Rutgers students react to Trump becoming President-elect

Almost immediately after the news that Donald Trump is going to be our next president came out, the country erupted into chaos and fear. Protests were popping up all over the country, hashtags of #notmypresident were appearing all over the internet, and the American people are still expressing their fears for the next four years. We sat down down with some Rutgers students to get their opinions on the election results and the turmoil that has followed.

Sigal, 21, Senior

When I first found out that Donald Trump won the presidential election, my initial reaction was complete shock. I honestly did not think that Donald Trump would have a chance based on what I heard in the media, where many people were saying that it was likely that Hillary Clinton would win by a landslide. As I was watching the results from each state come in, it became clear to me that Donald Trump would, in fact, become our next president. I think that many people, like myself, are fearful for the future of this country, but this election has certainly made me realize that grieving during this time is okay. It is also a time to remind ourselves that just because we might be once voice, that voice is still heard by others, and we certainly can bring about a positive change. I would just like to end off by saying that we can make a difference in this country and it’s important that we see the good in everyone, regardless of someone’s political views.

Amy, 21, Senior

I’m absolutely stunned. When I learned that Hillary had called Trump to concede, I was astonished. I think partly because, for the past year or so, everyone considered Trump’s consideration for the presidency as a practical joke, and partly because many news outlets, journals, and figures predicted that she would triumph. Personally, I dislike the both of them, but since I initially had the mindset that Trump could never become our Commander-In-Chief, I’m utterly shocked. From what I’ve observed and read up on of Donald Trump, I think we can all conclude that he’s a big talker. But whether or not he executes what he proposes is another story. Sure, many politicians struggle to keep their word, but the fact that Trump possesses no solid political experience makes me feel as if the future is undetermined.

Divisive politics of identity were the foundation of Trump’s campaign, and they weren’t positive. Through his campaigns to try and bring about positive change, they instead brought about racial and ethnic tension that deliberately targeted specific races and communities. Not only that, but the epitome of equal rights, and, overall, the welfare of our citizens is completely wiped off the board. People are terrified of what this man will do. It’s disheartening to see what kinds of change Trump is already invoking, even since the beginning of his campaign. This has caused a poignant and visible rift that I completely condemn. His 100-day plan includes a lot of “cancels” and “banning”, but I hope the changes that he makes will consider the fact that America will always be a “melting pot”. As citizens of the United States, we should support each other no matter what, even if we don’t support who our Commander-In-Chief is.

Frank, 21, Senior

I was shocked when I found out that Donald Trump was going to be our next president. I knew that a Trump victory was a possibility, but I never really thought that he could win. I’m not really afraid, but I am concerned about the potential impact a Trump presidency will have on the United States’ position in the international community. Regardless of the growing animosity in the country, I hope that Trump does a good job as President of the United States for all of our sakes. He won the election and I believe that it’s time to just see what happens and hope for the best, instead of assuming the worst. I do hope that the country will become less politically polarized in the future, and that liberals and conservatives can come to understand  each other better so that future elections are less divisive.

Andrea, 20, Junior

I was staying up late and I could see the numbers coming in and at first I thought it was a joke. I really didn’t believe he was going to win because I was surrounded by people who thought the same as me. I knew that there were people who supported him, but I didn’t know that it was most of America. As I was seeing the numbers come in more and more in favor of him it dawned on me, “oh my God, he’s going to be president.” I was really hoping that at least Senate and the House of Representatives would be democratic – that way there would be some force of compromise on his part in the next four years – but when I woke up on Wednesday and found out that everything swung in the way of the republican party, I was just in shock. Everyone around me was too and you can’t really put that into words, I mean we are all scared; I’m scared. I am scared for all of the minorities, my Muslim friends, and the immigrant generation. I am an immigrant, but at least I have a college education; I am fearful for those who weren’t able to and they have crappy jobs, and they have bosses who feel like Trump feels. Now when you have a president who kind of validates the anger and resentment that some people have, it elicits fear in a lot of people. I am just grateful that I live in an area that is more democratic. I’m just hoping that he centers himself more and acts more like the version of himself that he portrayed in his acceptance speech and I hope that he doesn’t change everything that he said he would and undo everything that Obama did. I really never thought of a reality where he would be president, so now I just have to rethink everything and reevaluate how I go about living my life in this new Trump-presidency America.

Brian, 21, Senior

I was about as surprised as every other liberal. I was upset, and angry, and I had the privilege until Tuesday night to think our society was a little more accepting than it is. I supported Bernie Sanders’ platform mostly, so for me, the GOP victories in every branch mean the country is heading in a direction that is pretty much the opposite of what I want and hoped for this election season. I fear for my friends, neighbors and fellow citizens most of all. Donald Trump needs to speak out against the violence his campaign has incited, otherwise I fear for America.. There is much anger, unrest, and fear right now. My hopes for the future lie with the Democratic party. I hope so them rebuild with a better progressive attitude. I hope to see them rise from the ashes in the next four years and beyond.