On Nov. 5, 2024, Donald J. Trump was re-elected President of the United States of America. Trump won not only the electoral vote, but also the popular vote by more than 3,000,000 people.
On Jan. 20, the Inauguration took place in Washington D.C. This is where Trump was officially sworn in as President of the United States and JD Vance as Vice President.
Over 20 students from Taft High School watched the inauguration with Global Politics teacher Matthew Francolino in Washington D.C. Francolino said they were unable to attend the Inauguration due to the event being changed to indoors. Despite this, they were still able to visit other places such as the Capitol Building. They watched the Inauguration on the television with students and teachers from other schools.
Francolino stated, “The inauguration, regardless of where you stand about Donald Trump, is more about celebrating democracy and a peaceful transition of power.” Democrats such as Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama attended Trump’s inauguration.
Junior Jeshua Marquez attended the Washington trip. Marquez said the students had the opportunity to speak to Congressman Mike Quigley, which he said was the biggest highlight of the trip for him. Marquez said they visited museums and saw politicians debate in Congress. He stated, “It felt exciting going to new places and understanding the political spectrum.”
Junior Cira Hatley attended the Washington trip. Hatley stated, “It was really educational, other than just sight-seeing.” She said they were able to attend the ceremony of the changing of the guard. They saw different memorials such as the Jefferson and Lincoln memorials.
In regards to the future of the United States, Marquez sees a country that’s safe and free from heinous crimes.
Hatley sees a country of an educated generation. She believes that trips like these are important to further our understanding of politics.
Francolino believes that we’re extremely divided due to differences in political beliefs, but we can unite and understand each other.
The Washington trip was an experience for not only students at Taft, but across the nation. By attending different memorials, ceremonies, and places, the students were able to understand American politics and history on a different level. The students at Taft who attended this trip took this as an educational experience regardless of political belief or lack thereof.
