On Tuesday, Nov. 5, former President Donald Trump was reelected as president of the United States. Students at the University of New Mexico met the news with mixed reactions.
Arykah Melton, chairperson of student organization Powerful Movement of Educated Sistas, said she is saddened and worried by the election results. Before the election, she believed Vice President Kamala Harris would win and become the first president who is a woman of color, she said.
“There wasn’t a doubt in my mind until I started watching the polls,” Melton said.
She plans to continue helping her community as much as she can, she said.
“The Republican Party’s ideologies don’t align with mine,” Melton said. “I am genuinely afraid for the future of America.”
Freshman Joey Yazzie said he considers himself an independent voter. He voted for Trump during this year's election.
“Our food will be much healthier with Trump and (Robert F.) Kennedy Jr. partnering up,” Yazzie said.
Yazzie said he doesn’t think any rights will be taken away following the election.
“(Trump) is just giving the decision of having abortions up to the individual states,” Yazzie said. “Plus, I believe with this new administration or team Trump has assembled, there will be a lot in America that will be improved,” Yazzie said.
Joseph Valencia, who is taking a gap semester, said he is a Republican and voted for Trump.
“He’s not feeding us lies,” Valencia wrote to the Daily Lobo. “He genuinely loves this country and wants only the best for the American people.”
Freshman Soniah Davis-Crump said she supported Harris for president.
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“I’m honestly deeply disappointed in America right now. At the same time, she is a Black woman running for office, so of course I knew she wouldn’t be accepted with open arms,” Davis-Crump said. “I am sad, worried, anxious, angry and feeling slightly hopeless. There isn’t much we can do now other than wait.”
Davis-Crump said community action can help alleviate these feelings.
“Please make sure that you’re taking care of your mental health while still staying in movement and finding a safe community to surround yourself with,” Davis-Crump said. “It makes a difference to not feel so alone in these moments of despair.”
Trump will take office and begin his second term on Jan. 20, 2025.
Elizabeth Bolke is a freelance reporter for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at news@dailylobocom or on X @dailylobo
LaKya Brents is a freelance reporter for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at news@dailylobocom or on X @dailylobo
