As the country honors the legacy of civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. on Jan. 20, 2025, the irony becomes painfully clear as it coincides with the inauguration of Republican President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. The new leaders of the United States’ executive branch have been endlessly working to undermine these very rights that many people arduously fought for almost 70 years ago during the Civil Rights Movement. 

On Nov. 5, 2024, Donald Trump secured his second presidential term after winning against former Vice President Kamala Harris of the Democratic Party with 312 electoral votes and 49.8% of the popular vote. His return to the presidency came despite his criminal conviction, various criminal charges, two assassination attempts, and two presidential impeachments – putting Donald Trump as the first president ever that has been convicted of a felony in American history. 

A staff member from East Los Angeles Renaissance Academy expressed discontent from Trump’s victory in the 2024 presidential elections, emphasizing concerns over targeting marginalized communities. “I was deeply disappointed then and now in the voters choosing Donald Trump based on the hateful words, behaviors and values he shows. This latest election showed even more people are ok with him committing crimes and causing division among our society. I noticed this time around that people who he talks badly about or targets (their heritage or their family or identity) still find ways to support him and justify his ways,” said a staff member of East Los Angeles Renaissance Academy, who opted to remain anonymous. 

Although many Democratic voters put their faith into the possible disappearance of the “Red Mirage”, other voters brightened the red of the undoubtedly blood-stained land of the United States by voting for the Republican party. According to a Brookings report, Democratic favorability from the Latino and African-American communities noticeably declined significantly during the 2024 presidential elections, resulting in significantly higher voter turnout for the Republican Party. 

This is a direct contrast to the results of the 2020 presidential election where the Democratic candidate Joe Biden won with 310 electoral votes and 51.3 percent of the popular vote. Many argue that the recent loss for the Democratic presidency in 2024 stems from the deep-rooted misogyny in the ideologies infiltrating through the hearts and minds of millions in the United States. It seems that Americans would rather the executive branch be led by a man with 34 felony counts, 2 impeachments, and 6 bankruptcies, than be led by a woman. 

“Trump’s presidency has reshaped American democracy by showing us that once more history repeats itself by having un-elected rich men in politics. The American Democracy system has always been flawed but Trump’s presidency has brought out the worst in politics ” said a staff of the East Los Angeles Renaissance Academy, who chose to remain anonymous. 

In his first week back in office, Trump signed 78 executive orders. From immigration rights and border control to the climate crises and economy, each and every one of these executive orders seek to tackle the multitude of issues that concern right-wing conservatives. Many underrepresented minorities in the United States now fear the trajectory of the future as the Trump administration continues to compose more executive orders for the nation.

 It is evident that the civil rights and liberties that many fought for alongside Martin Luther King Jr. is being taken away as the Trump administration takes control of the reigns once more. 

“I think Trump will set a new bar for political misconduct and right wing extremism. His policy during this election has been extreme even for him,” said Wesley Clum, a student at Bosque School in New Mexico when asked about what the four next years with Trump would bring. 

Many communities – such as East Los Angeles, San Jose, Bakersfield, and many more –  are currently experiencing ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) arrests and mass deportation programs. Trump has also actively sought to redefine the interpretation of birthright citizenship under the 14th Amendment, sparking rebuttals on the federal court level. For example, this would deny the children of undocumented and non-citizen people from gaining citizenship. 

Moreover, Trump has given the executive branch department and agencies 60 days to eliminate the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, a 60-year-old executive order imposing anti-discrimination standards on federal contractors and government agencies. This is aimed towards limiting the inclusion of racial minorities and LGBTQIA+ people in the United States in the workforce and educational institutions. 

Trump’s administration has achieved this much in just over a week after their inauguration. It is daunting to think about what Trump’s presidency has in store for the next four years. Many citizens worry that his policies will be detrimental to the nation as they recall Trump’s first presidency from 2016 to 2020. 

“I think that Trump will be more cruel towards immigrants and deport people that have been in the USA their whole lives and have contributed taxes to the country. For societal issues, I think that racism and sexism will be more present because the people who believe that people of color and women are less than them will be enabled because their president has the same views,” said another staff of the East Los Angeles Renaissance Academy, who also chose to disclose their identity to the public. 

Although many Republican party voters believe that Trump’s administration will be beneficial for them, Trump’s policies will negatively impact the entire nation. On Jan. 28, 2025, the White House sent out a memo announcing Trump’s federal funding freeze. According to NBC News, this will be detrimental to all low-income citizens, racial minorities, and public-school students across the nation. It can be easily assumed that the money that is specifically allocated to these programs will be used for the benefit of elitist  business owners, such as Elon Musk. 

“I do not support the Trump administration, and I do believe that there are a lot of individuals with personal agendas that are involved in his administration that are more concerned with their personal agendas to benefit their wallets than the greater good of our countrymen,” said Jennifer Marquez, educator at LAUSD, Steering Member for UTLA, EDI member for the CAEA and UTLA/NEA. 

Such a funding freeze would take away Medicaid, FAFSA (Federal Application for Federal Student Aid), school lunch, and educational programs offered to American citizens at the cost of taxpayers. Taking these programs away from the American citizens means that millions will struggle without government assistance, significantly impacting the low-income population that mostly consists of Latinos and African American communities. For instance, Medicaid provides health insurance to over 70 million low-income and disabled Americans from coast to coast. 

“ Trump has made it clear that the new Republican way is to bend the idea of democracy to its limits and shy away from what the vast public wants,” said Wesley Clum, when asked about the presence of American democracy as Trump gains power. 

Trump’s administration now actively negatively affects the entirety of the American population due to the federal funding freeze. Americans no longer have an executive branch that works for the people; Trump is working against the needs of the common people. It has now become an issue that all Americans should be concerned about as millions live through the next four years of Donald Trump’s administration. 

From the end of federal aid for college students to the mass deportation of millions, Trump has officially returned to his presidency for the next four years with his absurd policies and abundant executive orders. The consequences of this presidency and funding freeze extend far beyond politics—it is a direct attack on the livelihoods of millions of Americans who rely on these essential programs. 

The American people need to understand the gravity of the situation as Trump’s government continues to tighten its hold on federal resources. As Trump’s policies reshape the nation, Americans must raise their voices and ensure that democracy remains a system that serves the many, not just the privileged elites. Citizens should take action by supporting advocacy groups, staying informed through news sources, and participating in the elections. Civic engagement is crucial now more than ever; know your rights and use your voice!