The Democratic Party is facing a full-blown identity crisis, with even its own voters calling it “inept,” “useless,” and incapable of connecting with average Americans. In a revealing New York Times opinion piece, Democratic voters from across the country took direct aim at their party’s leadership, its strategy, and its failure to adapt in the face of President Donald Trump’s return to power.

“You need to go back to the drawing board and reconnect with common people,” said Terrell from Texas. Speaking bluntly about Trump, he added, “No one cares how villainous he is.”

That sentiment reflects a growing frustration among the party’s base, especially younger voters, who say the party’s fixation on attacking Trump isn’t delivering results—or inspiring confidence. Ariel, a 23-year-old from Indiana, warned that the Democrats are stuck in 2020. “Focusing on Trump and how bad of a threat he was didn’t work,” she said. “Moving forward, they need to reconnect with people, find out what the average American wants—and then run with that platform through the midterms.”

The criticism wasn’t limited to strategy. Democratic voters also blasted party leadership, particularly Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Ariel said she was “upset with Jeffries” for essentially admitting the party couldn’t do anything and slammed Schumer for “lecturing” voters after caving on a budget deal.

Ashley, a 19-year-old from New York, expressed deep disillusionment. “It’s so hard to even defend Democrats anymore,” she said. “Especially now over the last 100 days, it’s really tiring. We just need to know that you are on our side, because it doesn’t feel like it.”

Even voters who oppose Trump admitted that the current Democratic playbook isn’t working. “I don’t think fighting Trump is the entire answer,” said Laura, a mail carrier from Missouri. “We’ve got to do something to bring the two parties together to talk without shouting, because it’s just not going to work any other way.”

The Times report paints a picture of a party in freefall—hemorrhaging support from its own base and unable to define a clear vision. Despite Biden’s exit from office, voters interviewed also criticized his decision to run for re-election, suggesting it weakened the party’s ability to rally behind fresh leadership.

Many respondents expressed more respect for firebrand newcomers like Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX), who they see as authentic and unafraid to speak her mind. “You’re still using the same political tactics. You gave a grand speech, and you broke a record. It’s all performative,” Ashley said. “What are you doing to really reconnect with people?”

As Trump’s agenda gains momentum, Democrats appear stuck in a cycle of denial, doubling down on outdated tactics while their own voters call for serious change. Conservatives have long argued that the Democratic Party is more interested in performative outrage and elite talking points than in delivering for working-class Americans. This candid feedback from their own voters confirms it.

With the 2026 midterms looming, Democrats are now facing the harsh reality: the real revolt may not come from Republicans—but from inside their own party.