‘Complete and utter despair’: What Exeter Uni students think about the US election result

Donald Trump is officially the 47th President of the United States of America. After a close election campaign against Kamala Harris, Trump’s votes win by a landslide. With Trump’s first presidency in 2016 causing turbulence across the globe, many are terrified for what Trump’s re-election holds. America’s pain can be felt internationally – many women, minorities and LGBTQ+ communities are at risk of losing their rights.

We asked the University of Exeter students, including American students, for their responses to these results. Many described to feel “physically sick”, “devastated” and in “utter despair”. One student commented that the choice was “between a convicted felon, sex offender and a woman with political experience” for president, which is “a joke”. Here’s what students had to say:

Global Politics

One student voiced concern that Trump’s re-election “sets a dangerous precedent for politics globally”. While his tax policy may not trigger an immediate crisis, it could increase the risk of rising long-term interest rates, which may impact economies, including that of the UK.

Throughout his campaign and his victory speech Trump has promised the end the Ukraine-Russia War and has promised to bring “peace” and end Israels genocide on Gaza, though he has refused to elaborate more than overseeing a deal.

However, with it being well-known that Trump has had personal connections with both Putin and Netanyahu has left students feeling “absolutely terrified” and “utter despair”.

Women’s Rights

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Many students have expressed concerns that the “USA are making the Handmaid’s Tale a reality”, with Trumps stance on women’s rights.  In his campaign and Project 2025 Trump has been a huge advocate for restricting women’s access to abortions and contraception. Both Trump and Vance have supported the idea of women reporting their pregnancies, miscarriages and abortions to the Government – mirroring the dystopia, The Handmaid’s Tale.

Since Roe v Wade was overturned in 2022, 17 states have implemented restraints or ban on abortion. In Texas alone, 28,000 women have been forced to given birth, which Trump has celebrated. Additionally, many women have died due to denied miscarriage treatment.

Aligned with Project 2025, Trump plans to limit access to contraceptives, such as Plan B and the mailing of abortion pills. Many students are “devasted for all the women in the US” and “furious”.

One student has commented that “apologies are due to mothers, sisters and daughters in the USA”.

Minorities

With Trump’s and Vance’s Project 2025 they aim to target minorities across America. Students have expressed that they are “fearful & worried about the future for the LGBTQ+ community” as Project 2025 and Agenda 47 seeks to repeal protections for LGBTQ+ Americans as well as reinstate Trump’s transgender military ban.

Many transgender men and women are left fearful for their future as he plans to restrict gender affirming healthcare for both adults and trans youth. Doctors and teachers will be punished if they discuss or provide help to LGBTQ+ communities. Additionally, Trump aims to decline marriage equality for LGBTQ+ couples as he supports “traditional marriage” and “opposed to gay marriage”.

Trump has threatened to reinstate his Muslim ban and initiate mass deportation as soon as he re-enters the White House. Already there has been fear from immigrants across America fearing for their citizenship to be taken from them. One student stated there is the feeling of “utter doom for the future”.