What America will gain, lose in Trump presidency | Dueling columns

“We will make America great again.” This was the thought running through tens of millions of Americans' heads as they voted for Donald Trump to be the 47th president of the United States. This dream became a reality early on Wednesday, as the Associated Press called the presidential race in favor of Trump.

Swing state dominance from the Republican candidate and upsets in the U.S. Senate led to a Republican majority, as Trump became victorious with early morning wins in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.



But it wasn’t just a victory for the former and future president of the United States. It was a much-needed momentum boost for the GOP, extending its margins in many red states and bringing some long-time blue states closer to the middle. Trump did it beyond all odds, defying all polls and predictions.

After 34 drawn out and inflated felony charges, life-threatening rhetoric from the Democrats and not one, but two assassination attempts, the average person would have dropped out. But Trump kept fighting. He didn’t have to keep doing it.

He could’ve protected his life, his identity and his name. But he fought for the American people to make America great again. The world saw what four years under Trump was like.

Former President Donald Trump waves after speaking to attendees at his rally at the Bryce Jordan Center on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024 in University Park, Pa. Outside of a short period during the Great Recession, gas prices were the lowest since 2004.

The U.S. didn’t enter into any wars under Trump, and the number of military deaths was lower than any administration in the 21st century.

The U.S. had improved relations with North Korea, China and Russia, and Trump kept them in lock.

Then followed President Joe Biden, who saw the highest fuel price in over 30 years, record amounts of inflation and more foreign involvements for the U.S. When asked what she would do differently than Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris said “there is not a thing that comes to mind.

” America dodged a bullet by electing Trump over Harris and will likely see similar success echoing his first term in office. Trump made America great in 2016, and in a second term in 2024, he will make America great again. Until Tuesday night, I had faith in Kamala Harris and Tim Walz’s ability to win, in justice’s protection of the rule of law and in America's ability to look beyond unguaranteed economic betterment in favor of the freedoms of marginalized groups and all Americans alike.

I hoped enough people — especially young men — would draw the line at “rapist,” “felon” and insurrection denial. I hoped that voters would champion women’s and transgender peoples’ agency, well-being and health, and recognize that all humans deserve to better their lives in what I now cautiously consider one of the best countries in the world. Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris gestures as she speaks during an ABC News presidential debate with Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at the National Constitution Center, Tuesday, Sept.

10, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Maybe I’m misguided and blindly optimistic, or more likely, like many Americans, simply hoped to see codified equality for all. But yet again, it appears this philosophy falls short against rhetorical fear-mongering about immigrants, transgender athletes, abortion access and a corrupt, woke deep-state.

In no way am I denying the economic struggles of many Americans as a result of post-pandemic inflation and how Donald Trump’s supposed economic proficiency — despite his several bankruptcies — offers a possible solution to this problem, but I believe prioritizing this disregards historically oppressed groups. I don’t condone hating individuals for casting their vote based on economic reasons; however, I challenge those who did to consider how others face compounding systemic issues — like racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism and more — on top of economic inequality. I recognize I based my vote on America’s human rights this election and how this fails in the face of the United States’ perpetuation of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, but it begs the question of why others didn’t do the same.

While Harris didn’t wholeheartedly defend innocent Palestinians and Lebanese people by condemning the acts of Israel or supporting an arms embargo, I believe Trump will only worsen the crisis and favor Israel in the event of a ceasefire because of his historical relationship with Benjamin Netanyahu. In the end, I’m sure Harris’ stance on Israel was only one nail in the coffin, along with other factors that I regrettably assume include her race and gender. Harris’s major downfall may have resulted from the moderate stances and appeals to conservative voters, which alienated millions of progressive voters.

The Democratic Party is now more unpopular than in the last two elections, illustrated by Harris’s loss in the popular vote. In the future, the Democrats must appeal to progressive voters and not cherry-pick human rights to cast a wider net. The Democrats are far from perfect, but I saw a glimmer of hope in the Harris-Walz campaign.

Evidently, they lost touch with the average American, spread themselves too thin to attract moderate voters and lost more progressive votes in the process. Ultimately, Trump’s victory emboldens supporters of his violent rhetoric and seemingly validates his misleading narratives regarding his prosecutions and legacy. Now more than ever, we must use our voices and actions to defend others’ rights and autonomies, the validity of unbiased media dissemination and accessible education.

I hope I am wrong with my assertions, but only time will tell. MORE COLUMNS When my professor walked into class on Tuesday afternoon, he joked that we should have saved last week’s apocalyptic-themed reading for this week, in the midst of the highly awaited U.S.

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