For many, the victory of President elect Donald J. Trump in the presidential race was not just a fluke—it was the beginning of a larger political shift. With the executive branch, Senate, and House all under Republican control, the path to future change seems imminent. As Trump gears up for a second term, we took to the streets of New York City to ask: What does a Trump victory mean to you?
Here’s what some New Yorkers had to say:
Zenobia Merced-Bonilla, County Committeewoman for the 87th Assembly District, offered an optimistic outlook:
“I believe a second term for Donald Trump could bring several advantages to America, particularly when it comes to his business-focused policies, job creation, and national security. He has proven that he can push economic growth, and I think his next term could be even more impactful for the country’s future.”
Isaiah Vega, from the Brooklyn Conservative Party, urged caution before making any predictions about a second Trump administration:
“It is still too early to say what a second Trump term could bring. While he’s made some great appointments for key positions, the real question is whether those appointments will be confirmed. That’s a big caveat in trying to predict the next few years. Still, I remain hopeful that America’s best days are ahead of us.”
Elianni Tejada, a passionate Trump supporter, was more direct in her assessment:
“Trump winning this election sends a clear message to the Democratic Party—and to anyone who has been living in denial. Over the past four years, this country has been in a crisis. We have seen skyrocketing crime, rising living costs, and a general collapse in leadership. I voted for Trump because I believe he’s the only one willing to defend this country and prioritize its people. He is not afraid to address the issues that others will not.”
Darney K. Born Rivers, District Leader of the 86th Conservative District, sees Trump as the catalyst for necessary change:
“Trump has ambitious plans to shift America’s trajectory toward success, growth, and prosperity. It is time to end these endless wars, fight the opioid crisis caused by fentanyl, and dismantle the influence of gangs that are tearing apart our communities.”
But not everyone shares this enthusiasm for a second term. Lina Aguilar, a lifelong resident of the U.S., expressed disillusionment:
“During Trump’s first term, I was terrified about the direction of the country. It felt like a total disaster. Now, with this second term looming, I am just tuning it out. After fifty years in this country, I have realized that my voice has never really mattered. So, I am focusing on living my best life, with love and compassion for my community. The rest? It’s out of my hands.”
As the dust settles after the Trump-Biden debate, some are left wondering how much of this victory was truly inevitable. With Vice President Kamala Harris’s nomination at the Democratic convention, which seemed not to present any other nominees, widely seen as a desperate move, the results have left many questioning the Democratic Party’s strategy.
Looking ahead, the Democratic Party will surely continue pushing its agenda, but the Trump administration and the Republican Party are just as committed to making their mark. Trump’s cabinet nominations have already stirred controversy, but the real test will come in how these decisions play out over the next four years.
No matter where you stand, one thing is clear: These next four years will likely be another round of Trump-led governance. The big question now is whether he can truly Make America Great Again—or if his second term will be divisive and chaotic, as his opponents say.
