A prominent Republican donor has publicly broken with President Donald Trump and the MAGA movement, claiming he was betrayed after years of financial and political support.
Investor and former US Senate candidate Bruce Fenton has aired his grievances on X in a strongly worded post that quickly gained traction online. Fenton, a longtime Republican, wrote, “Trump lied. He rugpulled us all.” He claims to have donated approximately $60,000 to Trump’s campaign across several election cycles. He described himself as part of a “broad coalition” of conservatives who initially backed the president, a coalition he now believes has been “torched” because Trump’s current political direction no longer aligns with the principles that first earned their support.
According to the International Business Times, Fenton also pushed back against expected criticism, writing, “If you say I have ‘TDS’ or am a ‘liberal’ you need a new argument.” He maintains that many conservatives share his concerns but have remained silent. His use of “rugpull,” a term from financial circles referring to a sudden withdrawal of value, reflects his view that campaign promises have not translated into actual policy.
Rogan and other Trump supporters are also voicing betrayal over Iran strikes and broken promises
Fenton’s critique centers on his belief that Trump has moved away from “America First” principles and is now embracing “America Second policies.” His remarks reflect ongoing debates within conservative circles about foreign policy, trade, and federal authority.
He claims that “the only ones left supporting him are MAGA always Trumpers who place the man above the policies and our country.” Fenton is not alone in this view – conservatives who believe Trump has betrayed MAGA have been growing in number across the political right.
This sense of betrayal is not limited to Fenton. According to NBC News, influential podcaster Joe Rogan, who endorsed Trump in 2024, has also voiced concerns about Trump’s decision to strike Iran.
Speaking on his podcast with conservative author Michael Shellenberger, Rogan called the military operation “nuts” and “so insane based on what he ran on,” adding that many supporters feel “betrayed.” Rogan also questioned whether Trump was influenced by Israel or “war hawks around him.”
The White House has defended Trump’s actions. Spokesperson Anna Kelly stated that the decision to strike Iran is “as America First as it gets,” arguing that Trump is protecting the United States from the Iranian regime. Kelly said the administration is working to end Iran’s ability to possess nuclear weapons, develop ballistic missiles, arm proxies, or use its “now-defeated navy.”
Trump himself has offered varying predictions on the war’s duration, at one point suggesting it could take a month or longer, then later saying it would end soon. Notably, most Americans opposing Trump’s war in Iran has done little to shift his stance on bypassing congressional approval.
Beyond Fenton and Rogan, polling data shows Trump’s support among young men has started to decline. A February Reuters/Ipsos poll indicated that only 33% of men aged 18-29 approved of Trump’s performance, down from 43% the previous year.
Podcasters like Rogan, Theo Von, and Shawn Ryan, who were credited with helping Trump gain support among young men in 2024, have since publicly criticized his policies, including his mass deportation agenda, his support for Israel in Gaza, and the administration’s handling of Jeffrey Epstein records.
Trump has not directly responded to Fenton’s specific allegations as of March 31, 2026. He continues to defend his record in speeches and campaign materials, pointing to achievements like tax reform, judicial appointments, and regulatory changes. His support among core Republican and MAGA voters remains strong, though dissenting voices like Fenton’s and Rogan’s point to growing tensions over the party’s direction and identity.
Published: Mar 31, 2026 08:35 am