Trump Supporters Urged to Recognize They're Being Conned

Letter writer says Trump's policies hurt the middle class while benefiting billionaires

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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In a letter to the editor, a Portland resident argues that Trump supporters need to realize they are being misled by the former president, whose policies have actually harmed the middle class while benefiting billionaires and other wealthy individuals. The letter cites various economic indicators to show that conditions were worse under Trump than under the Biden administration.

Why it matters

This letter highlights the ongoing political divide in the U.S. and the challenge of persuading Trump's core supporters to reconsider their allegiance to the former president in light of evidence that his policies did not benefit the middle class as promised.

The details

The letter writer points to several examples to illustrate how Trump's policies hurt average Americans, including drug price increases, loss of health insurance, and higher inflation that cost families an extra $1,600 per year. The writer also criticizes Trump's efforts to undermine democratic institutions and align with authoritarian leaders around the world.

  • In November 2024, inflation under the Biden administration had fallen to 2.4%.
  • In 2025, the average family spent $1,600 more due to inflation under the Trump administration, according to congressional data.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president whose policies and rhetoric are the focus of criticism in the letter.

Davis Robinson

The Portland resident who wrote the letter to the editor.

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What they’re saying

“If supporters of Donald J. Trump woke up and realized they were being conned — that his gains were everyone else's losses — his base would crumble and this chaos could end.”

— Davis Robinson, Portland resident (pressherald.com)

The takeaway

This letter underscores the deep political divisions in the U.S. and the challenge of persuading Trump's core supporters to reconsider their allegiance to the former president in light of evidence that his policies did not benefit the middle class as promised.