In a historic victory, former President Donald Trump has been elected as the 47th President of the United States, beating Vice President Kamala Harris in both the electoral college and the popular vote. Trump is the second president to be elected to a non-consecutive second term and the first convicted felon to become president-elect.
This election is perhaps one of the most controversial, and Troy University students are divided in their reactions. Right-leaning students cite the economy and anti-abortion sentiments as their reasons for happiness while left-leaning students express devastation and fear that rights may be taken away.
“I feel like things will be better under his administration,” said Sierra Houston, a senior interdisciplinary major from Donaldsonville, Georgia. “I feel like Kamala is in office right now, so all the things she was promising, she could have been doing that the past four years – I definitely don't think Joe Biden was the one doing much.”
Houston said she is hopeful a Trump presidency will bring lower gas prices, prevent grocery prices from rising and help American businesses.
“I just hope that as a country, we can start being more unified in the things we need as a country and not just as individuals,” Houston said.
Tuesday’s election also gave the United Sates Senate a Republican majority and possibly – votes are not all in – a majority in the House of Representatives.
Eva Reese, a senior double majoring in psychology and English took a plane back to her hometown of Houston, Texas, to vote and make her voice heard. She said she is disheartened.
“I think Kamala Harris was the way forward, and I fear Trump will take revenge, for everything that has happened, on the United States,” Reese said. “From a women’s perspective, from Texas where a woman my age has died from a miscarriage and was unable to be treated, it’s terrifying that he’s going to be in charge and he’s going to have the Senate, probably the House, and the Supreme Court with many of his appointees.
“It’s unbalanced.”
Gabrielle Jent, a senior interdisciplinary major from Jasper, Alabama, said her biggest reasons for supporting Trump was his stance as anti-abortion.
“I’m actually happy because I didn’t want Kamala Harris to win,” Jent said. “I don't relate to her values . . . and I'm excited to see where this country will go.”
Ryan Young, a junior interdisciplinary major from Lillian, Alabama, said he was surprised that Trump won, but knew the election could go either way.
“I’m happy, honestly, because of the way that the economy's been and how the government has handled that and international relationships with Biden in office . . . I obviously wasn't a big fan,” Young said. “I am looking forward to Trump being in office.”
Two left-leaning students expressed disappointment that their peers would support Trump.
“I feel like this is just going to be a sowing and reaping time for our country as bringing him into office a second time after he has been so unpatriotic the first time, and to see him just hurt the foundations of our country when it just comes to laws alone, I don't know how to feel about that fact that people really voted for him,” said Alia Walker, a junior fine arts major from Montgomery.
“Trump was such a worst-case scenario for me that I hadn't considered what would happen if he won,” said Basil Smith, a junior English major from Dothan, Alabama. “It was kind of surreal when I woke up this morning.”
Richard Fast, a graduate student who belongs to the Libertarian part, offered a third perspective.
"Regarding the outcome of the race, I’ll be honest: I thought Harris had the election in a bag," Fast said. "I expected Harris to turn the tables once California’s 54 electoral college votes were in her tally.
"While there were pro’s and con’s with both major party candidates, neither were acceptable to Libertarians. The American people will suffer, either due to impending world war or to failed economic policies, no matter the winner."
Vorah Patterson, a sophomore psychology major from Phenix City, Alabama, said that as a queer person of color, they are trying to remain optimistic.
“Regardless of how bad things may look for our future, we can’t give up,” Patterson said. “We can’t give into our fear and surrender ourselves. For as long as we have existed, we have faced resistance and prejudice, and we have survived and conquered time and time again. During these times, we must stick with our communities and protect each other and yourselves.”
Trump will be sworn into office on January 20, 2025 alongside Vice President-elect J. D. Vance. Trump’s victory comes after winning swing states such as Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania. For live updates and specific details on voting numbers, visit the Associated Press at apnews.com.
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