Trump 2.0: Hopes and fears

Donald Trump. / Reuters

Venktesh Shukla, Former Chair, TiE Global Cupertino, CA

There seems to be a sense of foreboding or discomfort at the prospect of the next four years under Trump. Most of it is misplaced. This is despite his unpredictability and despite some of his stated policy intentions. The reason for that confidence is not widely understood. Unlike in democracies like India, where the PM and CM wield enormous power and can overrule any decision, the President of the U.S. is severely constrained by checks and balances in the domestic sphere. There are 700,000 final decision-making authorities in the U.S. whose decisions cannot be overruled by the Governor or the President of the U.S. These final decision-makers are city councils, education districts, county agencies, transportation agencies, governors and judges. And then there is Congress. Given the wafer-thin Republican majority and an unruly one at that, the prospects of Congress endorsing any radical proposal from Trump are negligible. 

Not so in foreign affairs. The President wields enormous power to wreak havoc outside the U.S. with very few checks on his power. And there are plenty of examples in the past when the U.S. has invaded or bombed countries on the flimsiest of excuses with hardly any domestic repercussions.

Venktesh Shukla /

Suneel Kakkar, 66, CEO, SKAK inc.

President Trump is undoubtedly one of the most polarizing figures in recent political history. His tenure and public persona have sparked passionate debates on both sides of the aisle. He represents a break from the traditional political mould for his supporters, championing issues they feel were neglected. For his critics, his approach and rhetoric raise questions about the tone and direction of modern leadership.

Regardless of where one stands politically, it's clear that he has had a profound impact on the political landscape, mobilizing a diverse range of opinions and reshaping conversations around governance and policy. His presidency has reminded us of the importance of staying engaged in the democratic process and respecting differing viewpoints in a pluralistic society.

Suneel Kakkar /

Rashmi Singh, chef of a small food business in Canada

When I think about how bad things can get, I think of the future of the USA under President Trump for the next few years. We teach our children the values of kindness and helping one another. That the good guy wins, but watching racist Trump and his cronies like Elon Musk change that narrative. The bad guys, the racist narcissists, have won. Any progress made at the grassroots will be crushed. America, you are in for a big disappointment. We wish you well.

Rashmi Singh /

Mohini Singh, former TV and radio journalist, and currently serving on Kelowna City Council in Canada

Like many Canadians, I watched the election drama south of the border unfold with worry and anxiety. I live in Kelowna, a mid-size city in the interior of British Columbia. It is one of Canada's fastest-growing cities. I live two hours from the border and often drive down to have authentic Mexican cuisine. But now, with the change in leadership, I do worry. How safe is it for a brown-skinned grandmother to drive down to Wenatchee to visit a friend and have a meal? With the change in regulations about gun ownership, I could be a target as I drive through the small rural towns. Canadians have long been seen as friends of the U.S., but with Donald Trump openly disrespecting Canadian independence and our identity, I am, for one, questioning that relationship. No, we are not America's 51st state and never will be. Trump clearly shows that he thinks of democracy not as something of the people, for the people, and by the people but as a process that is a set of obstacles he must overcome. I hope this toxic approach does not permeate the Canadian mindset and culture. Canada is a kind, gentle country that is open and accepting. Let's keep it that way: a True North Proud and Free.

Mohini Singh /

Madhvi Pratt, Founder & President, WeEducate Foundation, Los Altos, CA

I am just establishing that I am a staunch Democrat. Naturally, I wasn’t thrilled that Trump would win the second presidency. I was entirely against him - but now that he is in power, I’m surprisingly hopeful but with considerable trepidation. 
I detest him as a person, but as president, he might just work out. 
Undoubtedly, he can be bought, and that’s very concerning. But on the flip side, he’s appointing some very ( not all - just some ) smart people in key positions. 
There is danger in giving Elon Musk so much power, but creating a department for government efficiency with Musk and Ramaswamy is a good thing. 

I’m also hopeful that he will 
- do something about illegal immigration. 
- ⁠improve the economy
- ⁠cut taxes 
- ⁠keep us out of a war. 

Not so hopeful that he will 
- improve healthcare 
- ⁠improve education 
- ⁠improve environment
- ⁠reduce prices on groceries and drugs

Will he reduce the federal deficit?  Who knows.
Trump is not a good person, but will he be good for America? Only time will tell. 

Madhvi Pratt /

Lajpat Lakhanpal Teacher Cupertino, CA

After a great first term, Trump is back to finish setting America on the right course again. 

Despite the lawfare, bullets, and media bias against him, his come-from-behind victory speaks of his courage and conviction. 

Most American Indians are welcoming of the upcoming change from DEI, Wokeism, no border control, high inflation, and lack of law and order. Congrats to him on this come-from-behind victory. Great days ahead for America with Trump as president.

Lajpat Lakhanpal /

Tanya Momi, artist, Saratoga CA

As the upcoming inauguration at the White House unfolds in a politically divided time, I find guidance in the teachings of Guru Gobind Singh Ji and Zen teacher Thich Nhat Hanh. Guru Ji's message, "Manas ki jaat sabhe eke pehchanbo," reminds us to see all humankind as one, rejecting hatred and exclusion in favor of compassion and justice. Thich Nhat Hanh's wisdom on interconnectedness teaches that harm to one part of society affects us all. Together, their teachings inspire a vision of mindful compassion, inclusivity, and unity—an essential reminder for navigating this new chapter in American politics.

Tanya Momi /

Reshma Nigam, entrepreneur and community leader focused on social change, Saratoga CA

Donald Trump’s political career exposes unsettling trends in modern democracy. It showcased a willingness to overlook flaws in favor of political alignment—a striking commentary on modern democracy. Despite his impeachments, the January 6 Capitol insurrection, and a presidency marked by incompetence and unfulfilled promises—from economic growth to healthcare reform—millions still supported him. Voters ignored his failures and treacherous behavior, prioritizing partisan loyalty and opposition to progressive alternatives. Paradoxically, some women, minorities, and Hispanics backed him, even after being directly targeted by his rhetoric and policies. This phenomenon underscores a readiness to dismiss character and competence and results in favor of populist rhetoric, signalling a more profound erosion of accountability in American leadership.

Reshma Nigam /

Ishita Chopra, high school student, Fremont, CA

Although I would never have voted for Trump due to his inflammatory rhetoric, such as his comments about all immigrants being 'rapists' and 'criminals,' his dismissive attitude toward climate change, and his stance on abortion, I recognize that he is now the president. Despite these troubling aspects of his character and past actions, I hope he will take the office's responsibility seriously. Hopefully, he will surround himself with knowledgeable advisors, listen to diverse perspectives, and enact policies that foster unity rather than division. His actions on healthcare, the economy, and international relations will have significant impacts, and hopefully, he will rise above partisanship to serve all Americans.

Ishita Chopra /

Perry Oza San Jose, CA

Why I voted for Trump in 2016? I was sitting at the Lazy Dog restaurant with my wife and daughter when I suddenly recalled what I had seen on CNN a few days back.  "Some CNN commentator described Trump as a self-absorbed and narcissistic".  My daughter, a near millennial, was immediately shot back. "No wonder you want to vote for him; you are just like him!!!

No beti, I am not like him at all!  But I found him refreshing from the politically correct cliché spewing mainstream politicians running against him.

I did vote for the Orange One in 2016, and I have the scars to prove it!

I did NOT vote for him in 2024—817 felony charges against him. I am sorry, but my limit is 750!  

Sorry, Don, but I could not do it.  If it's any consolation, I did not vote for Kamala either!

Haresh Patel, board member/advisor

Reflecting on Trump's two terms, I predict they'll be remembered as a dark period akin to McCarthyism, which thrived on fear of communism but is now condemned by history. Trump emboldened racism, allowing groups like the Proud Boys to march openly.

I moved to the U.S. at age four and was often the only Indian in Colorado, New Hampshire, and at the University of Notre Dame, yet I felt no discrimination. Coming to Silicon Valley in 1984, I was immersed in a diverse haven. However, since Trump's 2015 campaign, my family and I have faced verbal assaults and racist remarks.

Trump's mass deportation plans mirror the ethnic expulsion of Indians from Uganda, sparking fears of spreading racism beyond Latin Americans to our Indian diaspora. Recently, MAGA supporters have attacked Indians over tech jobs. I hope I'm wrong, but history often repeats itself.

Haresh Patel /