By Jordan Dallimore, Staff Writer
The inauguration of a new president is always a highly anticipated event, but when Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States, reactions from the public were diverse. Ouachita Baptist University students, like many across the country, found themselves with differing opinions on the ceremony and what Trump’s second term might mean for the country.
Jillian Tankersley, a sophomore at OBU, was interested in watching the inauguration but had mixed feelings about some aspects of the ceremony. “Overall, I thought it was beautiful and classy,” Tankersley said. “But in my opinion, Trump refusing to put his hand on the Bible was tacky. His words scream, ‘I’m a Christian,’ but his actions prove otherwise.” Tankersley’s comments reflect the broader concerns some have regarding Trump’s public image versus his actions, particularly in relation to his religious stance.
Concerns about Trump’s policies and future governance also emerged. Bree Steinfeldt, a junior, shared her worries about Trump’s priorities, particularly his environmental stance and potential impact on civil liberties. “I think we need to take care of the Earth instead of pouring money into space travel, and I am concerned he will take away civil liberties from marginalized communities,” Steinfeldt said. “Also, the people he surrounds himself with, including his cabinet, do not appear to be for the American people, but instead for lining their own pockets.” These comments reflect concerns about the long-term effects of Trump’s administration, especially regarding issues such as climate change and social justice.
Sam Gorman, a senior at Ouachita, contrasted Trump’s rhetoric with the ideals of past leaders. He quoted John F. Kennedy’s famous words: “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country,” and then compared them to Trump’s own message. “What truly matters is not which party controls our government, but whether our government is controlled by the people,” Trump said in his inauguration speech. Gorman found this a stark contrast, suggesting that while Trump’s message focused on power being returned to the people, it came with a different tone than the idealism of past presidencies.
An anonymous OBU student raised concerns about some of the figures involved in the inauguration, particularly highlighting Elon Musk’s controversial actions. “Who Trump has in his inner circle, as well as who he allows to represent our country, is shocking,” the student said. “Elon Musk doing the ‘Roman Salute,’ and anyone who thinks that’s okay is embarrassing.” Musk’s symbolic gestures during the event led to backlash, and the comments reflected some of the discomfort that many felt about certain figures associated with the Trump administration.
However, not all reactions were negative. Mason Boswell, a senior, expressed his belief that Trump’s second term would bring about important changes, particularly for American workers and businesses. “Donald Trump’s inauguration was a historic moment that marked a return to putting America first,” Boswell explained. “His speech was bold and unapologetic, focusing on restoring economic strength, securing our borders and standing up to globalist policies.”
For some, like senior Chloe Lane, Trump’s reelection was a cause for optimism. “I was really excited about the inauguration and the Trump presidency,” Lane stated. “I’m a lifelong Republican, and I think a lot of us look forward to some key policy changes and Trump’s ‘America First’ approach.”
The 2025 inauguration sparked mixed feelings across campus. As President Trump begins his second term, the nation continues to wrestle with how his leadership will shape the next four years.
