Based on Trump's proposed policies and campaign rhetoric, millions of Americans are worried about the loss of their civil liberties, the loss of protections to our overheating planet, access to affordable health care, and so much more. No one can be absolutely sure of what a Trump presidency will mean for America. What is certain is how much is at stake. Here are just a few of those things:
1. LGBTQ+ Rights May Be Set Backward
Trump and Pence are for anti-gay rights. As governor, Pence signed a religious freedom bill that critics fear would allow businesses to discriminate against LGBTQ people by citing religious beliefs as a legal defense (the language of the bill was amended after outcry). Trump has said he would consider appointing judges who would overturn marriage equality.
2. Abortion May Become Illegal
As a congressman representing Indiana, future Vice President Mike Pence repeatedly sought to defund Planned Parenthood. As Indiana's governor, Pence signed one of the strictest anti-abortion laws in the country earlier this year. The law banned abortions sought over genetic disorders, banned fetal tissue donation, and required fetal remains be either cremated or buried, among other restrictions. Though it was later blocked by a federal judge, Pence has made it clear he will continue to oppose abortion in office.
3. The Justice System Could Skew Conservative
There is currently one vacancy on the Supreme Court, and given that two judges are over 75, Trump may be able to nominate more judges during his presidency as well as appoint federal judges. Since most cases never make it to the Supreme Court, federal judges end up making the majority of decisions concerning cases involving the civil rights of Americans. Because the Republicans hold the Senate, Trump would likely get more support than Barack Obama, who was blocked by Republicans from filling the open Supreme Court seat.
4. Immigrants Will Be At Risk
Immigrants and refugees will become one of the most vulnerable populations in the Trump presidency. Trump focused his platform on immigration, promising to build a wall at the border of Mexico (and have Mexico pay for it), proposed a ban on Muslims from entering the United States (which, as of Thursday, had disappeared from his campaign site), and said he will not offer millions of undocumented immigrants a pathway to citizenship and will deport them.
5. Support For Clean Energy May Disappear
Donald Trump has called climate change a hoax perpetrated by the Chinese. Trump wants to do away with Obama’s Clean Power Plan, which reduces carbon dioxide emissions in the U.S., wants to stop federal funding of clean energy, and wants to gut the Environmental Protection Agency.
6. Millions May Lose Access To Affordable Heath Care
Trump has promised to repeal the Affordable Care Act, which would leave 24 million Americans without insurance. The ACA also protects women from discriminatory practices by insurance companies that charge women more for health care and ensures their access to no co-pay birth control. Given the likelihood that birth control is about to become expensive and abortion may become an impossibility, some feminists are encouraging women to get an IUD, a medical device that can prevent pregnancy for several years, before January.
7. The White House's Support For Victims Of Sexual Assault Could Disappear
Trump has boasted about sexually assaulting women and even faces sexual assault allegations from over a dozen women. Many of the men in his inner circle, like Corey Lewandowski and Newt Gingrich, have dismissed the concerns over sexual assault, argued that Trump's comments are normal.
While many things are at stake, I am still hopeful for our country. Change doesn't just happen overnight. It is also important to note what is said during a campaign does not always happen once elected. No matter who wins, I will always want our country to change for the better and I hope Trump succeeds in doing that.
I can only hope that America sees positive change and love wins.
