Fairfield students are reacting to the news of Donald Trump’s win in the 2024 election, with responses reflecting a deep divide on campus.
On election night, there were an overwhelming amount of pro-Trump and anti-Harris posts as well, some of them explicitly racist or misogynistic.
“Wasn’t gonna drink tonight but America’s back LFG.”
“Glad a hooker isn’t our new president.”
“Maga themed darty?”
“Jesus is my savior, Trump is my president!”
We spoke to almost a dozen students who said they voted for Trump. When asked to share their views on the record, nearly all declined.
Senior Cooper Stine, a politics student and Republican, opened up about his thoughts post-election.
“When I heard that Trump won the popular vote—a feat not achieved by a Republican since Bush in 2004—I felt a renewed confidence, as though the nation was beginning to unify. Looking ahead to 2025, I hope we can move toward a nation where diplomacy replaces conflicts abroad, where our immigration system is reformed, where our borders are secure, and where Americans across the country can thrive together,” Stine said.
Senior John Sullivan did not feel strongly about either candidate.
“As an Environmental Studies major, issues like climate change and conservation are always front and center for me. However, economic and immigration issues were also significant factors I couldn’t ignore, Sullivan expressed “Unfortunately, neither candidate fully addressed all the issues I was considering going into this election, though one did address more of my concerns than the other,” Sullivan said.
Many students we spoke to expressed that they voted for Harris.
“I voted for Kamala because I value women’s rights and I’m pro choice,” said Margaret Haas ‘26, “I am appalled by the fact that there is now a convicted felon and someone convicted of sexual assault as our president. I am disgraced at this election and truly cannot even begin to fathom it.”
In the aftermath of Trump’s reelection, Fairfield students remain deeply divided. While some celebrate a return to conservative leadership, others express anger and fear over what they see as a threat to civil liberties and social progress.
“America, Land of the Free. If you’re white, cisgender, straight, middle-upper class, and male of course. The American people care more about the price of eggs than the lives of women, queer people, people of color and immigrants,” said junior Katharine Gutkoski, as she argued that Harris was ultimately the more qualified candidate.
As Fairfield students look to the next four years, they face the challenge of navigating these differences, perhaps finding common ground in shared goals for a better future.
Fairfield’s Counseling & Psychological Services can provide support to students during this time. Counseling is located next to Jogues Hall and appointments can be made online or by calling their office.