The US Presidential Election’s Impact on St Andrews

On 5 November, Donald Trump was re-elected  President of the United States. This victory was decisive, with the [resident-elect securing both the Electoral College and popular vote. The University of St Andrews is home to many American students, for whom the results of this election are tangible. 

In an Instagram post from 13 November, Saints LGBT expressed their reaction to the outcome, sharing various support networks to help those impacted by Trump’s re-election. “We are deeply concerned about the implications of a second Trump presidency,” the post read. The services mentioned included University-based resources like Nightline and Student Services. Commenting on the mental-health impact of the election, Saints LBGT said: “It is completely normal to feel fear, confusion, and vulnerability.” The society aims to advocate for those potentially marginalised by a second Trump term.

In interviews conducted with American students, they noted that the degree of Trump’s impact will vary from state to state. One student from a Democratic state commented that, although they were troubled by the result, they will be “far less affected” than those living in predominantly Republican states. 

Claire Waskow, co-president of Women in Politics, gave a statement on the impact of the election as an international student: “Being so far from home, I think the election as a whole doesn’t feel completely real.” Regarding the immediate aftermath of the election, Waskow noted, “It seems like the election and its potential consequences has had an effect on a lot of us.” She concluded by encouraging people to “continue engaging in discussion about the election and its wider implications.” This is the objective of Women in Politics, which aims to stimulate engagement with women’s issues in international politics among students.

It is clear that Trump’s re-election will affect the lives of many St Andrews students, and  university societies are responding to the new status quo.