The GOP has managed to maintain control of the House, energizing the voter base as they call for a strong "America First" agenda. Many view this control, combined with regaining the Senate majority, as a crucial opportunity to make Trump’s second term highly impactful.

Republicans emphasize loyalty to conservative ideals and a tangible alignment with figures like Rick Scott, who they see as fighting the establishment. With control of both the executive and legislative branches, voters expect concrete results in the first two years.

The Republicans have secured the trifecta, with Trump set to begin his interrupted second presidential term alongside GOP control of both the House and Senate. Unlike in 2016, Trump will start with a more unified Republican leadership—one less inclined to work with Democrats to…

— Quantus Insights (@QuantusInsights) November 11, 2024

Party Accountability

MAGA voters want accountability and transparency in GOP leadership. They are particularly vocal about the need for leaders who are openly committed to their cause. Some also demand transparent voting processes and ending secret ballots in leadership decisions.

This demand for visibility speaks to a sense of vigilance among voters. Republicans wish to ensure their representatives are held accountable and act in alignment with the principles that secured them the House.

There is also vocal frustration with establishment “RINOs” (Republicans in name only). Many express dissatisfaction with figures who don’t uphold MAGA’s America First agenda. Voters want strong advocates who do not cave to Democratic pressure, and many say they plan to primary anyone who fails to meet expectations.

Looking for Strength

Among Republicans, there’s a sense of social and political alienation. Some are apprehensive about displaying their support for GOP causes, fearing backlash from opposing factions.

This caution in the electorate spurs voters’ resolve to support leaders who will boldly counter societal pressures and “woke” influences. They want greater transparency, advocacy for a clear conservative agenda, and unity of action among GOP representatives.

MAGA’s Moment

Trump voters are motivated by both aspiration and urgency. Many see the GOP’s House control as an essential leverage point, allowing them to influence a broader conservative agenda and safeguard their values within the political landscape.

Following huge election victories, GOP voters are politically engaged but also intent on shaping the party's path. They are committed to solidifying conservative principles and advancing a vision for the country that resonates with traditional values.

Democratic voter discourse around Kamala Harris’s $1 billion campaign spending spree is fraught. Conversation about the staggering expenditure reflects disillusionment in the party. Democrats are frustrated by what they perceive as a misalignment between party leadership and the working-class electorate it claims to represent.

After Harris spent $1 billion dollars only to perform worse than Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden voters say:

• Campaign spending is symbolic of current party flaws
• Leaders refuse to embrace the base
• They expect no fix anytime soon

Many also wonder how they managed to spend $1 billion in just a few months.

we are so fucked pic.twitter.com/sHyYfObmST

— Corinne Green (@gaynarcan) September 8, 2024

The Hits Keep Coming

The calls for accountability in response to Harris’s campaign spending demand party leaders own up to their mismanagement. Voters view Democratic leaders as unwilling or unable to address the concerns of the base around issues that matter to working Americans.

Voters want accountability and meaningful change, saying the party risks further alienating an already disillusioned base. The sentiment resonates with recent critiques of the Democratic National Committee’s campaign strategies and its perceived corporate alignment. Many believe the party has dismissed voters and sacrificed grassroots connections in favor of top-down establishment protections.

Broke Beats Woke

Democratic voters hope for reforms that prioritize everyday issues like healthcare, housing, and economic stability. Many highlight the disconnect between party priorities and the economic struggles of the middle and lower classes, demonstrated by the spending mentality in the Harris campaign.

Americans are concerned about rising living costs, housing affordability, and Democrats’ failure to address inflation concerns. Some Democrats feel the party’s focus on identity politics has worsened division, detracting from core issues that resonate with a broader swath of voters. Voters want to return to unifying messaging that bridges ideological divides rather than emphasizes them.

🇺🇸 Kamala Harris's team reportedly spent the following:

• Oprah: $1m
• Concerts: $20m
• Influencers: $4m
• Call Her Daddy set: $100k

The campaign ended $20 million in debt, after raising over $1 billion. pic.twitter.com/ZhlCpO4wnG

— Remarks (@remarks) November 9, 2024

Left Behind

Some Democrats are questioning their loyalty to the Democratic Party in the wake of Harris’s disastrous campaign. Explicit statements from voters expressing their intent to leave the party capture the severity of disillusionment.

Voters say things like, “I’m done with the Democratic Party” to emphasize their disengagement. Many describe feeling “betrayed” and “disappointed,” over the party abandoning its prior unifying values of supporting the working class.

Disillusionment comes with nostalgia for a time when Democratic policies more directly aligned with the needs of average Americans instead of catering to elites and protecting establishment enclaves.

President-elect Trump is already changing sentiment tides on the border, just a week after being elected. For most of 2024, polling showed upwards of 75% of voters viewed the border as either a serious threat or a crisis.

CBS POLL: 75% of Americans "see the situation at the U.S./Mexico border as either a 'crisis' or a 'very serious situation'" — a "notable increase" from previous surveys pic.twitter.com/uumUM0gCQs

— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) January 7, 2024

Following Trump’s win, sentiment immediately improved—particularly with news of new leadership and promises of deportation. Americans on the left and the right demand secure borders and national sovereignty, though some leftist Democrats still object to Republican border plans.

• Since November 5, border and immigration sentiment has increased, reaching the high 40% range.
• MIG Reports data also shows sentiment toward Biden’s DHS secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on a consistent decline to 41% in the days after the election.
• A slight bump in Mayorkas’s sentiment over the weekend is due to celebrations over his imminent departure from DHS.

The Immediate Trump Effect

A distinct mood change has been evident in the first few days since Trump’s victory. Voters, especially Republicans, express confidence that a Trump 2.0 administration will address longstanding border issues.

Voters regularly say things like, “More has been accomplished in 72 hours than in the previous 3 1/2 years.” Trump’s pick of former acting ICE director Tom Homan as Border Czar fuels excitement and optimism. Border Patrol and ICE agents who were constrained for years, now feel empowered to enforce policies effectively.

Rapid Mood Change

• Border Patrol and ICE agents report a “total 180” shift in morale, with many expressing renewed hope in their ability to fulfill their duties.
• The morale boost comes from Trump’s victory, and Homan’s leadership, which are both seen as positive for immigration enforcement.

Republicans Versus Democrats

• Around 80% of Republicans voice support for Trump’s immigration plans, emphasizing mass deportations and border wall completion.
• Democrats are less vocal as only 20% are commenting. Those who are engaging in the discussion express concern about the humanitarian impact of stricter policies.

Immediate public perception shifts show the early impacts of Trump’s win are already evident. Voters are eager to improve border enforcement for several key reasons.

Key Issues Voters Want Addressed

Migrant Caravans being discouraged and even disbanded are a positive for voters. Many view reports that caravans are dissolving as a concrete result of Trump’s tough image. Voters see stopping caravans as symbolic of regained control of the U.S. border.

Mass Deportation is still high on the list of things voters want. Enthusiasm for mass deportations is high, particularly among those who link illegal immigration to crime and economic strain. Voters hope deportation will be a cornerstone of Trump’s immigration agenda, especially for illegals who commit crimes once inside the U.S.

Prioritizing Public Resources is a common refrain among Republicans. They say taxpayer funds should prioritize American citizens over illegal immigrants. Many advocate reallocating resources to benefit veterans and citizens in need, instead of providing aid to people who should not be here.

Job Market Benefits are another expectation for securing the border. Many say a reduced strain on social services and less job competitions will create more opportunities for American workers. People point out that most of the job growth under Biden-Harris benefitted foreign-born workers.

Sanctuary City Policies remain a focal point for Trump supporters. They view migrant sanctuaries as a roadblock to federal enforcement. With the new administration, voters expect stricter immigration policy alignment nationwide, overriding local policies that protect illegal immigrants and enforcing federal policies.

New Leadership in Tom Homan and speculations about North Dakota Governor Kristi Noem replacing Alejandro Mayorkas as DHS secretary spark discussion. Voters want strong leaders who will take decisive action to shore up the border and combat Democratic influence.

Mood Shift and Enthusiasm

Empowered Law Enforcement for Border Patrol and ICE agents under Trump 2.0 generates excitement and energy. Many agents, previously constrained by restrictive policies, are reportedly “ecstatic to go to work,” ready to act without Biden-Harris limitations tying their hands.

Killing "Woke" Policies drives hope for shifting away from progressive open border policies. Americans want a return to past norms where national sovereignty and citizen protection take priority over globalist and progressive immigration ideals.

Law and Order emphasis under Trump brings relief to voters who see current Democratic policies as detrimental to American communities. Voters believe Trump can stop increased crime among illegal immigrants and restore the rule of law.

Crime and Trafficking connected to illegal immigration also motivates voters. An open border is often synonymous with increased violent crime, drug trafficking, and gang activity. Voters point to problems like those in Aurora, Colorado, as exemplifying the need for anti-gang and anti-cartel border enforcement.

Partisan Divides cause friction between Republicans who are celebrating renewed border security and Democrats who fear mass deportations could lead to human rights abuses. Despite an overwhelming majority of Americans supporting strict borders, Democrats continue to oppose Trump’s policies—many of which were standard under Obama.

NEW: @ScottJenningsKY takes CNN panel to school by dropping some simple facts about deportations:

“It’s overwhelmingly popular. Everybody is trying to make this controversial. This is not controversial. Presidents always deport people."

"Barack Obama deported 3 million people.… pic.twitter.com/ZXOjWpJdlp

— Western Lensman (@WesternLensman) November 12, 2024