The Hope Within. Can America Survive Trump 2.0?

The White House - By Zoe Fisher

Thirty-four felony counts, one conviction, two cases pending, two impeachments, and six bankruptcies. Four more years.

These numbers appeared on the cover of Vanity Fair a few days after Donald Trump was elected the 47th President of the United States. The cover, which featured prominently on nearly every Democrat’s Instagram story, was a sign of the emotions that ran high following the election results. Many Walls students’ emotions are heightened as well - they are just a 12-minute walk away from the White House, and the aura of what’s to come is heavy. 

With Trump’s inauguration inching ever closer, some are excited, while many individuals, even within his own party, are concerned. Tariff wars, mass deportations, and countless restrictions—the things that will "make America great again"—are terrifying to many. It seems like we have nothing to counter the fear with, but I could be funny and say that we have the power of friendship—My Little Pony is as relevant as ever—but really, that’s what we have for the next four years. As liberals and moderates brace for this presidency, there are constant reminders of what we live for—hope, each other, and, ironically, America itself.

In just four years of living here, I’ve learned that America’s true strength lies in its ability to provide opportunities to all, regardless of who holds power. Its power is in uniting people who come here for a common cause, and I, as an immigrant, am one of them. Coming from a post-Soviet country, I was not accustomed to political discourse being so common and open, but I have learned that even when the sides are incredibly divided, they are united by passion for politics and the country where they live.

Let’s begin with what already unites us as Americans: the United States Constitution, a living testament to the ideals of liberty that were the foundation of this country. It has withstood pressures far greater than any one individual, no matter how powerful. It was crafted not to serve the whims of any one leader, but to protect the rights and freedoms of us all.

Many Americans have voiced concerns over Trump’s potential interference with the 22nd Amendment, which states that “No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice.” To overrule that amendment, Trump would require two-thirds of both the House—290 members—and the Senate—67 members—to agree to do so. After that, three-fourths of the states—38 in total—would have to agree as well. The Republicans are certainly short of a two-thirds majority and fall short of at least 17 blue states. All of these restrictions are allowed under the Constitution, which safeguards against attacks like this.

We must trust the checks and balances enshrined in that document. They are not mere words on parchment; they are the guardrails of our republic. Congress and the courage of everyday Americans have, time and again, upheld these boundaries when necessary. This moment will be no different if we remain vigilant. Don’t let fake news cloud your critical thinking. Uphold your own sovereignty as individuals—because if we each do our part, we can uphold the United States as a whole.

But hope is not born in institutions alone. It thrives in our communities, in the connections that we forge with one another. The divisions that may deepen under Trump’s presidency are not insurmountable if we make a conscious choice to bridge them. We must stand for kindness in the face of cruelty, for unity against discord, and for compassion over apathy—because that’s how the core of America itself survived. The Vietnam War, for example—arguably one of the bloodiest wars the U.S. was involved in. Because people protested, because they stood not only for their own lives but also for others’, former President Nixon was pressured to gradually withdraw troops from Vietnam.

Now, when divisions are at their peak, it is not the time to despair but to act. Participate in civic life. Volunteer for causes that matter to you personally. Support the journalists who report the truth and the advocates who fight for justice. Each of us has a role to play in shaping the future, no matter who sits in the Oval Office.

Finally, let us remember that no presidency lasts forever, but the legacy we build together as a nation does. The road ahead may (scratch that, it most definitely will) be challenging, but it is not uncharted. We, our predecessors, have walked through the storms of history, and we have come out resilient. Let us face the days ahead with hope as our guiding principle, unity as our strength, and a belief that together, we will write the next chapter of America's story with resilience and grace—regardless of what those in power deem right or wrong.