As Trump begins his second term, Chicago voters express mixed feelings about his upcoming policies and potential impact on the community
Chicago: With Trump back in office, folks in the Windy City are feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety. Some are hopeful, while others are downright worried about what his second term will bring.
The Sun-Times reached out to local voters to see how they feel about Trump’s return and what they expect in his first 100 days. Opinions vary widely, reflecting the deep divides in the community.
Take Stephen Kaim, for instance. This 60-year-old IT project manager from Schorsch Village voted for Trump and is feeling “cautiously optimistic.” He wants to see action on immigration but isn’t on board with mass deportations. He’s ready to support Trump but knows he won’t agree with everything.
On the flip side, Jacqueline Doty, a 50-year-old state employee from Pullman, is worried. She fears Trump will target diversity initiatives and hurt the African American community. She’s also anxious about rising inflation and divisiveness in the country.
Then there’s Larry Craig, a retired education administrator from Wilmette, who wants Trump to focus on border control and cutting government spending. He believes in securing the border but acknowledges that many good people come to the U.S.
Liz Reyes, a social worker from Riverside, is terrified of Trump’s mass deportation threats. She worries about vulnerable workers being exploited and the potential for fear tactics to be used against them.
Peter Li, a researcher from Little Italy, switched his vote to Trump this time around. He hopes for better U.S.-China relations and wants to see more travel between the two countries to boost tourism and the economy.
Retired police officer Dennis Glover from Pullman is hoping for a less controversial first 100 days. He’s not worried about what might happen but wants to see term limits for Congress and the Supreme Court.
Clark Eichman, a police sergeant from Norwood Park, appreciates that Trump isn’t a career politician. He wants Trump to focus on domestic issues and hopes for a shift in Illinois politics toward the Republican side.
Lastly, Kevin McGrath, a statistician from Andersonville, is concerned about the potential impact of Trump’s policies on vulnerable populations in Chicago. He fears a loss of legitimacy in government if Trump continues down a certain path.
As Trump’s second term kicks off, it’s clear that Chicagoans are watching closely, each with their own hopes and fears for the future.
