What a Second Trump Term Could Mean for America: A Preparatory Insight

With the prospect of a second Trump administration on the horizon, women and LGBTQ+ individuals are taking various precautionary measures. From updating passports to attending self-defense classes, many are preparing for potential changes that could impact their daily lives.

President-elect Donald Trump is assembling a Cabinet filled with loyalists while signaling a major overhaul of the federal government, likely leading to increased costs for citizens. Readers of The 19th shared their thoughts on how they are bracing for the changes, reflecting on their experiences during his first term.

Resident Lucy Mac moved to Raleigh, North Carolina, feeling the cultural shift from her New York roots. Despite finding her new home less tolerant of different political views, she intends to remain and advocate within her community. “I want to make sure people know they are not alone,” she stated, emphasizing her commitment to visibility in a predominantly conservative area.

Mac expressed concerns about her rights as a woman if the policies outlined in Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 are enacted. This plan could seek to undermine voting rights and includes proposals that alarm many, especially regarding women’s autonomy. To prepare, she is organizing self-defense classes and updating her passport to ensure consistency in her identification.

For Eleanor Grano, the unexpected election of Trump in 2016 pushed her into activism, particularly surrounding abortion rights. Now, with her growing family, she is anxious about economic implications should tariffs on imports come to fruition. Grano anticipates that these tariffs might raise household costs significantly, adding to the financial pressures faced by families with young children.

Selene, a licensed clinical social worker, is grappling with concerns about the future health and safety of her potential children amidst a second Trump term. She worries about the availability of essential programs and the implications of relaxed vaccine mandates, prompting her to reconsider her family planning timeline and seek a more supportive community.

April Wazhaxi-Jones, a member of the Osage Nation in Oklahoma, is focused on personal safety and advocating for Indigenous rights amid increasingly hostile rhetoric. As she witnesses a resurgence of Trump’s supporters, her priority has shifted to ensuring her own well-being, along with that of her community. “Everything I believed in is being torn down,” she noted, expressing her exhaustion with the political climate.

As Trump prepares for his second term, individuals are strategizing for an uncertain future. Their stories highlight the multitude of ways citizens are responding to the potential challenges ahead. Whether it’s through activism, community support, or personal safety measures, many are determined to stand resilient amidst the anticipated changes.