At six years old, I was too young for the 2016 election—at the time my biggest concern was the amount of Goldfish in my snack container and what episode of Bubble Guppies would play on Nickelodeon. Nine years later, the things that weigh heavy on my mind as a fourteen-year-old are the outfit I will wear the next day at school and completing my history project before the deadline.
On a more serious note, other worries I have in my mind are about the future, a worry others can relate to as well. Since the Presidential Inauguration that occurred on January 20, many students at EHS are forced as well to think about their future during the next four years under the leadership of President Donald Trump.
On Monday, April 1, fellow New Jerseyan Senator Cory Booker had a 25-hour and 5-minute record-breaking speech against the Trump Presidency. He mentioned topics that many EHS students might resonate with including immigration, tariffs, and war. He claimed that the President has inflicted harm on our safety, economy, and the foundation of our democracy. He also touched on topics such as Medicaid, a program that helps cover medical costs for people with limited income. Booker also mentioned Trump’s infamous tariffs, also announcing that on April 5th that President Donald Trump will declare a new tariff on about ninety countries.
As of April 9, Trump said that he would pause the tariffs for 90 days, but that excluded China, the world’s second largest economy. Subsequently, the so-called “Tariff War” between the U.S and China met new heights from the previous 125% tariff which now turned into a 145% tariff against goods from China. China counterattacked with their own 125% tariff. Both countries rely on each other for money as well as goods. Seeing as it is now, I do fear this possibly ending in an actual war or in the two countries causing detrimental effects to the economy. These predictions are already starting to manifest themselves, especially with the cost of eggs going up as well as the cost of goods imported from China.
In another circumstance, popular shopping apps such as SHEIN or Temu, which for context is a Chinese app where you can get clothes at a much lower price than American counterparts, were greatly affected by these tariffs. Shein, at its worst, raised their prices to a sky-rocketing 377% and Temu banned all shipments to the U.S. As a young teenager unable to have a job right now, these shopping websites are convenient as well to me and to other teenagers. So despite Shein’s reputation due to ethical and environmental concerns, this can in reality be a viable option for families who cannot afford mainstream American brands. According to President Trump, his tariffs will boost American manufacturing and protect jobs which could be beneficial in the situation that such plans are successful. But, my concern is how is he going to do that when China is habitually our largest supplier for goods?
Immigration is another popular but touchy subject brought to light especially in the age of the Trump administration. Although I support the deportation of illegal immigrants who have committed horrific crimes such as murder, in most circumstances, that isn’t the case. For millions, the journey to America is to provide a better opportunity for their children and families. Gaining legal status is extremely difficult in the U.S immigration system. As a child of immigrants myself, I know how long and demanding it is to become a U.S. citizen or permanent resident for many upright and well-intentioned families. Fortunately, in my case, my parents were able to obtain citizenship, but others, not as fortunate, will resort to desperate measures, just for a second chance at life.
In the event of an undocumented person being deported back to their country of origin, leaving their children behind is an option that would be traumatizing for all parties involved. If you are lucky enough to reunite, it is likely to take many years. If you are barred from entering the U.S, usually it is for twenty years. This means most families who are affected by deportation will see their children when they are fully grown, causing them to miss milestones, birthdays and pivotal events in a child’s life.
I believe that a lot of people who are illegal immigrants who come here to America want to give their children a better life and a chance to do better than they did. Not only is deportation considered unfair, but the people who come here are usually emigrating from their war-torn countries. Coming to America gives immigrants a sense of relief that their children will have security and opportunity in life.
Likewise, Trump has made other brash and baseless decisions. The term “Gulf of Mexico”, a term coined by the Mexican people, has been globally recognized since the year 1552. Although previously the gulf had numerous names such as Gulf of Florida and the Gulf of Cortes, there is hard evidence that the Gulf of Mexico has a deep history behind it. Despite that, President Trump claims that the name change will play a “pivotal role” in shaping the nation’s future and the global economy. In addition, President Trump would then declare that February 9 would be recognized as “Gulf of America Day” to fulfill his goal to “restore American pride.” Even though the idea of boosting the country’s patriotism is obviously a great act, it is superficial to think how effective one name change would be in “restoring America’s pride.” Doing so, it would be changed to something historically inaccurate and irrelevant.
There are many other decisions the 47th president can do to bring together a nation such as trying to unite the country, not creating unnecessary conflict, and dividing Americans. If he was a more fair president, he would focus on the needs of the American people and not take away things that matter.
Without a doubt, the Trump presidency has already enforced many major changes despite it only being around a couple months out of a four-year commitment. For me, it is unclear what Trump’s plan is for the next three years of his term because of his rapid decision-making and bold moves.
In the year 2028, the year I graduate, Trump will be a former president instead. In that 3-year time period, it is interesting to see how this might impact my adult years in the long run, but as wel,l on a bigger scale how America as a whole will shift as he continues to lead our country.