In the wake of his re-election, President Donald Trump’s policies will undoubtedly hit young people and high school students hard, shaping their futures in some deeply troubling ways. From soaring grocery prices to the dismantling of essential programs, these changes are creating obstacles for teens who are just starting to build their futures. The results of this administration’s policies and procedures will have lingering effects long after these policies take hold.
Most immediately impactful are the financial effects Americans will begin to experience day to day. These include grocery items becoming highly-priced as Trump places tariffs on exports coming from other countries, badly hurting the wallets of American citizens. The Tax Foundation reports that by applying these duties and tariffs on ordinary essentials such as foods, they will drive up prices through trade wars with other countries, thereby negatively impacting many groups-including students whose families may no longer be able to afford groceries. With increased grocery bills, teens will struggle to access the basic necessities of life and will undoubtedly suffer academically as a result.
Another concern for teens is undoubtedly Trump’s brutal immigration policies. Many students, mainly children of immigrants, are now in a constant state of fear of deportation. For students brought into the U.S. at a young age, it is extremely daunting. The potential of tearing apart families is an emotional load no teenager deserves to bear. Talk of eliminating birthright citizenship only adds to the uncertainty, leaving students wondering if they or their friends could be in jeopardy–even those born in the U.S.
Besides the economic and emotional rollercoaster, there are other more profound reasons why Trump’s attacks on intellectual freedom via book bans should raise a red flag. While not directly supporting book bans, he supports other radical conservatives in the US government who have worked tirelessly to ban these books in the United States. These individuals have chosen to censor books dealing with LGBTQ+ issues, race and history from high school students. The banning of books reduces the chances of students to explore the world and different outlooks, hence hindering them from gaining relevant knowledge to help them in their personal lives and professional futures.
Trump’s efforts to dismantle programs like DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) and affirmative action will have disastrous consequences for high schoolers in general and for those coming from underrepresented backgrounds in particular. These policies minimize the role of racial and ethnic diversity in higher education, reducing opportunities for minority students. The inequality already faced by some high school students in addition to taking away DEI and affirmative action further complicates their pursuit of a college education and future career.
Perhaps one of the greatest irritants in this conflict is Trump’s lack of support for the Department of Education. A president who does not make public education a priority does not merely misunderstand the role education plays in shaping the future of the country. Even Trump’s appointment of Linda McMahon, a wrestling mogul with no educational experience, as the Secretary of Education is an insult to the entire field. By proposing cuts to education funding and pushing to privatize schools, Trump threatens the quality of education for all students–particularly those from low-income families.
Another issue that disproportionately hits today’s youth is the climate crisis. Under Trump’s administration, the climate crisis has been treated as an afterthought to very devastating effects. By pulling out of international agreements like the Paris Climate Accords, Trump has shown that protection of the planet is not at all important to him. The high school students will be the ones who will face a planet battered by the effect of climate change; they need a leadership that works for their health and safety.
Finally, the decision of Trump to withdraw from the WHO (World Health Organization) immediately after getting over the COVID-19 pandemic, and entering a new threat period with Avian Influenza and tuberculosis outbreaks, undoubtedly hampers international cooperation in tackling such crises. For those who witnessed the pandemic and are seeing these new outbreaks, this decision represents a failure to protect their health and wellbeing. The next generation will continue to face health crises, and a lack of support for organizations like the WHO will only make future challenges harder to overcome.
High school students deserve opportunity-filled, inclusive, supportive future as they approach the precipice of their future. Divisionary policies by Trump disregard the needs of young people and do not offer such support, creating lasting barriers to success and laying a heavy burden on the very generation that will inherit the nation’s future.
Ethan Shoeman • Oct 13, 2025 at 9:59 am
I understand the concerns raised, but several points here are not accurate. Tariffs are placed on imports, not exports, and grocery prices are influenced by many factors beyond trade policy. The claim that a president can end birthright citizenship ignores the 14th Amendment, which protects it. Also, Trump did not appoint Linda McMahon as Secretary of Education; that was Betsy DeVos. Book bans happen at local levels, not directed by the president. The rollback of affirmative action was a Supreme Court decision, not an executive action. While Trump withdrew from the Paris Agreement, the U.S. rejoined soon after, and climate policy involves many players beyond one administration. Finally, the U.S. never fully left the World Health Organization. For a meaningful discussion, it is important to rely on accurate facts and understand the limits of presidential power. I also put your story in to chatgpt to fix the factual errors and this is what it said. Let’s break down and identify what is factually false or misleading in the message you provided, versus what is opinion or interpretation:
1. Claim about tariffs causing soaring grocery prices:
False/Exaggerated: The message states, “Trump places tariffs on exports coming from other countries,” implying that tariffs are placed on exports (goods sold to other countries).
Correction: Tariffs are typically imposed on imports (goods coming into the U.S.), not exports.
It is true tariffs on imports can lead to higher prices on some goods, but the impact on grocery prices was mixed and debated among economists.
The claim that tariffs alone caused “soaring grocery prices” is an oversimplification and not fully supported by data, as food prices are affected by many factors (weather, supply chain issues, inflation, etc.).
2. Claim about immigration policies and birthright citizenship:
Partially false/misleading:
Trump’s administration had strict immigration policies and enforcement, which did increase fears among immigrant families.
However, there was never a change to birthright citizenship during his term. Discussions about ending birthright citizenship occurred but were not enacted. The 14th Amendment still guarantees citizenship to those born in the U.S.
3. Claim about Trump supporting book bans:
Misleading:
The message claims Trump “supports other radical conservatives” who ban books.
While some conservative politicians and school boards have pushed for book bans, Trump himself did not lead or officially endorse widespread book bans.
The connection between Trump and book banning efforts is indirect and more an association than direct policy support.
4. Claim about dismantling DEI and affirmative action:
Partially true but nuanced:
Trump’s administration did roll back some affirmative action policies and promoted a more colorblind approach to education and admissions.
However, the degree to which this “dismantles” these programs varies by institution and state.
DEI programs are mostly driven by schools and universities rather than federal mandates, so the impact is more indirect.
5. Claim about Linda McMahon appointment:
False:
Linda McMahon was not appointed Secretary of Education by Trump.
She served as Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA).
Betsy DeVos was Trump’s Secretary of Education.
6. Claim about education funding cuts and privatization:
Partially true:
The Trump administration proposed budgets that cut some education funding and supported school choice and charter schools, which some view as privatization.
Whether this “threatens quality education” is an opinion.
7. Claim about climate crisis:
True but lacks nuance:
Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Climate Accord.
His administration rolled back many environmental regulations.
Saying climate change was “treated as an afterthought” is an interpretation but broadly aligns with his policies.
8. Claim about WHO withdrawal timing:
Misleading:
The U.S. formally began the process to withdraw from WHO in 2020 under Trump, but the withdrawal did not take effect until after he left office.
The claim that this happened “immediately after getting over COVID-19 pandemic” is incorrect timing-wise.
Summary of False or Misleading Statements:
Claim Status Explanation
Tariffs on exports causing soaring grocery prices False Tariffs apply to imports, not exports; impact on prices is complex
Birthright citizenship eliminated False No change was enacted
Trump directly supports book bans Misleading No direct endorsement or leadership in book bans
Linda McMahon appointed Secretary of Education False She was SBA Administrator; Betsy DeVos was Secretary of Education
WHO withdrawal immediately after COVID-19 pandemic Misleading/False Withdrawal process began but was not completed during Trump’s term