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The country is headed in the wrong direction, readers say. Here’s why.
"The future is certainly very unstable for America," one respondent said.
President Donald Trump’s second term has Boston.com readers fearing the country is veering off course – some say irreparably so.
“The economy was moving along fine before the election. Now, with tariffs, instability in the markets, continued loss of due process, and the situation in Ukraine and the Middle East slowly getting worse, the future is certainly very unstable for America,” reader Bill D. from Saugus said.
This sentiment and souring toward Trump’s policies was echoed in a recent Suffolk University/Boston Globe poll, which found that nearly 68% of voters across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island believe the country is on the wrong track.
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Trump’s performance drew ire and disappointment from many in the Suffolk poll, with 55% strongly disapproving of his management. Even in New Hampshire — where Trump has historically performed better — just 35% support his leadership, while 64% disapprove.
When we asked Boston.com readers to weigh in on the direction of the country, 720 responded. A clear majority (74%) said the country is headed in the wrong direction, while just over a quarter believe it’s on the right track.
Do you think the country is headed in the right or wrong direction?
The country is headed in the right direction
26%
The country is headed in the wrong direction
73%
I'm not sure
1%
Trump’s foreign and economic policies, as well as his immigration crackdown, were major areas of contention for readers critical of his second administration.
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“Trump’s foreign policy and economic policies are rudderless. He’s seen as someone who changes his mind on a whim,” reader James K. from Dorchester said.
Ray P. from Littleton added: “The ICE raids have been awful. We’re in danger of losing fundamental rights we’ve enjoyed for years in this country.”
On the other side, many who believe the country is headed in the right direction pointed favorably to Trump’s aggressive immigration tactics, and said he is steering the country back on track.
“The corrections of the wrongs of the past administration is a huge task that includes short-term pains in order to realize long-term gains,” reader Nick P. from Burlington said.
Below, readers share why they think the country is headed in the wrong and right direction.
Responses have been lightly edited for grammar and clarity.
Do you think the country is headed in the right or wrong direction?
The country is headed in the wrong direction
The pillars of American constitutional stewardship have crumbled under Trump.
“The pillars of American constitutional stewardship have crumbled under Trump. He is using the office of POTUS to further his own means, settle personal vendettas, and embolden our enemies. Additionally, he is destroying our educational systems and the scientific community, including healthcare, all while attempting to destroy our financial and economical stability.” – Dan, Chelmsford
Trump is somehow worse.
“Trump’s second administration has just been unforced error after unforced error. The tariffs have roiled the economy (and will certainly not bring manufacturing back stateside); the ICE shock and awe raids have backfired from a publicity stance; the attack on higher ed has been baseless and political; and now they are painting us into a corner with Iran. The endless support for Israel may have started under Biden’s watch, but he was also a bad president. Trump is somehow worse. It is maddening to watch unfold.” – Mike, Lincoln
Authoritarianism is here.
“Authoritarianism is here. There is no accountability for Customs and Border Protection and ICE. Tariffs are causing inflation. We have gutted essential aspects of the government like USAID and Social Security. On top of everything, this so-called ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ amounts to more tax cuts for billionaires, a tax *hike* for certain members of the middle class, and cuts to Medicaid. Now, we are on the cusp of another Middle East war. We’re paying more of our tax money to support the slaughter of civilians in other countries. This is the culmination of everything Republicans have advocated for since Reagan. The government that represents ‘We the People’ has moved further to the right than I could have imagined 30 years ago.” – P.H., Somerville
Our democracy and way of life is truly in danger.
“The damage being done to education and scientific research by Trump and the Republicans is appalling. The disregard for the courts and the constitution is a sign of where they want this country to go in the future. Our democracy and way of life is truly in danger.” – Joseph Z,. Boston
We’ll have allowed ourselves to become the exact thing this nation rebelled against when it was founded.
“I think people are largely unaware of how dangerous these times actually are. I have issues with just about every policy change coming out, but that isn’t the biggest concern. The scariest thing that is happening is an erosion of democracy and a push towards autocracy. I think that people who support the current policy changes tend to minimize or ignore this erosion. Eventually, we will find ourselves in a nation that has completely changed its political system without any referendums. We’ll have allowed ourselves to become the exact thing this nation rebelled against when it was founded.” – Anonymous reader, Waltham
Governing with fear is not the America I want to be a part of.
“Governing with fear is not the America I want to be a part of. Tariffs are driving up costs (even just the threat), we are sending in troops when it is not necessary and our own president is not taking a strong stand on political violence.” – Erika, Winchester
The US government should be working FOR the average, middle class working American…
“Cutting USAID and imposing Chinese tariffs removes a huge market for surplus crops and soybeans that US farmers depend on to survive. Cutting Medicaid means more financial burdens for the ‘Sandwich Generation’ who are already struggling to support both their children and aging parents. Deporting farm workers, hotel maids, construction workers and cooks is going to have a huge negative effect on the economy, already high food prices and small businesses. And now we’re flirting with another war, 5 years earlier than we would have if the Iran Nuclear Treaty hadn’t been “ripped up” during Trump’s first awful term. The US government should be working FOR the average, middle class working American, not against them.” – Wayne M., Brookfield
The country is headed in the right direction
I feel we are regaining the values that made our country great.
“I feel we are regaining the values that made our country great. With the shutting down of the borders all our cities will be safer to live in. While I don’t agree on how the tariffs have been handled, I do agree we need to bring manufacturing back to the US. This will offer better paying jobs and help bring our middle class back. The middle class disappeared when manufacturing switched overseas, that has to change. The wealth discrepancy is out of control and it is time this changes. No better way than opening up more US manufacturing.” – Deran M., Belmont
[I]t just doesn’t feel like we’re doing too bad.
“I support President Trump’s domestic issues such as the crackdown on illegal immigration and cutting government waste. I’m cautiously observing the situations overseas both in the Middle East and Ukraine, but I am optimistic. I do like that President Trump is putting our country’s support behind Israel, as I am Jewish and I think that there is no room for any discrimination or attacks against Jews anywhere. Our country’s economy seems to be doing well despite the initial uncertainty with the tariff situation. I really think that if you ignore all the noise and loud opinions, it just doesn’t feel like we’re doing too bad.” – Alan B., Chelmsford
The road ahead might be a little bumpy, but the destination has real promise.
“COVID changed everything. It pulled back the curtain and revealed just how reliant the United States is on other countries for basic goods and life-saving medications. President Trump’s plan? Make America independent and self-sufficient once again. But rebuilding takes time. It takes investment — in our factories, our workers, and our future. The road ahead might be a little bumpy, but the destination has real promise. So hang tight. Great things take time. Stay the course, and let’s see it through.” – Chris C., North Andover
I voted for change and we are seeing it.
“I voted for change and we are seeing it. I can read through the sensational reports and understand that more criminals are being deported, the fat is being trimmed from federal employment and the pharmaceutical, food dye and carbon neutral industries are on notice. The rest of the world is on notice with tariffs. Short term pain for long term gain. America first!” – John, Shrewsbury
Boston.com occasionally interacts with readers by conducting informal polls and surveys. These results should be read as an unscientific gauge of readers’ opinion.
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