Edinburgh University students expressed a series of emotions to Donald Trump’s resounding victory in the 2024 US Presidential election.
“Waking up [Tuesday] morning, I was not proud to be an American”, one American student who voted by mail shared their frustration.
“Donald Trump, with his utter disregard for the wellbeing of Americans or the integrity of democracy, can find himself elected by millions, is terrifying – It speaks volumes about the political polarization of the country.”
This voter also acknowledged that had the Democratic strategy or Harris’ approach been different, the election might have taken a different course: “I am disappointed in the Democratic Party leadership – I understand why [Harris’] demeanor through her campaign did not inspire confidence in her ability to protect American interests.”
I was not proud to be an American
Anxiety was a common theme, as American students woke to the news breaking: “I woke up feeling nauseous, I’ve been anxious all day,”.
“I saw the Republicans won the Senate as well, and I was like, ‘I’m never going back.’”
The Republicans not only won the Presidency, but took four Senate seats across statewide elections, giving them a majority of 54 in the chamber.
Control of the Senate will give Republicans significant sway over Trump’s appointments, especially if the Supreme Court has a vacancy.
“It scares me because I know my rights [as a woman] are fundamentally compromised considering the power Trump has to shift the Supreme Court”, said one student, highlighting the Trump administration’s anti-abortion stances.
Trump increased his margin of support with many demographics and campaign specifically to draw out male supporters.
“The most alarming thing I found out was that white males my age were voting for him—it’s terrifying to know those are the men I’ve grown up with,” one student said.
I woke up feeling nauseous
Beyond the United States, this election has global implications that students were all too aware of: “This election is completely heartbreaking, but beyond that, I find it a terrifying affirmation of the global right-wing shift that’s been occurring for the last decade,” one student said.
“If the United States can follow suit with the trends in Italy, Austria, Finland, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, and the Czech Republic, then who is to stop the rest of Europe from following suit? I find this to be a very worrying time for left-leaning ideals worldwide.”
“I’m worried about what this means for Russia-Ukraine, Israel-Palestine. I am preparing myself for the next four years where extremism has now been given a top position on the international stage.”
I am disappointed in the Democratic Party leadership
Trump has pledged to “end” Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine and has suggested that Ukraine give up some of its territory to Russia in exchange for a stalemate.
Whilst a few students noted potential financial benefits – such as personal stock gains or a boost for big business – most reactions were strongly negative.
As Edinburgh students process this outcome, many foresee it reverberating effects outside of America as far-right parties in Europe have made considerable gains in the 2020s.
“Donald Trump Laconia Rally, Laconia, NH by Michael Vadon July 16 2015” by Michael Vadon is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.