling with itself. Pride and despair coexist, often voiced with equal intensity. For some, this presidency represents strength, disruption, and overdue change. For others, it signals instability, fear, and a break from foundational values.
What remains clear is that Americans are paying attention—and they are eager to be heard. As Forum continues into 2026, readers can expect more opportunities to share their perspectives and shape the national dialogue, one voice at a time.
