People of Cardiff reflect on the potential impacts and ramifications of Trump’s victory for the UK.
Donald J. Trump got elected as the 47th President of the United States on Tuesday. Will this development across the Atlantic have any ripple effects on the UK, particularly on the lives of people here in Cardiff?
Trump has openly criticized “woke culture,” racial integration, women’s rights, and gender identities — sentiments that resonate with far-right groups across the UK and Europe. Could his decisive victory embolden similar mindsets to spread throughout the continent?
There are also questions about how Trump’s presidency might influence trade and diplomatic relations. With the U.S. being the UK’s largest export market, accounting for 22.1% of the island’s exports, will this election bring about increased cooperation, or could it create new tensions?
Furthermore, with Trump’s campaign team describing the UK government as “far-left,” might his victory bring challenges for the Keir Starmer government?
InterCardiff takes to the streets to find out what people in Cardiff think about these issues.
Gabrielle, Swansea, 26
”I find Trump to be a male chauvinist. He is anti feminist, America seems to be happy with him, but we are not. Each to their own, but if he tries to bring backlash to our part of the world, I am going to vote for someone who can contain it, to keep it outside of the house.”
Kush, Cardiff, 18
”UK’s prime minister kind of supported Kamala Harris, it might make Trump’s relationship with UK tense. His anti diversity or anti ‘woke’ rhetoric might get entrenched in UK as well.”
Jasmine, Sweden, 56
”I don’t think his influence in general is a positive thing. I am Swedish, and in Sweden the Neo Nazi’s became the second largest party, the ‘Right’ got strengthened in France as well. I think Trump’s election might further amplify such things. People in other countries might get influenced”.
Paul, Cardiff, 63
”I support Trump’s approach to settle the Ukraine war. It has been pretty bad for us in UK, because of the war. He said that he will end the war in 24 hours. I think we should hold him accountable for it. Apart from that, I think the impact of his election will be negative for us.”
Shelly, South Wales, 52
”I don’t think Trump likes Starmer, so he’s not going to be very gracious regarding anything with Starmer. Obviously he’s going to have good friendship with (Nigel) Farage. He would want Farage or his Reform Party to run the show here. With all the wars in Ukraine and Israel, Watch out world! what is going to happen next?”
Aftab, Bangladesh, 32
”Trump’s campaign is backed by Elon Musk, so crypto currency’s price might go up. There is some possibility for business as well, as people think he is pro business. Some people think that he would be able to bring back some peace in the world. That can definitely impact the stock market.”
James, Cardiff, 48
”I am not sure Trump’s victory will affect anything really. There might be discussions that he will do this or that, but I don’t think he is going to start or end any wars or do any such thing. He will be out in four years anyway.”