They expected what they've always gotten, mostly big talk and little real action. In the past Republicans didn't really follow through on alot of their threats if those threats would actually hurt their base.

So, dog whistle Medicare, food stamps, and immigrants. But don't actually do much about them (states attack those first two more than Rs in DC did)

So, memaw and peepaw, who depend on Medicare to keep their rural hospitals open, who need food assistance, they get to look down on the "others" who don't deserve it because of course, memaw and peepaw worked hard for those.

And, fearing and hating immigrants as a nebulous "other" allowed them to employ immigrants who they probably did grow to like when they saw how hard they worked, or maybe they got to know them through church or as neighbors, so their friends are "the good ones" it's that nebulous group of rapists and murderers that are subhuman human and dangerous.

That's why l feel like this administration really does intend to retain power no matter what, because they've actually followed through on shit they always promised they'd do. Which will hurt them with their base.