Donald Trump took the oath of office to become the 47th President of the United States in the Capitol Rotunda on Monday. Surrounded by colleagues and critics, Trump was sworn in alongside Vice President JD Vance.
Some are optimistic about the changing of the guard, while some are not. Troy students shared their thoughts on Trump’s inauguration.
Nathan Stuckey, a senior music education major from Crestview, Florida, feels uneasy about the most recent transfer of power.
“I honestly feel like Trump did a decent job in this last presidency, compared to presidents before him,” Stuckey said. “A lot has changed since his last term though.
“I don't think he should be president. I feel like all his criminal convictions should disqualify him from being President of the United States.”
Semha Williams, a junior criminal justice major from Eufaula, Alabama, expressed her concerned over abortion under a second Trump administration.
“The big thing to me is the uncertainty surrounding abortion,” Williams said. “I know Donald Trump wants the government to be run by men, and that’s honestly fine with me.
“I just don’t think he or the government should interfere with a woman’s decision to have an abortion. I don’t think men should have a say with what I choose to do with my body.”
While some students are concerned about Trump’s second term, Jenna Nabors, a senior English major from Montevallo, Alabama, is looking forward to the former president’s return to the White House.
“I feel like Trump is willing to listen to the whole of America and not just his party,” Nabors said. “To me, his focus is on the middle class and making sure Americans can afford the cost of living.
“I look forward to better prices and being able to save more money.”
Dr. Dan Sutter, professor of economics, explained how Trump’s energy policies could save Americans a few extra dollars.
“Energy prices are one area that government policy could do something to roll back prices,” Sutton said. “Trump's energy policy focuses on increasing energy production in America while cutting out regulations that he believes hinder economic growth.
“With cheaper energy costs, Americans could be able to save money. Trump could also make his 2017 tax cuts permanent that are set to expire at the end of 2025.”
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson ordered the Capitol’s flags be flown at full-staff for Trump’s Inauguration, interrupting the flag being flown at half-staff in mourning of Jimmy Carter’s death. Nabors shared her thoughts on Speaker Johnson’s decision.
“Yes, Jimmy Carter was President, and it was sad when he passed away,” Nabors said. “I don’t think the flag should be flown at half-staff during an inauguration though.
“This inauguration is one of the biggest events that has happened in the past four years in our country. We, as Americans, need to be as patriotic as we can for the start of Trump’s second term.”
Trump’s inauguration also occurred on the same day as Martin Luther King Jr. Day – a coincidence that has only happened three times in history. MLK Jr. Day is celebrated every third Monday of January while the inauguration always takes place on Jan. 20.
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