What Comes Next? The Journey from Election Day to Inauguration Day

As millions of Americans followed this year's campaign trail with high hopes of a positive outcome for themselves and their families, the results of this election, one of the most controversial elections in history, has created an America that is divided in more ways than one. The moment it became clear that Donald Trump had emerged victorious in the race, some roared in celebration, while others cried in the streets. Despite the bold expression of conflicting views throughout the election season, it is safe to say that everyone is united by the simple question: what comes next? With hope in mind, many Americans went to the polls on November 8th and elected Donald Trump as the 45th President of the United States.

When the polling booths cleared, televisions shut off, and confetti was swept from the ground, many Americans didn’t know what to expect. The days that ensued were filled with celebration by Trump supporters and absolute devastation amongst Clinton supporters. Prior to the election, the polls indicated that democratic candidate Hillary Clinton would have a decisive victory over Trump to become the first woman President of the United States. The shocking results led to protests filling the streets of major cities including New York, Chicago, Portland and Los Angeles. Protesters gathered in thousands ready to march with posters, while chanting in unison “Not my President.” Donald Trump’s derogatory campaign and discriminatory attitude enraged many democrats and republicans, alike. By creating such massive division within the nation’s populace, President-elect Donald Trump is threatening to end the democratic precedent of a peaceful transition of power. These protests are not going to end soon, as a massive Women’s March on Washington is being planned for the day after Trump’s inauguration. Not only does such expression of passion raise concern regarding gender issues, but poses the question, is Trump a capable of becoming a legitimate leader for every American?

Now, over a month after the elections, picket signs have begun to fall, and Americans have been following the formation of Trump’s cabinet with watchful eyes. The members of the Cabinet will stand with Trump and aid him in delegating responsibilities throughout his presidency. Along with the divided outcome of the election itself, some of the recent appointments to the cabinet have stimulated a similar response. While some are in general favor of these appointees, others believe they will singlehandedly dismantle the government.

One recent appointee, Betsy DeVos, as Secretary of Education, never an educator herself, has voiced her opinion as a strong proponent of charter schools and a free market for its attendees. She played a role in promoting legislation which creates a system where money follows the single student, rather than the district. Although, this allows for students to attend schools that are best for them, the system has essentially instigated a war between schools that attract potential students through bribes, including iPad’s and bikes. This concept of government money following the student rather than going directly to a school district has been implemented in Michigan. With this new system, Detroit is home to some of the worst-performing schools in the nation. Along with her passion for education reform, DeVos has vowed to “make education great again,” while also voicing opposition to Common Core, and allowing states to set their own standards.

Along with DeVos, the appointment of Ben Carson as secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and Tom Price as the head of Health and Human Services, have caused some Americans to question their opposition to signature policies of each department being maintained during the change in office. Ben Carson has gained the trust of many people solely from his passion for strengthening communities and the families within them. People have vowed their confidence in Carson to improve “inner cities”, which Trump has previously conflated poor African Americans with, and deemed them a “disaster.” Simultaneously, critics have expressed concern with Carson’s resistance to some legislation which promotes affordable housing in affluent areas, such as the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Act. Concerns have also risen from the appointment of Tom Price, a fierce critic of Obamacare. With strong opposition to healthcare policies which stretch the arm of the federal government deep within the country, Price has come to office with many propositions for the new term. The divide between Americans regarding the recent appointment into Cabinet has created concerns for some, but ultimately, everyone is united by the waiting game that lasts until the moment Trump and his team make their way to the White House.

Despite the tension that has come along with the end of the presidential race, it has become undeniable that this election will be memorable, in the least. More citizens have become involved and voiced their opinions in the world of politics, and hopefully this trend will continue and raise voter participation in future elections. For now, all that is important is that Americans can come together to fight for the issues that matter and stand as a strong, unified democratic nation before the rest of the world.

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