Students have mixed thoughts on start of Trump’s second presidency

By Hayden Hackney
Staff writer
Email: thehutchinsoncollegian@gmail.com

With Donald Trump’s Inauguration officially in the history books, opinions and reactions begin to form across the country, including the Hutchinson Community College campus.

Some see the change as a step in the right direction for our nation, while others see it as many steps backwards.

As Trump’s new policies begin to take place, students with differing political beliefs begin to weigh in what they think the new presidency means for the future.

The presidential inauguration marks a new era for our nation every four years, and Trump’s second swear-in marked several similar themes from his first.

His speech focused on the strengthening of borders and the creation of new jobs, but it also raised concerns about his new policies.

While supporters celebrated with large and enthusiastic rallies, protesters like the Women’s March expressed their strict opposition to Trump’s new policies, specifically the ones on women’s rights and healthcare.

For students, Trump’s policies on education and the economy are important to understand.

Specifically, some concerns have been raised about his plan to cut funding for public education and repeal the Affordable Care Act, as many students rely on government aid to pursue their education.

With so much going on in the political world, students at HutchCC have also started to voice their thoughts on what Trump’s policies mean for the future.

“I disagree with a lot of (Trump’s policies),” said Preston Reed, a freshman studying film. “He doesn’t really care about the environment, as long as he gets money.”

Trump’s stance on environmental policies, such as pulling the United States out of the Paris Agreement for example, sparks fear in students like Reed.

For context, the Paris Agreement of 2016 was an agreement among several countries to use clean energy in an effort to reduce the effects of climate change.

Reed also mentions the controversial mass deportation plan Trump has for the nation, saying, “I really think he just wants to take away a lot of diversity with the mass deportation, and trying to get rid of diversity programs in the government.”

Another student however, who wishes to remain anonymous to refrain from backlash, thinks differently.

“He’s an educated politician who I think deserves it,” they say.

The student then brings up the swearing in of Robert F. Kennedy as Secretary of Health and Human Services.

“They’re (RFK and Trump) being very honest about what’s in the food, when in the past it’s been revealed it’s been lied about,” the student adds.

Kennedy’s focus on food as Secretary of Health and Human Services is to reduce any harmful additives in foods and to promote healthier diets.

More specifically, Kennedy plans on eliminating processed foods, especially in school cafeterias, in an attempt to make the nation’s obesity problem go down.

While President Trump’s policies and changes begin to roll out, students in HutchCC, and around the nation, are all impacted, whether it be directly or indirectly.

While some students fear the potential changes coming, others will embrace it.

However, no matter the stance, one thing is for certain: the discussion regarding Donald Trump and the future of our nation is far from over.

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