At one Kentucky bar, young Republicans wrestle with their disappointment in Trump and their party
ABC News: Politics — 2026-05-21 04:40:00 — abcnews.com
Young Republicans in Covington, Ky., Express Frustration with Trump Administration
COVINGTON, Ky. — On a recent evening in northern Kentucky, over a dozen young Republicans gathered with beers and brightly colored cocktails at a bar called dEcORa, its neon interior as eccentric as its capitalization, ribbing each other and picking apart the presidential administration they welcomed with high hopes last year. By now, their enthusiasm for Donald Trump had curdled into frustration.
“I absolutely do not regret voting for Trump in 2024,” said Nathaniel Showalter, 34, who sat in front of a concrete pillar covered in spray paint. “I can’t wait for him to get out of office.”
What poured out that night under the bar’s low lights was a sense that the Republican establishment — which they initially applauded Trump for disrupting, but which some now see him sustaining — had forsaken them. That festering feeling has widened a generational gap between younger and older conservatives as the party slowly begins to consider a future without Trump in charge.
Disappointment Over Foreign Policy
The crew at the bar expressed discontent with Trump’s foreign policy, particularly his military actions in Iran. They view Trump’s war with Iran as a betrayal of his campaign promises. “Operation Epic Fury is not just ‘a complete betrayal of his promises,’” said Michael Gartman, 32. “It’s evidence that our voices have been drowned out by the political establishment.”
Logan Edge, a 30-year-old gun lobbyist, mimicked Trump discussing Miriam Adelson, a billionaire who Trump once claimed advised him on Israel. “Oh Miriam, she’s over there, she loves Israel, maybe more than America,” he said, before adding, “You can’t piss on my shoes and tell me it’s raining.” This sentiment reflects a broader frustration among young Republicans who feel sidelined by the establishment.
Concerns About Military Engagement
Andrew Cooperrider, a 33-year-old conservative podcaster, expressed his reluctance to allow his son to enlist in the military. “Not with everything going on, my son is not getting into the military right now and go fight these wars for these psychopaths,” he said. This sentiment was echoed by Angel Figueroa, 27, who served in the military and knows people based in the Middle East. “It would devastate me to see one of my friends getting bombed one day and what, I have to see their box now?”
Generational Divide in the GOP
As the group discussed their frustrations, TJ Roberts, the 28-year-old state representative and group leader, noted, “There seems to be a concerted effort to keep the next generation out on the right.” He lamented, “We have to make sure that young Republicans have a voice in Washington, D.C.” This generational divide is evident as younger conservatives increasingly feel disconnected from the party’s older leadership.
Roberts also expressed concern that young people like those gathered at dEcORa were “going to live a shorter, less prosperous life than your parents.” His comments highlight a growing anxiety about the future among younger Republicans.
Trump’s Promises and Party Dynamics
While some in the group still support Trump, others voiced disappointment. “I think that he broke a lot of his promises,” said Elijah Drysdale, 27. “Any affiliation with this administration will be a stain on your reputation.” This sentiment reflects a broader concern that the party is not living up to its foundational principles.
Roberts argued that the party “under President Donald Trump is without doubt the best Republican Party I have seen in my entire lifetime,” but acknowledged that “the old order is dead.” This internal conflict underscores the challenges facing the GOP as it navigates a future that may not include Trump at the helm.
Conclusion: A Party at a Crossroads
The gathering at dEcORa in Covington, Ky., illustrates a pivotal moment for young Republicans. As they grapple with their frustrations over Trump’s leadership and the direction of the party, the generational divide becomes increasingly pronounced. With concerns over foreign policy, military engagement, and a perceived lack of representation, younger conservatives are calling for a change in leadership and a reevaluation of the party’s core values. The future of the GOP may hinge on how it addresses these concerns and whether it can unify its diverse factions moving forward.