The results of the U.S. presidential election have stunned the nation. Despite polling that suggested a tight race, Donald Trump triumphed with a commanding victory, securing several crucial battleground states. His win has left Americans across the political spectrum reeling, as many expected a much closer contest—a nail-biting toss-up rather than a landslide.

Now, the conversation has shifted to speculation, reminiscent of 2016, about the so-called “shy Trump voter.” Could it be that certain voters, once again, were reluctant to admit their support for Trump? And now that he’s back in office, how are these voters feeling—triumphant, relieved, or perhaps still cautious despite the victory?

Stephanie Sarkis, a psychotherapist, suggests that people’s reactions to the outcome will likely vary. “There’s no one-size-fits-all response,” she says. “As elections become more polarized, revealing who you voted for can feel riskier, especially as political divisions intensify.”

Why Do Some Voters Keep Their Support Secret?

The notion of the “secret Trump voter” has become a point of discussion. On one hand, the idea that someone would hide their support for a figure who has already served a term and now returns for another seems strange. Trump is more mainstream than ever, and his resilience through political and personal challenges has made him a familiar, albeit controversial, figure. But in some places, particularly liberal areas, publicly supporting Trump still comes with social risks.

Urban areas in swing states, for example, have likely seen voters who felt more comfortable voting for Trump privately rather than revealing their preference to friends or colleagues. But who are these voters? The answer, as always, depends on who you ask.

Some suggest that suburban women are the new “shy Trump voters,” pointing to an electorate that feels pressured by political correctness or social expectations. Others argue it’s young men who are more reluctant to disclose their support. “They might be the most significant group of shy Trump voters,” one observer noted. In reality, the shy Trump voter likely represents a broad spectrum of people from different walks of life and may have kept their vote quiet for several reasons.

The Complicated Feelings Behind the Silence

For some, the decision to keep their vote secret might be driven by a sense of cognitive dissonance. According to Sarkis, some voters might have felt torn between their values and their choice of candidate. “They may have voted for Trump for reasons that don’t fully align with their personal beliefs, but they don’t want to publicly confront that contradiction,” she explains.

Other times, the reticence might simply reflect fatigue. With political discussions becoming so polarized, many voters are exhausted by the constant need to justify their choices. “Many people are just tired of talking politics,” Sarkis adds. “It’s not necessarily about shame, but more about avoiding the emotional toll of defending their decisions in such a divisive environment.”

Trump’s Polarizing Effect

Trump’s ability to generate intense reactions—both positive and negative—also contributes to voter reluctance to openly support him. Even though his influence has grown since his first term, his polarizing nature remains an obstacle for those who might be otherwise inclined to support him. “Trumpism has become a loaded term,” notes Matthew Dallek, a political historian at George Washington University. “Many Trump supporters are likely hesitant to publicly acknowledge their vote because of the stigma attached to it.”

What’s Next for the ‘Shy Trump Voters’?

Now that the election results are in, many shy Trump voters may feel a mix of emotions. While some are undoubtedly relieved and excited, others may still feel anxiety about the future. “It’s natural to feel uncertain, even after a victory,” Sarkis says. “There’s always the tension between what a candidate promises and what they actually deliver.”

As the political climate remains charged, many people—whether they supported Trump or not—may continue to keep their voting preferences private. “In a polarized environment, people may just prefer to stay silent, regardless of the outcome,” Sarkis concludes.