Since 2025 began, a multitude of changes have taken place in the U.S. Most notably, President Donald Trump’s inauguration and the signing of many executive orders are leaving Americans frustrated and scared. In these trying times the best weapon of all is an educated compassionate voice.
AP news reports a lengthy list of actions signed by Trump since his inauguration day. The executive actions range from a promise of a mass deportation program, a review of tariff programs, withdrawal from the Paris Climate Change Agreement and the elimination of DEI programs across America.
As a college student, it can be daunting to read the list of actions passed that will inevitably impact the good of American neighbors and friends. It’s scary, it's paralyzing and it can be difficult to find what to do or how to cope with it.
As orders are being passed, the best way to combat the feeling of doom is spreading across the country is to continue to educate yourself.
Two key issues that impacted Trump’s presidential win were the economy and immigration. The Pew Research Center in Washington D.C. reported 93% of Trump supporters said the economy was the most important issue to their vote and 82% said immigration.
Part of the reason these issues are vital to Trump supporters is due to the harmful rhetoric Trump orchestrates in his speeches and campaign trail. Specifically, his verbiage around immigration is often that immigrants are criminals and cause harm to America, which is in line with his plan for mass deportation. In reality, immigrants both undocumented and documented have committed less crime than native-born Americans, dating back to 1870.
Trump claimed former President Joe Biden’s Administration ruined the economy. In reality, the average GDP under the Biden Administration, which measures the amount of goods and services produced, was 10% compared to Trump’s 9%.
The unemployment rate also rose during Trump’s previous term from 4.7-6.4% upon leaving office. Compared to Biden’s 6.4% at the start of his presidency after Trump’s term to 4.1% in September 2024. Although COVID-19 impacted both presidencies, Trump’s unemployment rate rose during his last term and Biden’s lowered.
Both of these issues are just the tip of the iceberg of harmful claims that are perpetuated through Trump’s political ideals and plans. It is vital that as America braces for his second presidential term, citizens continue to educate themselves on what is going on.
This means taking time to do research, looking at multiple sources and finding the facts. The best thing you can do is stay informed on what is going on and use your voice to continue the conversation of truth.
In a 2003 speech to the Nelson Mandela Foundation, Mandela stated, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
Continuing to educate themselves is the way Americans are going to make it through these four years of Trump’s presidential term. It is crucial college students do their research, continue conversations of factual information and work to stop the spread of harmful rhetoric and plans that target the American people.
Remember that while Trump’s executive actions and plans may not directly impact you, they impact your neighbors, your friends, your teachers, your bosses, your future and your day-to-day life. This is your country too.
Clara Leder is a junior studying education and journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnist do not reflect those of The Post. What are your thoughts? Let Clara know by emailing her at cl125221@ohio.edu.
