Why so many Americans hate politics

MAGA and Trumpism are not, in this column’s view, a conventional political movement. They express a deep anti-system resentment, hostility toward those in government and a desire for an outsider who can overturn the status quo.

Donald Trump, however, has deeply disappointed many of his voters during the less than two years of his second term. The column points to economic results that fell short of expectations, an apparent breach of his promise not to start new wars, harsh treatment of immigrants, blatant corruption and failed attempts to conceal his involvement in the scandals surrounding Jeffrey Epstein.

The author sees these developments as part of a broader and more recent political disappointment across the developed democracies. Voters increasingly appear to feel that governments have betrayed popular expectations, while defeats for governing parties have become the dominant pattern.

The United States is especially exposed because its polarized presidential system leaves only two viable parties. Voters must register with one of them to take part in the primaries that select candidates. Yet nearly 45% are now registered as independent, non-party voters, almost twice the share recorded 25 years ago.

That shift has not produced greater abstention in later elections. Turnout in the two most recent presidential contests, in 2020 and 2024, stood at about 64%, the highest level since 1960. Participation was also high in the two most recent midterm congressional elections. The logical conclusion, the column argues, is that more voters than ever are voting against traditional party candidates rather than for the alternatives.

Among Democrats, Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris were seen primarily as members of a worn-out and disliked political class. The early success of Democratic Socialist candidates suggests a new anti-system fervor. They have already won the mayoralties of New York and Washington and lead polls for congressional and gubernatorial races in several states.

The column says Democratic Socialists could become a left-wing version of MAGA, reacting both against the traditional establishment and against the Democratic Party’s disappointing performance. That prospect is beginning to alarm people unaccustomed to European-style candidates, rallies and speeches. The author warns that change can bring hope and risk, but says it expresses anger and discontent above all.