We asked, you answered: How has your outlook changed since Trump took office?

A version of this story appears in the Granite Post newsletter. Subscribe here.

Politics in Washington can feel far away, but the impacts hit home here in New Hampshire—on jobs, health care, schools, and everyday costs. Decisions made in DC ripple through our local communities and shape how people here feel about the country’s direction.

This week we asked readers to share how their outlook on the future changed—for better or worse—since President Donald Trump returned to the White House.

Here’s what they said…

“Drastically worse. We have researched potential places to live in Ontario, tax implications, health insurance differences and more. Right now we’re sticking here, but keeping our options open. What’s being allowed to happen is a travesty. We joined the No Kings protest but as we are in our 70s, we hope more younger people join us in saving our country before it’s too late.” — R. Carr 

“Save me from this dictator.” — Judi Lang 

“Absolutely, mine has benefited and a lot. More people I know are doing better and we are all middle class. But it always comes down to the personal choices we make.” — Dan Boutin

“Worse! He’s destroying everything he touches.” — Tim Kelly

“Much worse, I’m not sure the country will ever recover from him trying to turn it into a monarchy.” — Mike Blackledge

“I am not a professional mental health worker, but IMHO Mr. Trump is a narcissist, and since he took over my view of the future is that it will get worse before it gets better.” — JoAnn Carlson

“I fear the worst. It’s tearing everyone apart and they’re acting like 5 year olds fighting over the last lollipop. Seriously! We’re supposed to be able to work together to make a bright future for our children and grandchildren. But everyone is name calling and blaming! If our politicians followed the law and acted with civility and decorum, it would be easier to deal with. Swear in those who need to be sworn in, open the government, and get back to damn work!”  — Maggie Dufour 

“So much worse! He has taken over power, eliminating the checks and balances in place to prevent Presidential abuse of power. He is a conflicted felon willing to pardon other felons who serve his purposes and perhaps profit him. He continues to reward the rich and powerful corporations while taking away vital benefits for struggling families, the elderly and disabled relying on Medicare/Medicaid, and those who depend on healthcare at affordable rates. He places incompetent people in authority only to do his bidding for what suits his purposes or to go after people strictly out of revenge. He has NO compassion, NO respect for anything or anyone, NO conscience or moral compass, and is unable to stop lying or misleading, keeping the nation distracted with outrageous crap while destroying democracy and everything he touches—literally destroying the people’s house. He will attempt to stay in power after his term is up.” — Deb Lindsey 

“My outlook has changed based on the policies and current practices of the Trump regime. Our country and all its inhabitants are or will soon be in worse shape. Personally, I am privileged (through sheer accident of birth). I am white, educated, healthy, semi-retired in a comfortable house with sufficient resources to support my lifestyle. I was raised to think beyond myself and I am witnessing the terrible pain that people who cannot check all of those boxes are suffering. Denying food assistance to the needy, being kidnapped off the street and thrown into concentration camps, the demolishing of the Department of Education, the killing of people in international waters without due process and all the rest of the pain being inflicted on our fellow human beings and which I know will eventually affect me in a more concrete manner does not augur well for an optimistic outlook.”— Sharon Powers