Trump Wins Presidential Election

November 2024

By Jocelyn Caraveo and Darian Cravin, Staff Reporters

Results of the Election

Former president and Republican Donald Trump has won the presidential election with JD Vance as his vice presidential candidate, defeating the Democratic nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, and her running mate, Minnesota governor Tim Walz. Trump won both the popular vote and the electoral college, sweeping all seven “swing states” that were expected to decide the race with narrow margins.

Now that he has won, Trump’s administration seeks to create an “industrial might” and merge nationalism and populism. Concerns about Trump’s controversial history include potential erosion of government checks and balances and weakened oversight due to his Republican appointments. In his first term in office, he appointed three Supreme Court Justices who gave the court the majority needed to overturn Roe v. Wade, restricting women’s rights and access to reproductive healthcare. Some of Trump’s statements during the campaign have also raised fears of more autocratic governance.

The presidential election is a quadrennial event in which Americans can choose who our next head of the country is. It is necessary to know the person’s values/beliefs and why it is key to vote for our future. 

Kamala’s Democratic Ideology:

Kamala Harris, the current Vice President, campaigned on a mission to create economic opportunities and ease the financial burdens families face. She emphasized that she grew up in a middle-class household, and claimed to understand firsthand that a thriving middle class is vital for a robust America. She advocated for meaningful tax cuts and aimed to lower the costs of essential needs like healthcare, housing, and groceries.

Beyond economic issues, she also championed the rights to make personal choices about one’s body, to love openly, and to vote—a cause she said was made even more urgent following the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Mentioning her background as a prosecutor and Attorney General, she said she was deeply committed to ensuring safety and justice for all, tackling crime prevention, and reforming the immigration system to uphold the rule of law for everyone, including the President.

Trump’s Republican Ideology:

Donald Trump, a former president, advocates for firm border control to manage migration and aims to combat crime by dismantling drug cartels and addressing gang violence. He said he prioritizes public safety and is committed to revitalizing urban areas, including Washington, D.C.

Additionally, he intends to uphold the U.S. dollar’s global standing and cease funding for educational institutions that endorse “critical race theory” and “radical gender ideology.” Furthermore, many of his supporters and former advisers put together Project 2025, where they elaborated on strategic initiatives Trump could pursue to achieve that vision. 

Project 2025 is one of two plans Trump advisors put out before the election to establish Trump’s goals. The other is Agenda 47. Project 2025, developed with the Heritage Foundation, aims to establish a conservative agenda that challenges civil rights, including immigration and reproductive rights, while advocating  mass deportations and aggressive policing of protests. It also seeks to impose strict voting access restrictions. In contrast, Agenda 47 champions republicanism and Christian nationalism, promoting limited government, a “culture of life,” and the right to bear arms, while emphasizing Judeo-Christian values in American identity and policy. Together, these initiatives mark a significant shift towards hardline conservatism in governance.

Why it is Important to Vote–Even for Students

Voting is a crucial civic duty that ensures public opinions are expressed in the democratic process. By participating in elections, you affirm your commitment to the values and issues that matter to you. Not voting can mean withdrawing from civic responsibility and allowing decisions without public input. Some individuals cannot participate in elections, so casting your ballot not only advocates for your beliefs but also supports those who cannot.

While voting is your choice, consider the impact of your participation on others. Your vote truly matters. KAC English teacher Franklin Strong emphasizes, “Young people have a chance to make their voices heard in this election, especially in local elections where the number of voters is smaller.” 

And Social Studies teacher Amber Corral adds, “The purpose of voting is to express your opinion on who should lead the country.”