By granting Donald Trump an assertive win in last Tuesday’s election, both in the electoral college and popular vote, America has declared its values. In the coming four years, an abuse of people, lack of respect and replacement of law with harmful extremist opinions is in play for the country.
It is dejecting to see how many Americans fail to recognize how much is at stake for so many populations. It is maddening to see that America still refuses to elect a woman for president. A recent quote from Jesse Haynie, a sophomore at ACHS, feels especially relevant today: “How qualified does a woman have to be to beat the most unqualified man?”
As I walk through the hallways of ACHS, I see a school full of solemn faces fearfully conversing about the future of America. There are thousands of students across all backgrounds at ACHS, and we are seeing the election affecting each and every one of us.
It is the job of those who cast their votes for Trump to understand what his policies mean for the people, especially those who are harmed in the making of a conservative executive branch.
As LGBTQ rights, abortion access, immigration, healthcare and the economy are now in the hands of a 34-count convicted felon, Project 2025 is a stranger to none of us and a fear of Virginia’s voters.
Many of Trump’s promises do not fall under his authority as president. Most of his policies take much longer than their dedicated “day-one” time frame to carry out, and it is in the highest hopes that common sense in the House and Senate will block these policies, especially for a short timeline.
As Trump has made clear intentions of enacting policies out of his control, he has proved that he does not have enough knowledge about our country and how our political system works. Empty promises are dealt from an empty hand with nothing progressive to give to our country. In many of Trump’s speeches as of late, he has made over 200 promises, according to the Washington Post.
Trump has said that he would cut funds to schools that teach what he describes as “critical race theory” and “transgender insanity, ” showing an ignorance and lack of information on the front of these topics. This poses a threat to many valuable lives, and invalidates many populations. Transgender people need healthcare and recognition for their survival. Trump’s description of “critical race theory” is simply the fact that we acknowledge diversity, and in cutting funds to people who teach it, we are failing to address America’s history as a racist nation.
Another massive part of Trump’s campaign has been promises on deportation, and he plans on launching America’s largest “mass deportation” spree. What Trump fails to recognize with this plan is how many immigrants not only need this country, but that this country needs them. Without immigrants doing the jobs that keep this country running, Trump would be forced to find people such as himself to take on the lower paying jobs. Deporting these people would initiate an economic crisis in America’s production. Many extremists fail to see that immigrants came to America for a reason. They need this nation for their survival. I wish the best of luck to Trump in finding people willing to complete the tough, low paying jobs that our immigrants currently carry out with little appreciation.
LGBTQ people continue to be at risk, and Trump never fails to demonstrate his lack of support for transgender and queer lives. A part of Trump’s new policies is excluding transgender people from sports, making inclusion and acceptance all the harder for this minority group. It is hard enough for transgender and queer people to be recognized as humans. Alienating their population is not only unjust, but it will not be possible. LGBTQ people are too strong and have been through too much to be defeated by weak extremists.
An ignorance for the health and well-being of America’s diverse people was a clear outcome of Trump’s first presidency, as he initiated efforts to overturn Roe V. Wade and unsuccessfully attempted to repeal the Affordable Care Act. Now, he will likely sign a national abortion ban if it is passed by Congress. He will also try to repeal the Affordable Care Act another time, and it’s looking like he will have the votes to do so. Thousands of lives are at stake, and especially endangered are those with pre-existing conditions like cancer and diabetes.
Not only does Trump seek power which he is unqualified for, but he seeks to destroy the flagship legislation signed by the Biden-Harris administration, like the Inflation Reduction Act, Chips Act, and Infrastructure and Jobs Act. It is apparent that politics are a dance in this country, and after the 2024 election, we are taking too many steps back and not enough forward.
Seeing that Trump’s policies will be a threat for millions in America, anyone who sees injustice in his politics must exercise their rights and continue the fight. Although the next four years will be full of many trials and tribulations, all anyone can do is be prepared to take action. As the midterm elections arise in 2026, the community of Alexandria is urged to make use of their voting rights as early as possible. Educate yourself and others, and don’t be afraid to continue the fight.
Let us not forget our civil liberties, our place as human beings and our knowledge of what is good in this country. Stick together, and as Kamala Harris said in her concession speech: “Sometimes the fight takes a while. That doesn’t mean we won’t win. The important thing is don’t ever give up.”
