What 7 Americans thought of Trump’s inauguration speech

As Donald J. Trump returns to office, he will represent millions of people who enthusiastically support him, millions of people who forcefully oppose him, and, perhaps most importantly, millions in between.

This last group of voters may have been decisive in November’s election: people unhappy with their choices, frustrated with the nation’s leadership, and skeptical about the path forward.

Over the next 100 days, we’ll stay in touch with some of these voters, asking them about their hopes and concerns as the second Trump administration unfolds. Many of them voted for Mr. Trump, even with reservations, and will closely follow his actions and words as a newly re-elected president. They had their first opportunity Monday, with Mr. Trump’s inauguration speech.

“He can sign all the papers he wants,” said Darlene Alfieri, who watched the speech from the flower shop she runs. “But until that happens, it’s hard to say how it’s going to happen.”

Ms. Alfieri is a lifelong Democrat whose growing frustration over the past four years led her to vote for Mr. Trump in 2024. She had serious reservations about him, and still does. But she came away from her inauguration speech feeling slightly optimistic.