On Jan. 20 around 12 p.m., America received its 45th President. This inauguration was an emotional ceremony for everyone, whether you’re for Donald Trump or against him. Watching this election, I was a little nervous on what to expect, because of the heated election and the terrifying rallies. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I have never seen so much violence surrounding a presidential rally or inauguration. There were still people protesting around Washington. Some people were arrested due to the cause as well.
When the inauguration first came on national television, it began with prayers from religious figures, followed by a performance from Missouri State students later followed by another choir. I was wondering if any celebrities would perform. Unfortunately, we didn’t see any famous individual singing. I was so shocked to hear that not even one celebrity wanted to sing at this historical ceremony. Could you blame them though? I know I would have respectfully declined. Usually, celebrities are honored to sing at these ceremonies, but not this year. Everyone Trump asked declined. Even Celine Dion said no. Wow. That should tell the American people something. He probably should have had Kanye West rap the National Anthem. That probably would have been historical.
It finally came time for the inauguration for Vice President Mike Pence. It just didn’t feel right seeing the transition of Joe Biden to Pence. I finally woke up and realized that there will be a different change. Then it really hit me seeing Trump take the position of President of the United States. I felt like I took Michelle and Barack Obama for granted at times. They have really improved this country and made it better than it was before. I wonder what the Obama’s were feeling while going through the process of inauguration. Would it have felt different if Hillary was our president? I can’t help but think it could have been different.
Trump made his first speech as President and I don’t know about the rest of America, but this was a different Trump that I was hearing. It confused me because everything he said before his induction was the total opposite of everything he had previously spoken about. This makes it hard for me to trust him. Instead of him including some Americans, he decided to include all of American people and said our voices will be heard. It even surprised me when he said that no matter if you’re black, brown or white, there will be equal rights. I wasn’t expecting him to even make that statement. I still have my doubts as to whether he is down for equality or if he is pretending that he will serve as a inclusive leader. I really hope he isn’t just saying this and then doesn’t follow through. Sometimes it can be hard to trust politicians and this election was a really hard for a lot of people in America.
Everyone is thinking where do we go from here? What new changes will be made? Was it truth in his words that he said before he was inaugurated?
There has been so much negativity that has been followed around his campaign and presidency. It also surprised me that he will not be living in the White House – this makes me a little suspicious that he is staying in Trump Towers. As president, that is a duty to stay in the White House. What makes him better than the other presidents to where he doesn’t have to? This is who America elected for President right? There has been hashtags that say, #NotMyPresident, which was very interesting to see because that has never happened. I can’t say that I don’t agree with that movement, because I do.
We as American people have to understand that Trump isn’t the highest power – there is a higher power than a man and that is God. This world will not get worse; we will keep living and being responsible citizens. We have to remember together we have a voice and we should want to make change no matter who is the president. So, my message to the young people is don’t get down about the new president, keep striving and reaching. Nothing can hold us back. All peace and love.
