By: Karina Strofs '27
As the nation watched with anticipation, the 2024 U.S. presidential election unfolded as one of the most intense and closely contested races in recent history. Political tensions were high, and the stakes even higher. Months of campaigning, debates, and policy battles culminated in a dramatic election night that kept the country on edge. When the results were finalized, President Donald Trump emerged victorious, marking a historic return to the White House. His second inauguration, held on January 20, 2025, was met with both celebration and controversy, reflecting the deep divisions that defined the election itself.
The 2024 U.S. presidential election was a nail-biter, with Donald Trump returning to the White House after defeating Democratic nominee Kamala Harris. Despite Harris being predicted by many to have a slight edge, Trump ultimately secured 312 electoral votes to Harris's 226, a clear victory in the Electoral College. However, the popular vote difference was much closer, with Trump garnering 49.8% and Harris 48.3%. This close margin in the popular vote raised questions about why the outcome appeared as a landslide victory for Trump. The answer lies in how the U.S. election process works: the Electoral College system. Each state has a specific number of electoral votes based on its population, and the candidate who wins the majority of votes in a state receives all of that state's electoral votes (with the exception of Maine and Nebraska, which distribute their electoral votes differently).
The role of swing states is crucial in the U.S. election process. These states do not have a clear allegiance to the Democratic or Republican Party, and their outcome often determines the overall winner. In 2024, swing states like Nevada, Arizona, Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Georgia became the deciding battlegrounds. In an unexpected turn, Trump won all six swing states, some by razor-thin margins. For example, he won Michigan by only 1.4% of the vote. This shift in voter preference in critical areas gave Trump a significant edge in the Electoral College, even though the popular vote remained close. Thus, while the popular vote was nearly tied, the outcome was shaped by the electoral votes won in these pivotal states, leading to Trump’s second term in office.
The 2025 inauguration ceremony was held inside the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, as frigid weather forced a change of venue from the traditional outdoor space. Trump’s second inaugural address painted a picture of national strength and resilience, using his personal experiences to convey a message of overcoming adversity. Trump reflected on his survival of an assassination attempt, framing it as a divine intervention that allowed him to return to office and continue his mission to "Make America Great Again."
A significant topic mentioned in Trump’s speech was his strong opinion regarding immigration. He officially declared a national emergency at the southern border. Trump refers to illegal immigrants as “criminal aliens” and claims that they will be sent back to where they came from immediately. He also noted that he will re-invoke the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, which allows the President to detain, relocate, or deport non-citizens from a country considered an enemy of the U.S.
Regarding the environment, Trump says we will “drill, baby, drill” in Alaska to profit from the “liquid gold under our feet” (oil). He declared a national energy emergency, saying that the inflation crisis was caused by overspending and escalating energy prices. Additionally, he says that he will end the Green New Deal and the electric vehicle mandate, claiming that it will save the American auto industry.
Following the inaugural address, Trump delivered a more informal speech to supporters, where he elaborated on themes of retribution and justice, promising to act on behalf of those who supported him, including a promise to pardon individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack.
The event that possibly sparked the most controversy worldwide was Elon Musk's speech after Trump’s inauguration. In the speech, Musk expressed his overwhelming support for Trump. He said he was “super fired up for the future,” as Trump said that America would be in its “golden age.” A significant source of public discourse came about 55 seconds into the speech when he put his right arm to his chest and extended it, palm facing down. He then turned to the back, facing the rest of the crowd, and did the same movement again. Many people have said that Musk’s salute held a scary resemblance to the Hitler salute, which was commonly used in Nazi Germany as a sign of devotion to Hitler. Others have said it was the “Roman salute” or a “heartfelt expression of joy.” After hearing about the debate, Musk posted a response on X, saying, “The ‘everyone is Hitler’ attack is soo tired.” This “salute” has caused many Americans to be concerned about the state of America. United States representative Jerry Nadler stated on X, “I never imagined we would see the day when what appears to be a Heil Hitler salute would be made behind the Presidential seal. This abhorrent gesture has no place in our society and belongs in the darkest chapters of human history. I urge all of my colleagues to unite in condemning this hateful gesture for what it is: antisemitism.”
Donald Trump was quick about executing his campaign promises. After his first week in office, he had already signed 37 executive orders. The most prominent of these orders are titled:
“Putting America First in International Environmental Agreements”
“Unleashing Alaska's Extraordinary Resource Potential” [The U.S will now drill for oil in Alaska]
“Restoring Accountability to Policy-Influencing Positions Within the Federal Workforce” [Federal employees may now be fired at will]
“Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing”
“Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government” [The U.S Government will now only recognize two genders]
“Withdrawing the United States from the World Health Organization”
“Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship” [Certain U.S born children whose parents are not citizens/permanent residents will be denied citizenship]
“Enforcing the Hyde Amendment” [The Hyde Amendment prohibits federal funds from being used for abortion, except in cases of rape, incest, or when the mother's life is at risk.]
“Protecting the American People Against Invasion” [Call for immediate removal of those in the United States without legal status]
There are many more orders than these ten and many more to come as Donald Trump has been implementing legislative changes exceptionally swiftly.
Cate’s very own Mr. Jay Dorion stated that it was nearly impossible to compare the country’s current post-inaugural state to any other historical event due to the sheer quickness of events. When asked if he could compare the U.S. currently to a time in history, he said, “I don’t think there is a point of comparison. I think the pace and the scope of the changes and movement are so rapid. To me, it feels unprecedented. I can't think of any other administrative transition that has led to this amount of unsettlement in our community.”
Mr. Dorion also remarked on the recently proposed legislation's profound effects on the Cate community–more so than in previous elections. He said, “There's more uncertainty about what legislation and adjustments President Trump makes will stick and what won't. I think, too, that some very specific pieces of Trump's agenda have a direct impact on people here. You know, we live in southern California, so specifically, the deportation and presence of ICE in local neighborhoods is real, and I think that has created a pretty significant level of unsettlement. Even if you are not directly impacted, many, if not most, of us have friends in this community that might be impacted. I think there are a lot of marginalized communities that are feeling a sense of unease right now. LGBTQIA community, there is just a lot going on that I think is unresolved. But as a white man, I can step away from the news; most of the things out there don't directly impact me at the moment, but in a lot of communities in our community right now, that is not the case. I think everything right now feels heavy and personalized.”
Mr. Dorion closes this election and inauguration debrief the best. He said, “Part of being an American citizen is knowing what's happening. I don’t think you can be a good part of a democracy if you are clueless, don't care, or lack awareness. So I think it is the responsibility of all of us to know what the landscape looks like.” Mr. Dorion’s argument is essentially that if you want to help others who are being put in danger by Trump’s new policies or you just want to be a helpful member of society, you must be aware—of the laws, the speed at which they are being put out, and the general governmental situation. Awareness is a responsibility of American citizenship.
Opmerkingen