One week ago, Donald Trump was elected as the 47th president of the United States. Since then, an array of reactions has swirled through the country. From celebrations and parties to disputes and tears — the U.S. has seen a passionate fight simmer down to another division. However, one cannot help but wonder if Trump’s victory is a reflection of a unified nation or a display of the hatred hidden under MAGA hats.
Trump has promised a series of changes that will have harmful effects on various groups of people. From women and LGBTQ+ communities to immigrants, Trump’s presidency will dim the path for progression and unity. Yet, the people chose this.
PBS reports that for his term, Trump pledged to introduce a 15-week federal abortion ban and will allow states to continue prohibiting them altogether. He has also said that states with abortion bans will have the right to monitor pregnancies and prosecute violators. Despite the reality that some women are forced to choose abortion for medical or economic reasons, Trump is vowing more limitations on their access to this choice.
Trump has also promised to cut funding for schools with curricula that include subjects on race, gender and oppression. This directly slams the critical race theory, which says that “race is a social construct, and that racism is not merely the product of individual bias or prejudice, but also something embedded in legal systems and policies.” American youth must be aware of how racism and inequality have shaped the U.S., not only for educational purposes but to continue working toward an equal and just culture. Additionally, Trump plans to eliminate educational positions that oversee diversity, equity and inclusion. These changes will have a negative impact on youth who should be well-versed in these subjects. By taking away the younger generation’s knowledge of diversity and history, an ignorant, apathetic future generation is being raised.
Apart from the damaging future Trump’s presidency will likely bring, one must ask themselves how someone like him was elected. Trump is a convicted felon, having violated numerous laws and even Constitutional Amendments and he is the first president in American history to be impeached twice. It is shocking to see how this well-known, public knowledge of the president-elect flew over heads, taking him to victory.
After election day, Vanity Fair published a digital magazine cover of Trump. On the left-hand side was a list of things he is responsible for: “34 Felony Counts, 1 conviction, 2 Cases Pending, 2 Impeachments, 6 Bankruptcies, 4 More Years, The 47th American President.”
This cover went viral, amassing thousands of views across various social media platforms and stirring controversy among audiences. One user on X wrote, “You guys @VanityFair are so brainwashed. Get out of your bubble and talk to some regular people for a change.”
Despite the negative reactions, nothing negative was said or written about Trump; simple facts and public records were listed. If the words appeared to be an attack, people should ask themselves why. No left-leaning standpoints were taken; perhaps the cover simply made people question how he came to be where he is.
The question of whether or not Trump is fit to be president should not fall on whether or not someone is a Democrat or a Republican, or depend on whether Kamala, Biden or even Jill Stein are better choices. It is a matter of common sense and morality. It is difficult to accept that someone with such limited views and so much power will be taking care of a country that seems to be walking backwards in time.
Having elected a president who is a convicted felon and promises more limitations on marginalized groups, the morals of Americans need to be brought into question. Trump’s abundant success shows how people are continuing to neglect minorities, continuing to turn a blind eye to those who struggle every day to find their voice, their ability to choose and their rights.
