Trump Supporters Grow Disillusioned Ahead of Key SOTU Address

Enthusiasm wanes among Republican voters in Pennsylvania community ahead of president's speech to divided Congress

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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As President Donald Trump prepares to deliver his State of the Union address to a divided Congress, a New York Times report finds that enthusiasm among Republican voters in the key swing state of Pennsylvania has significantly waned. Interviews with Trump supporters in the Wilkes-Barre area reveal a palpable sense of apathy, with some planning to skip the address entirely and others expressing disappointment in the administration's first-year performance.

Why it matters

Trump's approval ratings have reached historic lows, and cracks are beginning to show in the broad coalition that gave him a popular vote victory in 2024. The diminished enthusiasm among Republican voters in a community that has grown increasingly conservative over the past decade could prove significant for the president's political prospects over the next three years.

The details

In Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, a community that has grown increasingly Republican over the last 10 years, Trump supporters expressed a palpable sense of apathy regarding the upcoming State of the Union address. Some plan to skip the address entirely, while others express disappointment with the administration's first-year performance. The Times report suggests that young voters, Latinos, and other recent additions to the Trump coalition are beginning to sour on the president.

  • President Trump will deliver his State of the Union address on Tuesday, February 25, 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The 46th President of the United States, who will deliver the State of the Union address.

Tom Ciampi

A 67-year-old Trump voter from Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, who says he may change the channel if he gets bored during the address.

Cheyenne Weston

A 26-year-old mother of two who voted for Trump but now has specific concerns about his policies.

Miguel Perdomo

A 57-year-old restaurant owner in Wilkes-Barre who says many of his enthusiastic Trump-supporting customers now regret their vote.

Damian Slick

A 50-year-old Wilkes-Barre resident who voted for Trump primarily as opposition to Democrats.

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What they’re saying

“What I'm expecting to hear is he's going to recap what he's done. I'll be honest with you, if I get bored, I'll change the channel.”

— Tom Ciampi (New York Times)

“He's not helping families with kids who are struggling. And while we shouldn't have people here illegally, especially criminals, the way you conduct that endeavor should be conducive to supporting life rather than taking it.”

— Cheyenne Weston (New York Times)

“He promised a lot of stuff, and he isn't doing even half of what he promised. That's why people come back and say, 'I made a mistake.'”

— Miguel Perdomo, restaurant owner (New York Times)

“Anything was better than Biden-Harris-Obama. I didn't want the country to be any further left.”

— Damian Slick (New York Times)

What’s next

The president's State of the Union address on Tuesday will be closely watched for any signs of further erosion in support among Republican voters, particularly in key swing states like Pennsylvania.

The takeaway

This report suggests that the president's approval ratings have reached historic lows, and that cracks are beginning to show in the broad coalition that propelled him to victory in 2024. The diminished enthusiasm among Republican voters in a community that has grown increasingly conservative could have significant implications for the president's political future.