On January 20th, 2017, Donald J. Trump was elected into office. Prior to his Inauguration, many feared his presidency’s impacts. A businessman that comes from wealth with very little knowledge of social issues was now our president. Many shed tears as red and blue fireworks lit up the sky. The next four years would exhibit how America met its downfall.

The border between America and Mexico separated families that desired a new life. The wall, the border, and the fence separated a safer life from a dangerous one. A gateway to the “American Dream.”  Americans are blinded by the privileges offered to us and do not bother to acknowledge what people in other countries experience. Over the next couple of years of Trump being in office, the discussion of immigration never went away. Detention centers were built and many illegal immigrants were thrown into them, not knowing if they would ever be able to see their families again. A Netflix series, Living Undocumented, will open your eyes to the lives of illegal immigrants under Trump’s rules. Immigrants have made what America is today; let us now welcome each and every person to America.

In 2020, Trump’s leadership skills were tested. America faced much hardship such as wildfires, impeachment, BLM protests, the 2020 election, climate change, second impeachment, and riots at the Capitol building. His response to many of these major events caused frustration around the world and he failed to show any type of affection to these situations.

January 6th, 2021 was the day the world fell. Americans rioted in front of the nation’s Capitol to show their anger towards Biden’s win. People stormed into the building acting in rage. This event proved the high privilege some Americans have. Many people have questioned if these people were people of color, would the situation have been different. Would law enforcement have used force? Everyone saw the United States crumble that day, yet, Trump did not stop his supporters.

Lynette Richardson ’21, expresses that while Trump was in office things felt heavy and dark. It was as if there was no hope and days and months dragged on. After President Biden was elected he was up for the task of bringing her back to America. After four years of negative news reports and unflattering actions made by our country’s government, all Biden can do is put his best foot forward in his first term. The world will be watching to see if he can repair the damage that was done by the former president.

On January 20th, 2021, President Joe Biden was sworn into office. Americans now have a fresh start, new beginnings, and a chance to see change. Hopefully, Americans can one day unite again with a powerful and great leader.