I don ' t think you realize why people support Trump , and let me clarify to clear any preconceived notions that I am nowhere near a Trump supporter . Many voted for Trump because he provided a protectionist stance on trade that hasn ' t been championed in the White House for decades . Many voted for Trump because immigration is a critical issue for them . Many voted for Trump because they felt he would be less likely to meddle in Middle Eastern affairs for extended durations of time . Many voted for Trump because they feel like Clinton and establishment politicians have become disillusioned with what ' s happening in Washington . Many voted for Trump because he policies were appealing to racists and xenophobes . It really is policybased and simple when you think about it . Pennsylvania , Michigan and Wisconsin flipped to red . That ' s no small feat for a Republican , and it can only be done with a message that is appealing to those voters . He was making a play for Minnesota late in the campaign too . Minnesota is a very blue state . He wasn ' t making people do mental gymnastics .