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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To go LC with PILs because FIL voted for Trump?

308 replies

EachotherAndAnother · 24/01/2026 22:52

I've been married for 18 years, two primary-aged DC. My ILs are American. They live about 20 mins drive from us (in the UK). For most of my marriage we've gotten along fine-ish, although I've often felt like they cross a lot of boundaries and have learned to be judicious about how much I open up to them. But they're hospitable and generous - have helped us financially when buying our house, help with the DC in the holidays etc.
They've occasionally made comments that have rubbed me the wrong way, but I've dismissed them as typical boomer nonsense - e.g. the idea that poor people are usually poor because they've make bad choices. They also cautioned their other son (DH's brother), who was planning to (and did) marry a Black woman, that any time a "minority" has married into the family it's ended up causing problems and division. But by and large I keep my conversations with them superficial and manage to rub along ok. The DC adore them.
But - I recently found out that FIL voted for Trump. Any time a controversial issue has come up regarding politics in the US, the conversation gets shut down very quickly, but I had my suspicions and these are now confirmed. And maybe it's ridiculous but I just can't stomach being around them anymore - I'm disgusted that he felt a man like that deserved to be elevated to the role of president and I'm furious about the havoc that is unleashing in the States and elsewhere. I don't want my daughter (in particular, but also not my son) spending time with them, I just feel like they're completely different people from me, with completely different values.
They are oblivious to how I feel and would feel blindsided if I brought it up. We would definitely not be able to have a productive conversation about it. So AIBU to just quietly stop accepting invitations, offers of help etc and gradually distance my family from theirs, or is that a massive overreaction?

OP posts:
snowlaser · 27/01/2026 12:29

Family is more important than politics. Family will be with you long after Trump is dead. Don't burn family ties over temporary politics.

BlueJuniper94 · 27/01/2026 12:43

Differentforgirls · 27/01/2026 12:12

Yes it is. He gave his son the money years ago. You think giving money should mean respect for life. That’s an obsession, a dangerous one for any parent to have. You can’t buy love or respect.

I have no idea what posts you read that make you think that is my opinion! Perhaps you replied to the wrong person

estrogone · 27/01/2026 12:45

My take is that if we cut people off for voting for Trump, then he has won. He is weaponising lots of different social issues, sowing fear and division and ultimately looking to break down societal decency.

I despise Trump but won't let him turn me against democracy, as much as he would love Total anarchy and to put off the mid-term; and/or release the Epstein Files.

IstillloveKingThistle · 27/01/2026 14:53

Tourmalines · 25/01/2026 06:08

How nasty of you to keep the grandkids away when they adore their grandparents. Massive overreaction.

I think this sums it up.
You sound awful.

Political preference is entirely subjective and entirely private .

What another person / who they support , is entirely up to them , despite your very strong opinion that they are wrong because they don’t have the same view as you .

Please get over yourself. You sound a bit unhinged.

Differentforgirls · 27/01/2026 20:33

BlueJuniper94 · 27/01/2026 12:43

I have no idea what posts you read that make you think that is my opinion! Perhaps you replied to the wrong person

Nope. Read back.

BlueJuniper94 · 27/01/2026 21:42

Differentforgirls · 27/01/2026 20:33

Nope. Read back.

I know what I said

Differentforgirls · 27/01/2026 21:47

BlueJuniper94 · 27/01/2026 21:42

I know what I said

So do I.

CleverButScatty · 27/01/2026 22:37

Vodkamartini3olives · 25/01/2026 00:12

My In Laws voted for Trump and they are wonderful people. The did it because after a lifetime of voting for the Democrats they have completely lost faith in the party. It's their right and I completely respect that.

Our of interest how do they feel about having votes him in now, having seen how he has acted in his second term?
Have they changed their minds or do they still think he was the best bet?

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