Support for Trump is High Inside Prisons, But That’s Not the Whole Story

The 2016 US Presidential election was a contentious one, with two polarizing candidates vying for the highest office in the country. In the end, Donald Trump emerged as the victor, much to the surprise and dismay of many. However, what may come as a surprise to some is the level of support that Trump has garnered from an unlikely group – prisoners.

Yes, you read that right. Prisoners, who are often seen as a marginalized and forgotten group in society, have shown a surprising amount of support for the current President. In fact, according to a recent survey conducted by the Prison Policy Initiative, Trump’s approval rating among prisoners is at a staggering 68%. This is significantly higher than his overall approval rating among the general population, which stands at around 40%.

So why is it that Trump has such high support among prisoners? For one, his tough stance on crime and law enforcement has resonated with many inmates who have experienced the harsh realities of the criminal justice system. Trump’s promise to be tough on crime and his support for law enforcement have struck a chord with those who have been on the receiving end of the justice system.

Furthermore, Trump’s anti-immigration rhetoric has also struck a chord with prisoners, many of whom are serving time for immigration-related offenses. His promise to crack down on illegal immigration and build a wall along the US-Mexico border has appealed to those who see themselves as victims of a broken immigration system.

But while it may seem like Trump has overwhelming support among prisoners, it’s important to understand that this is not the whole story. The reality is that prisoners are a diverse group, with varying political beliefs and backgrounds. While some may support Trump, there are many others who do not.

In fact, the same survey that found high approval ratings for Trump also found that a significant number of prisoners, around 32%, disapprove of his presidency. This highlights the fact that prisoners, like any other group, cannot be painted with a broad brush. They are individuals with their own thoughts, opinions, and beliefs.

Moreover, it’s important to acknowledge that the prison environment can influence the political views of inmates. Many prisoners are cut off from the outside world and have limited access to information and news. As a result, their views may be shaped by the limited information they receive. This is not to say that their views are not valid, but it’s important to recognize the impact that their environment can have on their beliefs.

It’s also worth noting that the high support for Trump among prisoners does not necessarily translate to votes. Many prisoners are not eligible to vote due to their incarceration, and even those who are eligible may face barriers to exercising their right to vote. This raises questions about the true impact of prisoners’ support for Trump.

Furthermore, it’s important to consider the policies and actions of the Trump administration that have directly affected prisoners. From rolling back criminal justice reform efforts to cutting funding for rehabilitation programs, the Trump administration’s policies have not been favorable to prisoners. This raises the question of whether prisoners’ support for Trump is truly in their best interests.

In conclusion, while it may be surprising to some, support for Trump is indeed high inside prisons. His tough stance on crime and law enforcement, as well as his anti-immigration rhetoric, have resonated with many inmates. However, it’s important to remember that prisoners are a diverse group and their support for Trump does not tell the whole story. It’s crucial to consider the impact of the prison environment and the policies of the Trump administration on prisoners’ views and actions. As we move forward, it’s important to listen to the voices of all individuals, including prisoners, and strive for a more inclusive and just society.