The Politics of the Second Trump Administration

Courtesy of Sean Elliot

On Jan. 20, the day before the spring 2025 semester began, Donald J. Trump was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States, beginning his second term. Since then, there have been plenty of political headlines and news for students to keep up with. As a tight-knit liberal arts school, Connecticut College is home to many politically and socially invested students who do not shy away from sharing their thoughts on current events. 

Students and faculty reacted to the results of the 2024 presidential election in November. Many now wonder whether Trump’s second term will deliver on his promises, especially those regarding international students, LGBTQIA+ policies, and international affairs. Students are left wondering the extent to which Connecticut College will be affected by the multitude of executive orders, and how soon those effects may be felt on campus.

On Feb. 3, in the Blaustein Humanities Center Ernst Common Room, Conn professors of the Government & International Relations Departments held a panel, “The Politics of the Second Trump Administration,” to share their expertise and answer students’ pressing questions. Conn students eagerly flocked to the event, filling every possible seat in the room. Staff and some family members attended as well.  Exclamations of, “I can’t believe how many people turned up!” and “This brings me back to pre-COVID times!” were heard as the buzz of excitement settled into a quiet anticipation of hearing the panelists share their insight. Students enthusiastically brought questions, concerns, and ideas they had regarding the present and future political circumstances. “I believe that this event was needed for our campus community. With the impressive attendance, it definitely appears that our community wanted to hear from our GOV/IR Department professors what their thoughts are on the recent developments,” noted Olivia Mcdonald ‘27, a member of the Government and International Relations Student Advisory Board (SAB).

One of the most popular themes mentioned throughout the event was “mobilization and organization” within social and political movements around the country. Students wondered whether there was something they could do if higher education was negatively affected. Dr. Daniel Moak, associate professor of Government, explained that we should look at past successful social movements and that mobilizing is easier than organizing. Mobilizing, he said, was like one specific protest where everyone shows up for a few hours and disperses. Organizing, on the other hand, is the persistent effort by individuals and groups to advance social or political aims, which may involve moments of mobilization but extends beyond any single day. Successful social movements go further than just mobilization, and require well-executed organization in order to keep momentum. However, “it remains to be seen what’s actually going to happen on a higher-ed level, but it is something to be concerned about,” said Moak.

Visiting assistant professor for American Environmental Politics and Policy Jared Heern offered some insight regarding the environmental changes seen in recent headlines. He went into detail about how the early stages of Trump’s presidency have resulted in the reversal of significant climate legislation and agreements. Shortly after Trump took office, an executive order was signed that pulled the United States out of the international climate change treaty, the Paris Agreement. Heern added that many of Trump’s picks for some of the most important climate positions in his cabinet have a deregulatory stance on climate change and will freely go through with many of Trump’s “roll-back” executive orders. Many of the original environmental regulation orders were signed during President Joe Biden’s term and advocate for less energy consumption and more scientific integrity. Heern reinforced the idea that, on a national level, it will be hard to “claw back” the negative consequences of recent legislation, but the path towards improvement lies in congressional action and state level initiative. He explained that when the federal government is less inclined to act on something, that makes the state level all the more important.

Students asked how international affairs have been and might be affected during Trump’s second term. Professor David Patton described Trump’s international stance in his second term as “supercharged.” He explained that Trump’s urge for territorial expansion has “amplified” since 2016, as witnessed through recent headlines regarding President Trump’s purported desire to annex other countries and territories, such as Greenland. Patton elaborated that this time around the Trump administration is uniquely populated with influential advisors who are personally close to Trump, most notably Elon Musk. When students asked whether the president’s policies are intended to be enacted or are just “flash, make a deal” scenarios, Patton and other professors left the question open ended with, “How much of this is Trump, [and] how much is this the people around him?” They seem to believe time will tell, and Trump will likely claim responsibility over any chance successes and denounce any unplanned failures. 

Nearing the end of the panel, students asked:  what can we as students do within our communities? Questions and concerns about LGBTQIA+ policies, institution risks and reforms, and international repercussions have remained present around campus since the election results. Instructor sourav guha reminded students that they have the power to build relationships to organize, and that, “as incumbent students, you hold the power.” guha encouraged the audience that through organization on a state level, students can reach out to senators and use local resources. Professor Peter Mitchell added on to that by promoting domestic non-governmental organizations and international non-governmental organizations as another way to get involved. Mitchell explained that popular non-government affiliated organizations, for example the Sierra Club—one of the most historical and prominent environmental advocacy organizations—can have a “significant impact on states.” 

Students left with a better perception of the second Trump administration and insight on how it differs from his first term. Professor MaryAnne Borelli acknowledged the audience by saying, “If you are finding yourself targeted, this is a time for you to reach out and build your institutional resources, your psychological resources, and to really be aware of yourself and of everybody who’s wishing you well.” As the spring semester continues, more headlines and legislation will likely pass rapidly, and students can reflect on this shared expertise and knowledge while processing the second Trump Administration.