OPINION: Trump’s reelection causes global outrage

Photo via Loco Steve/Public domain/Wikimedia Commons

Ava Jelepis, a Freshman studying Journalism, argues that Trump’s second term in office has created a ripple effect that is felt across the globe.

Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on Jan. 20. Since then, there have been rallies for and against Trump in the U.S. However, it’s not just the U.S. that has been expressing their feelings toward the newly-elected president. 

Across the globe, there have been widespread protests in opposition to Trump and what he stands for. These anti-Trump protests around the world should serve as a wake-up call to the U.S. for the reality of this administration.

In Mexico City, many gathered outside the U.S. Embassy on the day of Trump’s inauguration to protest his anti-immigration and protectionist policies. The protesters beat and set fire to a piñata resembling Trump and called his policies “abusive and inhumane.” The burning of a Trump piñata has been a symbol of protest since his first term. 

Others protested throughout the streets of Mexico City, chanting for human rights. With daily immigration arrests exceeding 1,000, Trump is doing what he can to hold his promise that this would be the “largest deportation operation” in U.S. history. 

“Donald Trump has not realized he is achieving something [unintended]: the unity of all migrants in the world,” said Marsha Beya Rubyn, a migrant human rights activist and president of the “Orgullo Diverso de México.”

In London, the Stop Trump Coalition is preparing for Trump’s second term. On Jan. 20, they released a statement pledging to “mobilize in our thousands and our millions.” It has been signed by over a thousand people, including climate activists, grassroots campaigners and trade unionists. They have also pledged that a Trump visit to the UK will cause protests. The site reads, “Trump is not welcome here, and we will not be divided by his politics of hate.”

During Trump’s first term, the Stop Trump Coalition was responsible for some of the biggest protests in British history. During his first term, one of the significant reasons for anti-Trump protests was his stance on climate change. As we enter his second term, it's clear that this problem will arise again. 

On Nov. 6, 2024, after Trump defeated former Vice President Kamala Harris, two climate activists from Just Stop Oil sprayed the U.S. Embassy in London with orange paint in protest. "Trump's win puts the lives of ordinary people at risk, everywhere," Just Stop Oil said. Trump’s stance on climate change affects every living thing worldwide, leaving concern for the future.

In Panama, people have been burning American flags in protest of the Trump presidency. This comes after Trump’s threats to “take back” the Panama Canal. Many Panamanians have said they consider the canal part of their national identity. The protests have been taking place since the end of last year, and people taking part in the protests have called Trump a “public enemy of Panama.” 

During Trump's inauguration, hundreds of protesters gathered outside the U.S. Embassy in Brussels, Belgium. Some groups in the protest included trade unions, environmentalists and anti-racist movements. The protesters accused Trump and Elon Musk of interfering with European politics and called Trump’s agenda a “far-right program serving American billionaires.” Some protesters were also seen with Palestinian flags.

Thousands in Germany have been protesting against the far-right anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany (AfD) party before next month's election. Though targeted at the AfD party, protesters hoped to get the attention of other far-right parties in Europe and the Trump administration. 

Musk has expressed his support for the AfD party, calling it “the best hope for Germany.” This caused Musk to be accused of meddling in European politics. Musk has also faced backlash across Europe and the U.S. for making an apparent Nazi salute at Trump's inauguration. 

The chaos Trump and his administration have brought to the world will only grow. What he does affects people outside of America, and the concern worldwide is getting worse by the day. However, the majority of Americans believed one term was not enough and voted him back into office. Though the protests around the world speak volumes, the supporters of Trump continue to cover their ears.

Please note that these views and opinions do not reflect those of The New Political.