” I was concerned that Trump was just playing conservatives for fools.”
Based on what evidence?
I’ve been positive about trump throughout with a few periods of doubt during the primary. That said, Trump had as much history supporting the left as he did the right. More recent history was more in our favor. There was no guarantee that he would not walk into office and play the middle. It’s wonderful for the country and us that he has been a steel-spined conservative in office.
Based on his long political history and statements he had made years ago, in interviews and in books. Some of his opponents used those statements in the primary campaign.