1 week Ago
Support Mixed with Concern
Tamara Varga, a lifelong Republican and Trump supporter, is continuing to build her dream: the Special Eats Café, a restaurant that trains and employs people with special needs, including her sons. While she supports Trump, she is beginning to worry about his approach to key federal programs.
"I'm worried about Medicaid and Medicare and Social Security," said Varga. "He said he wouldn't cut them. I hope he keeps that promise because people can't survive as it is."
Varga has also noticed rising costs due to trade instability. Her gift basket business is being impacted by fluctuating prices, a result of ongoing tariff threats. Despite this, she remains hopeful but warns, "If he doesn't come through, he's going to have a lot of people turning on him."
Democratic Voices and Economic Strains
Progressive organizer and Air Force veteran Melissa Cordero shared frustration over policy changes, especially those affecting veterans, the LGBTQ community, and deported immigrants. She lost a conservation grant tied to a DEI initiative and worries about funding cuts to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
"Mental health is being cut, and that's what we veterans need most," Cordero said. Though exhausted, she continues to organize and push back. "I'm angry because the communities I care most about are being attacked."
Business owners are also seeing the toll of economic uncertainty. In Rio Rico, near the U.S.-Mexico border, food distributor Matt Mandel struggles with the unpredictability of tariffs. "We can't plan. It's just constant confusion," he said.
Ray Flores, who runs multiple restaurants in southern Arizona, said customer spending is down 7–8%, blaming it on uncertainty and fear. He gives Trump's first 100 days a rating of 5 out of 10 and hopes for more balance ahead. "If we could end up at a 7, it would be really nice," Flores said.
Looking Ahead
While Trump still holds support among some voters, many are watching closely. From small-business owners to veterans, Tucson reflects a community navigating hope and hesitation, with many waiting to see if promises will translate into lasting progress.
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