The 2024 election and the campaigns leading up to it were all over social media, television and news outlets. The controversies, drama and debates – not only between candidates but also the American people – took the nation by storm. President-elect Donald Trump’s policies will impact everyone in the nation, including high schoolers.
Winning with 86 electoral votes more than presidential candidate Kamala Harris, the seven swing states had an immense impact on Trump’s win, according to Government teacher Daniel Gillan.
“I was surprised that former President Trump won all of the swing states,” Gilleran said. “Most of the polling said it was going to be close within the margin of error and it was. However, he was able to win Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin which was the key to his victory this year.”
Feeling hopeful, junior Luke Leonhard believes the nation’s economy will improve under Trump’s presidency.
“I hope for lower prices all across the board, groceries, consumer products, healthcare, construction, automotive, gas, travel expenses and energy,” Leonhard said.
Contrastingly, junior Aine Mahoney feels less hopeful about the policies impacting education under Trump’s presidency.
“I definitely think with the possibility of losing the Department of Education, that can be very detrimental to a lot of young people, ” Mahoney said.
However, Leonhard envisions the education system improving due to his belief in a strong Trump economy, which will specifically impact current and upcoming college students.
“Many voters this year were first time voters and those first time voters are in college,” Leonhard said. “I think Trump’s policies will positively affect them because if prices on goods go down, then the cost of living will go down and hopefully the cost of college will follow. This will ease stress for college students right now who are struggling financially on buying goods and paying for college. I also believe teens who are becoming adults will have more confidence when it comes to buying a home, starting a family and providing an education for their kids.”
Young people should recognize and care about issues in our country because the policies can affect our livelihoods, according to Gilleran.
“The next four years are going to be an interesting mix of Trump’s campaign promises colliding with the reality of governing which can be very challenging,” Gilleran said. “I hope young people are paying attention to the role of government in issues they care about like the environment, the economy and student debt.”
