Written for The Argo by Benjamin Meyer

Students across Stockton University’s Galloway campus were asked about their reactions to recent US political Events including the Presidential Inauguration, the capital insurrection, and the former President’s second Impeachment trial in four years. 

On January 6th, 2021, a violent mob of former President Donald Trump’s supporters rallied and breached the United States Capitol Building in Washington D.C. Former President Trump who called for his supporters in the capitol to gather where electoral votes were being certified by Congress. The Capitol Building was soon raided, resulting in the death of four rioters, one Capitol Police Officer, and many injuries. 

When asked about the political unrest, Jacob Post, Communications Major, Class of 2024, said, “The Capitol Riots made me feel very upset and disgusted with our previous president, and his administration. I was also taken by surprise how this is happening in our country in this day and age.”

Two weeks after the event at the Capitol Building, Joe Biden was inaugurated as the 46th President. Biden’s running mate Kamala Harris was sworn in as Vice President, making her the country’s first woman and person of color to hold office.

“It’s great that Harris has achieved so much in her little time as Vice President so far,” said freshman Marissa Martinelli, a nursing major. “I think it’s important to give children someone who may not see a role model like Harris in the media to look up to.” 

Zachary Wilson, chairman of Stockton’s College Republicans, also shared his thoughts on the inauguration. “Although most of us [members of the College Republicans] may not agree policy-wise with democrats, we’re happy to support Biden and Harris, and hope that they’re able to accomplish things that both sides can agree on,” said Wilson, adding, “I think it’s a great achievement that we have a woman, minority Vice President in office.”

Another major political event in the news is the second impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump. Trump’s impeachment trial is based on inciting insurrection and encouraging violence with claims of election fraud. After the violent insurrection on January 6th, the House of Representatives voted to impeach Donald Trump, making him the first president in U.S history to have been impeached twice. 

The former president’s impeachment trial awaits a vote from the Senate. If the former president is accused he will be barred from ever running for office again.

“In my opinion it is his fault that this happened,” added Post, “and he should be held accountable for it because in his speech, he incited the insurrection.”