The fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents has triggered a measurable shift in American public opinion and media discourse. A new Quinnipiac University poll reveals that a majority of voters, 53%, believe the shooting was "unjustified." Furthermore, 57% of voters disapprove of how ICE is enforcing immigration laws.
A Changing Tone in Media and Public Sentiment
This data arrives alongside a noticeable recalibration from some influential voices. The New York Times published an op-ed titled "The Resistance Libs Were Right." Notably, podcasters like Joe Rogan and Theo Von, who are widely seen as figures who helped galvanize support for Donald Trump's return to power, have recently moderated their full-throated backing. Rogan's pointed question—"Are we really going to be the Gestapo?"—earlier this month encapsulates this unease.
For individuals who have been vocal critics since the previous Trump administration, often labelled as "deranged" or alarmist, the current moment is one of grim validation. The feeling of being both horrified and unsurprised creates a profound sense of isolation, particularly for those in less politically engaged communities.
The Psychological Toll of 'Political Trauma'
Licensed clinical social worker Melissa S. Tihinen describes the consequence of having one's warnings repeatedly dismissed. "When people ring alarm bells about the danger they see and others dismiss those fears, it can lead to increased feelings of despair, hopelessness and loneliness," she told HuffPost. Therapist Jeff Guenther (known as @TherapyJeff online) calls the repeated dismissal of valid fears a "form of chronic stress" leading to hypervigilance and a loss of trust in one's own judgment.
"You’re constantly scanning for the next threat because you’ve learned that nobody is going to believe you until the damage is already done," Guenther said. He links this state to depression, deep isolation, and symptoms of moral injury. Tihinen argues that what her clients are experiencing goes beyond anxiety and leans into "political trauma."
Anger is a significant component of this emotional response. "You’re mourning the fact that these people didn’t value your perspective or your safety until it was too late to prevent the damage," Guenther explained. This anger, however, can be a protective force. "It’s telling you that something isn’t right," he said, advising against being shamed into a calm that feels like compliance.
Navigating Relationships with 'Late Bloomers'
The recent shift from those who previously dismissed concerns presents its own challenges. Guenther notes the frustration of being gaslit for years only to have those same people act as if they've newly discovered the problem. His advice is to "honor your resentment."
"You don’t have to jump straight to being glad you’re finally on the same page. You’re allowed to be pissed that it took this much for them to see your humanity or the reality of the situation," he said. Setting boundaries is crucial. "You don’t have to be their political tour guide or their emotional support person while they catch up." Taking space to validate one's own experience is a necessary step before reconciliation.
Self-Care and Grounding in Community Action
Both therapists emphasize the importance of disciplined self-care to prevent burnout and despair. This includes managing media consumption. Tihinen warns that obsessively consuming news can be overwhelming and plays into a tactic of exhausting resistance. "I think one of the ways we can resist this administration is to take care of our well-being and resting so that we can continue to resist," she said.
Guenther specifically targets the habit of "doomscrolling," which he says keeps the brain in a state of high-intensity trauma rather than imparting real control. He suggests scheduling news intake and redirecting energy locally. "Focus on community and local action. Your nervous system wasn’t meant to hold the weight of the entire world’s suffering 24/7," he advised.
Finding a compatible mental health provider is also key. Guenther recommends vetting a therapist carefully for those dealing with political anxiety or trauma, asking direct questions about their approach to systemic issues and oppression. "If they’re pushing a both-sides narrative or trying to neutralize your very valid fears, they’re probably not the right fit," he said. The goal is to find someone who validates your reality to facilitate genuine healing.
