In 2016, many Republican voters were ecstatic about the prospect of Donald Trump in the White House. They saw him as a breath of fresh air who could shake things up in Washington and deliver on their policy priorities. But now, four years later, it seems that enthusiasm has given way to buyer’s remorse.

A new survey from the Pew Research Center finds that only 39% of Republicans believe that Trump did a good job as president, down from 72% who held him in high esteem at the end of his first year. Meanwhile, Democrats are more united than ever in their disdain for Trump, with 91% saying he did a bad job.

So what happened? Part of the problem is that Trump’s presidency was marked by chaos and controversy from the very beginning. His impulsiveness and tendency to tweet out policy decisions without consulting his team or Congress often left Republicans scrambling to clean up after him.

But another factor is at play here: the reality of governing in a polarized political environment. Trump made big promises about repealing Obamacare, building a border wall, and cutting taxes, but ultimately was unable to deliver on most of those fronts. And when he did try to make changes, they often had unintended consequences.

Now, some Republicans are beginning to realize that the siren song of a populist candidate may not have been as appealing after all. They’re looking for a new kind of leader who can bring people together and actually get things done.

As the 2024 election approaches, it remains to be seen whether Republicans will learn from their mistakes and choose a more moderate, pragmatic candidate. Or will they continue to chase the fleeting allure of a Trump-like figure, only to find themselves disappointed once again? The jury is still out.

Keywords: Donald Trump, Republican Party, buyer’s remorse