Trump’s Second Presidency, More of the Same?
Story by Joslynn Rivera and Abdoul-kader Harakoye. Photo courtesy of The Washington Post.
On November 5th, 2024, the United States of America voted to determine its new president. The race was between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. As we know, the popular vote does not determine the winner; the electoral college vote does. According to CNN Harris received 226 electoral college votes and Trump received 312, making him the winner. According to NBC Washington, 44% of women voted for Trump, while 54% of women voted for Harris. Meanwhile, 54% of men voted for Trump while 44% of men voted for Harris.
Kamala Harris’ platform was centered around offering Americans tax cuts, lowering food and grocery prices, and lowering healthcare costs. Trump’s platform was centered around closing the border to stop immigration, ending inflation, and larger tax cuts for workers.
Many Americans are upset about this outcome, because Trump has a history of making racist, xenophobic, sexist, and homophobic comments. For example, at one of his rallies during the election season, he made a xenophobic remark and said, “Kamala [Harris] has imported an army of illegal alien gang members and migrant criminals from the dungeons of the third world.”
The results of this election could be life-changing for many, as Trump has promised to change certain policies that hurt groups like the LGBTQIA+ community. CNN interviewed many Americans, asking for their thoughts about the election results and another Trump term. Sandra, from Michigan, said, “I am afraid for my non-white friends. I am afraid for my friends that do not identify as heterosexual or cis. And I am afraid for our youth. Just like last time, they will witness a wave of people feeling empowered to be racist, sexist, and violent under the guise of patriotism. We are better than this and we will keep fighting.”
Joslynn Rivera and Abdoul-kader Harakoye, are 8th grade scholars at Friendship Woodridge International School.