Kennesaw State students react to Trump’s 2024 win with concern over rights, healthcare and education, mirroring divided views and unease about the future of the country.
Kennesaw, GA- As news broke of former President Donald J. Trump’s 2024 election victory over Vice President Kamala Harris, students at Kennesaw State University responded with a mix of disappointment, apprehension and resigned acceptance.
For many students, Trump’s win raised concerns about the future of issues they care deeply about, from healthcare and education to the rights of women and minorities.
Susie and Olivia, both political science majors, expressed their unease about what Trump’s win could mean for marginalized communities in the United States.
“I think it’s a loss for women, immigrants, people of color, queer people,” Susie said. “I think it’s a shame that it was such an overwhelming win—it’s kind of sad because I thought Americans liked minorities a little better.”
While not thrilled by the results, Olivia acknowledged that the election was won fairly. “I also don’t feel positively about this. I’m not his fan, but I also understand that he won,” She said. “It was fair and square, this is what the American people want. And at the end of the day, he does have four more years.” Olivia said.
Both Susie and Olivia voiced fears about how Trump’s policies might impact their own lives and the lives of others.
“Definitely negatively,” Susie said. “I don’t like the fact that a lot of women’s rights- a lot of queer rights- are on the line, and it makes me feel extremely sad that things about my body are being decided by old men who don’t know me,” She added.
Olivia noted that her own experiences might be different due to her ethnic background, but was still apprehensive. “I think, overall, me being a white woman, it may not affect me as much as others,” she said.
“But at the same time, I am in college, and I know Donald Trump has said he’s not a big fan of the Department of Education, and I am reliant on FAFSA,” Olivia added.
Cassidy Hardin, another KSU student, shared her concerns about the potential impacts of healthcare, particularly those with chronic health conditions.
“I feel a little defeated,” Cassidy said. “My main concerns about this election were especially around healthcare- what if Trump’s policies regarding the Affordable Care Act change? That act was paramount to making sure insurance companies provide coverage for disabilities and preexisting conditions.”
Cassidy explained that her fears were simultaneously personal. “I have an autoimmune disease and a heart condition, so if that [policy change] does come to fruition, I could be denied healthcare coverage.”
Many in America feel that the Trump Administration wouldn’t take foreign policy seriously, and believe President-elect Donald Trump would push America into isolationist policies—Alex Zagula- a geospatial science major- pitched in on this claim.
“I disagree with his isolationist stance. I don’t think Isolationism is good for our country. Especially in the modern day where everything is so interconnected- I think that isolationism is not a good idea.” Alex said.
“Isolationism has never been a good idea for America- it never worked. Terrible things have happened every time.” He added.
In another interview, Christopher’s decision to support Harris over Trump was rooted in the belief that her policies would prioritize vulnerable communities.
“Out of the two options for president, I felt that Harris would’ve been the better choice,” Christopher said. “I know some people were looking at it through an economic lens, but I felt like the issues on the other side would have had a much more negative impact on our way of life.”
Christopher began to also voice his frustration with voters who prioritized financial issues over social issues. “I would rather vote for the person who would not end up hurting more people just because I want my Big Mac to be $1,” he said.
When asked about his feelings on Trump’s return to the presidency, Christopher said that he felt “very negatively”, and with his other student body, “I know a lot of my queer friends, my Hispanic friends, are very uncomfortable with this outcome- they don’t feel comfortable, and [don’t] feel safe.”
Reflecting on the impact of another Trump presidency, he simply said, “I think it’s going to take more than four years to heal [from a Trump presidency], but I can’t predict the future.”
As Kennesaw State students continue to process the election results, many are left grappling with the potential outcomes for themselves, their families, and their communities. For now, they and the world must watch and wait to see how Trump’s next term will unfold, and how it may shape the nation.
