By Aneet Kaur
Donald Trump has always been a figure of debate, and his return to the presidency has sparked even more discussion. To get a sense of what students think about him, I conducted a poll at our school and received 56 responses. The results? Most students had strong opinions — many critical, but some more supportive. Let’s take a look at what they had to say.
Trump’s First Month: A Strong Start or a Rough One?
When it came to Trump’s first month in office, reactions were mixed — but the majority of students weren’t too impressed. Many felt his decisions were controversial or that he hadn’t followed through on his promises. One student commented, “He’s already having a negative impact on the US,” while another described his leadership as “chaotic and uncertain.”
A major concern was his immigration policies. Some students were critical of his decision to give more power to ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement), with one writing, “All he did was give ICE more power, which was horrible.” Others felt he hadn’t delivered on key promises, with one stating, “Not seen any progress that he claimed.”
However, not everyone shared this view. A few students appreciated his fast decision-making, saying, “At least he took action quickly”, though even they admitted that some policies were questionable.
What is clear is that students are paying close attention to Trump’s actions, not just his words, and many are forming their own judgments based on what they’ve seen so far.
Global Affairs: Smart Strategy or Risky Moves?
Trump’s approach to global issues, particularly the Russia-Ukraine conflict, also sparked strong opinions. Some students worried about his seemingly close relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin. One asked, “Why is he all buddy-buddy with Putin?” while another noted, “Trump verbally attacked the Ukrainian president instead of helping him.”
A few even expressed concerns that his choices could escalate tensions. “I think he’s gonna start World War 3, which is not very nice,” one student commented, while another warned, “He should think about the consequences of his actions.”
That said, a smaller number of students believed his approach could have some logic. One said, “Becoming friends with Putin is a smart move,” while another found his decisions “interesting — it could work.”
Overall, most students seemed to lack confidence in his ability to handle global issues, though a few thought his strategies might have potential.
Where Are Students Getting Their News?
With so many opinions on Trump, it’s important to ask — where are students getting their information from? The survey showed that:
It’s clear that family discussions and social media play a major role in shaping opinions. Since platforms like TikTok and Instagram can sometimes make political events feel more dramatic, it’s understandable why some reactions are so strong. However, it’s also clear that students aren’t just accepting what they hear — they’re forming their own views based on a mix of sources, from traditional news outlets to conversations with parents and friends.
Final Thoughts: Students Are Engaged
Regardless of whether they support Trump or not, one thing is certain — students are paying attention to politics, and they have plenty to say.
While opinions may be divided, the fact that young people are discussing major political events and forming their own perspectives is important. Whether through news websites, social media or family discussions, students are staying informed, which is a great sign for the future.
Engaging with the news, thinking critically and understanding different viewpoints are all key skills — not just for politics, but for life. No matter what their opinion on Trump may be, the fact that students are involved in these conversations shows they care about the world around them, and that is something worth paying attention to.