After a whirlwind of an election night, Donald Trump officially became the 47th president-elect of the United States Nov. 6. As we awaited results at the start of election night Nov. 5, the country constantly checked election results maps with high hopes and building anxiety, glued to their seats as the election unfolded. Those who stayed up until the early hours of the morning saw the election unfold minute by the minute, and those who woke up the next day received an unpleasant surprise. 

The five stages of grief followed: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. The morning after had an eerie and unnerving atmosphere, with half of the country’s biggest fear coming true. Many thought it would take a few days to count the votes and declare a winner, after it took four days during the 2020 election  to determine the winner of the presidency. However, this year, it came as a sudden shock.

This year, for the first time, Trump won the popular vote. As much as we’d like to believe otherwise, the truth is that the United States has made its choice, despite warnings from former members of the Trump administration, who made several statements claiming Trump would be a threat to the nation’s democracy.

Before the election, the polls reported by most news outlets were incredibly close. The country could not predict the election’s outcome, and the media claimed it was a toss-up. On election night, at around 10 p.m.  viewers saw the “red mirage” fill the election map. This is a phenomenon seen in most elections, as most red states like Kentucky, Indiana and Alabama count in-person voting first, so they are called more quickly. Most traditionally blue states count mail-in ballots first, so they take longer to be called. However, the red mirage this year wasn’t any actual mirage or distortion; it was the truth. After Georgia turned red, and it was clear that the rest of the swing states were also likely red, the result of the election became unsettlingly clear. As of Nov. 10, Donald Trump beat Kamala Harris 312 electoral votes to 226.

Prior to election day, Trump had promised to carry out mass deportations of  undocumented immigrants, close the border, release rioters who were jailed for their participation in the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the United States Capitol, increase oil drilling, limit environmental regulations of big oil companies and remove the Green New Deal, to name a few. In addition, he has proposed to grant police officers and law enforcement nationwide with immunity from prosecution so they are not held accountable for acts of violence they commit.

A frequent argument from those who voted for Trump is that they favor his “economic policy,” which, in truth, only benefits the rich and may even increase inflation. In the grand scheme of things, his economic policies do not balance out the harm he has done and will do to this country during his next presidency. It is truly a travesty. But it was a choice the American people made. 

Trump’s victory raises questions about the future of American democracy, especially with Trump’s party’s proposal for Project 2025, which entails completely reinstating the government and its policies, some of which Trump has heavily advertised. This includes a complete nationwide ban on abortion, mass deportation and the dismantling and downsizing of numerous federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Education. 

These are Trump’s long-term goals. He has also said, “four more years, you know what? It’ll be fixed, it’ll be fine, you won’t have to vote any more” to his supporters at a rally in July. When this statement appeared all over news outlets, it seemed like a somewhat alarming joke. But now, it illuminates the dark undertone and possible reality of a Trump presidency and perhaps the diminishing of the democratic system.

Trump’s victory has transformed the concerns of many into a reality nationwide.

For women, abortion is already restricted in 22 states, and it will only get more challenging to safely obtain one during Trump’s second term as president. He has bragged about his role helping overturn Roe v. Wade by appointing the Supreme Court justices who made the decision, yet also claimed that he would be “great for women and their reproductive rights.” He has said that he wouldn’t impose a federal abortion ban under any circumstances, but the nation doesn’t know that for sure. He isn’t known for keeping his promises. 

In addition, for undocumented immigrants, Trump’s second term as president amplifies worries about being deported. The president-elect has a plan to deport millions from the country, known as “Operation Aurora.” These “millions” have lived in the United States for decades, and his operation could tear them away from their family and friends for life.

Joe Biden’s efforts, including rejoining the Paris Agreement, healthily regulating the border and attempting to amend the economy, will be futile. The Democratic party, including Biden and Harris, has progressed significantly over the past four years and has exhausted their efforts to repair the damage Trump inflicted on the country during his 2016 presidency.

Was it all for nothing? The nation should watch closely over the next four years to see if Trump delivers on his promise to “Make America Great Again” or restore the country to the state it was during his previous term.   

With disappointment, sadness and anger consuming half the country, we should continue to be compassionate especially to those who disagree with us. This is especially true in the case of neighbors, coworkers and family members. Instead of dehumanizing and villainizing our loved ones because of who they voted for, we should strive to understand them without judgment. Over the next four years, know that our voices have more value and power than ever. Continue to share your stories, be open-minded and trusting toward others. This outcome was a choice made by the nation, but that does not mean our work is over.

Tanvi Saxena is a first-year journalism major. She can be reached at [email protected].