For many residents in Los Angeles, the lead-up to President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration was dwarfed by deadly and destructive wildfires.
But as Trump begins his second term as the 47th President of the United States on Monday, community members are again turning their attention to the White House.
He’s pledged to implement tariffs, increase oil drilling, and carry out mass deportations of undocumented immigrants. Those promises – which have yet to take clear shape – have alienated some residents and inspired others.
Our youth reporters spoke to residents on the Eastside to ask how they’re feeling about Trump returning to office.
Alayza Espinoza, 18, Boyle Heights
Alayza Espinoza, a student from Boyle Heights, feels a lot of uncertainty, especially for the immigrant community.
“He’s against having immigrants in this country. And I feel like that makes them feel really scared. They have children, they have jobs, they have things they’ve worked hard for, their homes, their cars … It’d be tragic to just leave everything behind and lose everything and have to start all over again.”
Alayza Espinoza
Johnny Aguilar, 51, Boyle Heights
Johnny Aguilar, a railroad worker from Boyle Heights, is hopeful that the middle class will receive economic support under Trump.
“Everything is so expensive, but downsized, smaller… Hopefully it pans out good because after these four years we don’t have him anymore. Who’s the next president that’s gonna step up now?”
Johnny Aguilar
Layla Solis, 25, El Sereno
“I hope he changes his stance on closing the Department of Education only because it’s how a lot of students are able to get financial aid to go to college. It’s how we are able to instill a certain curriculum. It’s really frightening for the state of education not only because it has implications at the college level [but also] all the way down to TK education.”
Layla Solis
Soany Memije, 22, Boyle Heights
“My parents and my sister took [Trump’s win] negatively because they’re not his biggest supporters. I just hope he’ll be helpful in the future. I really hope he helps provide the homeless with housing and maybe jobs to get back on their feet.”
Soany Memije
Daniel Martinez, 48, Boyle Heights
Daniel Martinez, an art teacher at Felicitas and Gonzalo Mendez High School, worries about Trump’s immigration plans but encourages residents to stay hopeful.
“I want to say to the people out there who are angry because of this newly appointed future president to give it a chance, but still fight for your rights. Know that you’re not alone, there are people here to support you and just have faith.”
Daniel Martinez
Eduardo Lucas, 17, Boyle Heights
“I feel like a Trump presidency would be sort of beneficial for my family because one of his major plans is to improve the economy, not just for the upper class, but just the entire nation as a whole. I feel like it’ll really help out the more unfortunate community, such as Boyle Heights and boost the economy.”
Eduardo Lucas
