When Donald Trump was elected in 2016, I was floored. I remember sitting there, stunned, trying to make sense of it all. But looking back, I probably shouldn’t have been so surprised. I was a liberal living in North Carolina, a state painted bright red. Nearly 75% of my county voted for him. I knew how much Trump had dominated online conversations and saw people my age proudly casting their votes for him.
Fast forward to his second term, and that initial shock has turned into something far more numbing. Now, I know exactly what to expect, and yet, the dread is still there, creeping into my thoughts almost daily.
Living in a Time of Relentless Change
In just the past few weeks, the Trump administration has taken actions that feel almost unreal in their cruelty. From targeting trans rights and terrorizing immigrant communities to stoking tensions abroad and making everyday life more expensive, it seems like the hits just keep coming.
For my generation ‒ Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2012 ‒ it’s like watching a nightmare unfold. We didn’t have much say in his first election. But in 2020, we made it clear: we don’t want him. We’ve never wanted him.
A Generation Divided
Gen Z isn’t a monolith. Yes, we lean blue, but there’s still a segment that backs Trump, valuing “edginess” over empathy. To those who believe supporting MAGA makes them rebels, I want to ask:
- Has your life really improved?
- Are your wages higher?
- Are groceries cheaper?
- Has Trump made it easier for you to buy your first home or pay off your student loans?
From where I’m standing, things still look pretty bleak.
Finding Hope Amid the Chaos
I get it. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed right now. Many of us are despondent, shaken by the direction our country is heading. But here’s the thing: giving in to fear is not the answer.
Hope is a powerful, radical act. And holding onto that hope, even when it feels impossible, is how we fight back.
Here’s What We Can Do
- Find your people. Build a community that lifts you up and shares your values.
- Speak up. Call your representatives and demand action.
- Show up. Protest, volunteer, and support causes you believe in.
- Push back. Don’t let anyone tell you that your voice doesn’t matter.
Our Power is in Our Hand
Trump and his administration want to take everything from us: our rights, our communities, our joy. But we can’t let that happen. In 2026, we have another chance to speak through our votes and actions.
