President Donald Trump attends the G-20 summit in Japan in 2019 during his first presidency. Photo by Shealah Craighead. Courtesy of Donald J. Trump Presidential Library.
Donald Trump was elected president of the United States on Nov. 5, causing a variety of reactions around the world. Over a week after election night, The Northern Light set out to understand the political atmosphere on campus.
UAA alumna Lindsay Murray, a business major during her time as a student at the university said, “I found that the results of the election were disheartening, disappointing and a threat to human rights.”
Kenny Mutabesha — a mechanical engineering student in his first year — offered a contrasting perspective on President-elect Trump and the outcome of the election.
“I wasn’t really sure who was going to win,” said Mutabesha. “It was actually surprising because the election was pretty close when I was watching it.”
When asked how he foresees the next four years under a Trump administration, Mutabesha said, “From what I’ve heard, Trump has actually done some good things. I feel like it’s probably going to be like the same thing he did last term when he was president, so I’m kind of looking forward to it.”
Third-year political science major Billy Henthorn also shared his perspective on the matter.
“We will probably be looking at a more conservative Supreme Court, and a more favorable environment for political violence,” said Henthorn. “I think it's a symptom of larger systemic issues, though it is quite serious.”
Henthorn also commented on how decline in voter turnout for the Democratic Party played a role in the outcome of the election, pointing to the drop in Democratic voters in the 2024 U.S. presidential election compared to 2020.
“Whether that is due to apathy or a wish to punish the Democrats for their complacency in Palestine, I don't know,” said Henthorn. “I don't think Trump won because he did any better.”
Second-year mechanical engineering major, Asa Utic said he has complete confidence in the Trump-Vance administration to deliver the results the American people voted for.
“I’m expecting reform within the federal government and a cleanout of the deep state — bureaucrats — with the help of a unified administration, including people like Tulsi Gabbard, RFK and Elon Musk.”
Utic also shared how he expects the Trump administration might exercise state power both domestically and globally.
“I expect a reformed justice system with lower crime rates and a secure border,” said Utic. “I also anticipate success regarding foreign policy — 'peace through strength' — which will keep the world at peace.”
The UAA campus population appears to hold a diverse array of perspectives regarding Trump’s imminent nonconsecutive second term as president. Trump is scheduled to be sworn in as president of the United States on Jan. 20, 2025.
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