Key Takeaways
- A Libertarian leader says he feels swindled by Trump after broken promises on spending and wars.
- He voted for Trump in 2024 but regrets it and may sit out a re-election bid.
- He praises Trump’s pardon of Ross Ulbricht as a bright spot.
- The One Big Beautiful Bill Act reversed early spending cuts.
- He plans to vote in 2026 and 2028 but warns parties not to betray voters.
A year after the election, Morgen Mogus admits he feels swindled by Trump. As chair of the Libertarian Party in Butler County, Pennsylvania, he backed Trump for the first time. He hoped for less government spending, fewer wars, and bold reforms. Instead, he saw big spending packages and attacks on libertarian lawmakers. Now he warns friends and family that broken promises can cost a party its supporters.
Why Libertarians Feel Swindled by Trump
Mogus says he feels swindled by Trump because the president never delivered on key pledges. At the Libertarian convention, Trump promised to cut waste, stay out of new conflicts, and create a Department of Government Efficiency with Elon Musk’s help. He even praised the idea of slashing useless programs. But soon after taking office, Trump shifted gears. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act passed, and many early spending cuts vanished. That flip-flop made Mogus and other libertarians feel betrayed.
Broken Promises on Wars and Spending
First, Trump pledged to stay out of wars unless U.S. interests faced a clear threat. Libertarians cheered this stance. However, new military actions continued and spending climbed. Meanwhile, the Department of Government Efficiency never took shape. Mogus notes that only a few cuts made it through before Congress dropped them. He writes that this quick reversal left him doubting any future promises from political leaders.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act Letdown
One turning point was the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. This package ranks among the largest federal spending bills in recent history. Trump had campaigned on trimming wasteful budgets, yet he signed this bill. As a result, most early spending cuts “undid all of their progress by leaps and bounds,” in Mogus’s words. Elon Musk even called the bill an “abomination.” For Mogus, this act symbolizes how a leader can stray from campaign pledges and leave core voters in the cold.
A Lone Pardon Shines Through
Despite his criticism, Mogus thanks Trump for pardoning Ross Ulbricht, the founder of Silk Road. He calls that decision a rare bright spot in an otherwise disappointing term. Ulbricht’s case had become a symbol for civil liberties and free markets. By granting clemency, Trump showed he could still champion personal freedom. Yet this single gesture failed to make up for all the broken promises on spending cuts and non-intervention.
Attacks on Libertarian Allies
Mogus is troubled by how the administration treated libertarian lawmakers. He points to attacks on Representative Thomas Massie and Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky. Both spoke out against the big spending bill. Instead of praising them for fiscal restraint, the White House criticized them. For a libertarian voter, that felt like a slap in the face. He argues that a leader should reward allies who stand by campaign promises.
What Comes Next for Libertarians
Looking ahead, Mogus says he probably won’t support Trump if the 2024 election were held now. He plans to skip that vote but vows to participate in the 2026 midterms and the 2028 presidential race. He hopes both major parties learn a lesson: voters notice when promises vanish. For libertarians, the key issues remain trimming government, protecting civil liberties, and avoiding foreign entanglements. Any party that ignores these concerns risks losing support.
Rebuilding Trust After Feeling Swindled by Trump
To regain trust, leaders must show consistency. They need to act on pledges instead of making grand statements and then reversing course. According to Mogus, starting small with real cuts and clear policy changes can build goodwill. Then, when bigger reforms come, voters will believe in them. He also urges open dialogue. Politicians should listen to grassroots voices before drafting huge packages that alienate their base.
Lessons for All Voters
Mogus’s story serves as a warning to all voters. Promises can sound appealing, but actions matter most. He encourages people to track legislation and hold officials accountable. That means contacting representatives, joining town halls, and using social media to demand answers. With more citizen engagement, leaders will think twice before betraying their campaign pledges.
Conclusion
Morgen Mogus’s sense of being swindled by Trump highlights a common risk in politics: the gap between campaign rhetoric and governing reality. While Trump took some steps that aligned with libertarian ideals, major spending bills and attacks on allies damaged his credibility. Mogus’s choice to sit out a hypothetical re-election shows how critical it is for parties to honor their promises or face voter backlash. As midterms and the next presidential race approach, Americans will be watching closely to see if leaders deliver or disappoint once more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Trump promise to help libertarians?
Trump spoke at the Libertarian convention, vowing to cut spending, avoid new wars, and form a Department of Government Efficiency.
Why does Mogus feel swindled by Trump?
He believes Trump broke core promises by signing a huge spending bill and not following through on planned cuts and reforms.
What was the One Big Beautiful Bill Act?
A large spending package passed under Trump that reversed many early budget cuts, drawing criticism from libertarians and Elon Musk.
Will Mogus vote for Trump again?
He says he would skip a re-election bid if it were held today, but plans to vote in the 2026 midterms and 2028 presidential race.
How can politicians rebuild trust after breaking promises?
They can start with small, real reforms, engage voters in dialogue, and consistently follow through on their campaign pledges.