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The inauguration of President Trump has been met with varying responses, particularly among students on college and high school campuses. At universities such as Georgetown and UCLA, student-led demonstrations drew large crowds, with many voicing concerns over policies affecting immigration, climate change and LGBTQ+ rights. Meanwhile, conservative student groups such as Turning Point USA have held celebratory gatherings, praising Trump’s executive orders and actions since taking office.
Amid the passionate responses, many students find themselves grappling with what Trump’s second term may mean for their futures. One such student, Sierra Barnes ’26, shared her thoughts on the inauguration and its impact.
“I wasn’t surprised by his re-election or the general atmosphere of his inauguration,” Barnes said. “However, some of the decisions his administration has made since then, such as freezing federal loans and grants and suggesting that disaster relief aid should be conditional on certain policy changes like voter ID is honestly terrifying.”
For many students, financial insecurity remains a top concern. While the FAFSA has not yet been directly impacted, the decision to freeze federal financial aid has left students uncertain about their ability to continue their education.
“I already struggle to pay for housing,” Barnes said. “I don’t think we will be seeing housing assistance anytime soon, and if grocery prices go up, which they likely will, that just adds to the stress.”
Beyond financial concerns, fears over healthcare cuts loom large.
“I’m afraid of benefits and aid for low-income families being cut. I’m afraid of healthcare programs like Medicare and Medicaid getting worse as my family and I already struggle with massive amounts of medical debt and student loans,” Barnes said.
Barnes emphasized that many of these policy changes could disproportionately affect several vulnerable populations.
“Every executive order I’ve heard about has struck me as extremely irresponsible, damaging to working-class people, and in some cases, anti-democratic,” she said.
Another major concern among students is the administration’s approach to climate policy. Environmental deregulation has been a point of contention for many young voters who see climate change as a critical issue.
“I am very afraid of the impact the Trump administration’s deregulation will have on the environment, ecosystems, animals and the climate, which obviously threatens humans as well — that is what I’m most scared about, and I barely see it mentioned,” Barnes said.
Barnes also expressed frustration with media coverage and the influence of wealthy individuals on policy decisions.
“I’ve been very disheartened by the lack of pushback from large media outlets, as well as the influence billionaires and tech industry giants have had in terms of funding and pushing for certain policies,” Barnes said.
Likewise, some students are worried about their job prospects after graduation.
“I worry that the current investment in AI and the trend of downsizing bureaucracy will make it hard for me to get a job after graduation,” Barnes said.
Despite these anxieties, students are finding ways to cope and stay engaged.
“(I am) listening to a lot of left-wing commentary and trying to focus on my own mental health and issue-specific activism,” Barnes said.
As Trump’s second term unfolds, student reactions continue to reflect broader national divisions, with some advocating for policy changes and others doubling down on their support. However, one thing remains clear: the next four years will be pivotal in shaping the future for young Americans.
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