The United States 2016 Presidential election will go down in history as one of the most controversial, crazy, and tumultuous elections of all time. Both party’s nominees, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, had very low public approval ratings, and most Americans were wondering how those two were able to even win their primaries.

In the end, despite losing the popular vote by nearly three million votes, Donald Trump was elected to be the 45th president of the United States. The result caused mass protests around the country and furthered the rift between left and right.

On January 20, 2017, it became official that Trump would be the 45th president as he was sworn in at the inauguration, taking over after eight years under Barack Obama. The aftermath of the inauguration incited more protest around the country, which thickened the division.

Millions gathered around the nation in hundreds of different cities to protest Trump’s presidency, and to promote gender equality among other reasons. The women’s marches that remained peaceful actually helped raise awareness for a lot of the inequalities that women face today.

However, a portion of the inauguration-day presidential protests turned violent, leading to the destruction of public, as well as private, property. These protests also led to many arrests for disorderly conduct and vandalism. Many stood against these protests as well.

Right now, it seems like there are only two sides in the country: Those who are all aboard the Trump-train and want to “Make America Great Again,” and those who fiercely oppose his presidency. With that being said, I decided to ask those who support Trump, and those who oppose Trump some questions.

What are your expectations of the Trump presidency?

“My expectations for the Trump presidency are that he rebuilds this country. That this country will become economically stable again and that we will put ourselves first. I expect Trump to rub elbows, but I expect him to become humbled and more level headed as he comes to realize that he’s running a country now, and not a business.”

“Not good things. I expect to see the end of the ACA, and change in the public-school system. Additionally, I think there is going to be issues with planned parenthood and social policy.”

“I have high hopes, but what I want from his term are the things he promised us: more jobs less tax, stricter immigration policy, protection of our second amendment, and that he’ll unite us all.”

“I don’t expect the Trump presidency will go well. The reforms that he plans to make are not only going to tear this country apart, but are going to uproot the core values of thousands of Americans. If his election was any foresight into his presidency, all minorities and their supporters should be scared.”

“I expect taxes to go down, thus spending on government projects and education will go down”

Which of his policies do you like? Which do you dislike?

“The main policies I agree with are allowing the law-abiding citizens to own guns, anything that has [to] do with keeping the border safe, and strengthening the military. There are many policies I don’t agree with, but the main one is to increase the tax on Chinese imports. China is one of the main countries we trade with, and also have a very big debt. The last thing the US needs is to make China upset by raising the taxes.”

“I like that he is saying he wants to reinvent Washington / drain the swamp. I think congress has been a major problem and hasn’t been working for us. I dislike almost everything else he says, especially registering Muslims.”

“I dislike the whole wall thing but at the same time, we need to do something to fix illegal immigration. This is our country, not theirs.”

“I think he is right to repeal common core curriculum, but his approval of charter schools isn’t something I particularly favor. Additionally, I think his views on birth control and termination rights are outdated. Finally, his policy on immigration needs revising. The wall, simply put, is a terrible idea.”

“I really like most of his policies. His respect for the military and love for the country is what makes me like his policies. I feel that he will do what’s best for this country, like stopping illegal
immigration, rebuilding the military, and stabilizing the economy.”

“There are many policies that I could mention, because many of them make me angry, but some of the most important to me are the defunding of planned parenthood, his military plans, and his immigration laws.”

What do you think of the protests and women’s marches?

“I believe in peaceful protests, but the protests that have been happening have turned into riots. Looting and damaging businesses because of the differences exposes the divisiveness of this country. As far as the marches, I really and truly do not approve of the women’s march on Washington and everywhere else. If you want to be heard, making signs and stopping the lives of others is not the way. Women’s rights are not under attack. Women can vote, get jobs- equally, receive education, run businesses, marry who they want, and so much more. If you have to march and wear pink hats on your head that resemble vaginas, then you are not a strong woman. You’re whiny. Strong women don’t feel attacked and strong women don’t need to stop their day and others lives just to show they are strong.”

“I like it. I think it is important to have justified protest. This country was built on protests and questioning your government. If only the amount of people that came out to the march voted against him in November.”

“I think those rioting are out of line because it is simply fighting wrong with wrong. However, I fully support the women’s march and peaceful protests because I feel that it is not only uniting people, but allowing people to use their voice to make themselves known. Which is a beautiful thing.”

“The women’s marches have been very inspiring. I have heard a lot of people saying that they are disgusting, but I would like to remind them that the revolution that made this country started with a protest.”

“I think these marches are ridiculous. Women have rights and equality. It just sickens me a little bit because there are women in the Middle East who get stoned to death if they get caught driving a car and the women here are marching for inequality. They don’t know what inequality is.”

The reason I decided to pose the questions I did is because of the toxic political state of this country at the moment. It seems as if nobody can voice their opinion without quickly being yelled at. Asking people these questions gives people a place to voice their opinion in the comfort that comes without being judged, so we can truly see what people think.

The people being questioned are those of the generation who is soon going to be the major force in the country. If they can freely voice their opinions and have civil discussions instead of quickly having their opinion slapped down, then progress can be made in this country. Instead of it being seen as Democrats v. Republicans, maybe it will be seen as America’s youth as a whole, pushing for what is best for the future of the Nation.