People Whose Lives Have Been Upended By Donald Trump's Recent Policies Are Sharing Their Stories, And It's Bleak

Yahoo

08-02-2025

All photos are AI-generated for anonymity.
'Trump's moratorium on communications means we don't know what we can/cannot do at this point. I want to shout at MAGA family members who seem shocked and confused that my job is now threatened by Dear Leader.'
—R.F., 40, California
'Now I'm just waiting to see if I have a job or not for next summer. It's a little nerve-racking because this seasonal job can help me apply for permanent jobs in the future. The National Park Service relies heavily on seasonal employees; without us, parks would not be able to function.'
—Stephanie, 27, Arizona
'Project 2025 also recommended removing protections for preexisting conditions, and if Trump mandates that, then my job could refuse to insure me, and insurers could drop/refuse to insure me. Without access to affordable insurers, I'd have to choose between bankruptcy or dying. Not to mention, I'm on my eighth line of chemo treatment, with research halted, new drugs won't come to market, and eventually, I'll run out of treatment options. I'm so stressed I can't even think straight.'
—Beth, 45, New Jersey
'However, because the government now is only issuing passports showing the gender assigned at birth, my sister (who had never needed a passport and thus didn't have one before this hellish administration came in) is unable to get a passport and is unable to attend a family wedding in Mexico this year. I am so fucking angry, sad, and ashamed of what this country has done to people who have done NOTHING to them. Despicable.'
—Claire, 33, California
'I have previously felt comfortable in public spaces, but now worry that he will get randomly asked to show his green card or detained for some reason. We have a plan in place for a situation like this and have gone so far as to put a tentative agenda together in case there are deportations of anyone not born here. It's sad to think that we have come to this point.'
—Derek, 39, South Carolina
'But now we either have to figure out how to scrape together money to buy a second car or have him ride the three-hour bus ride to work and lose all that family time. I feel ridiculous because I know other people have way bigger problems, but we had just found a good rhythm and balance for our family schedule and were feeling financially sort of ok, and having it all turned upside down for nothing sucks.'
—Leilani, 34, Hawaii
'Plus, the local tribe's treaty contains a clause stating that if mineral resources are discovered on the ceded territory, the president retains the right to evict residents to clear the way for mining operations. A foreign enterprise is already searching the area for copper, so the threat of forced relocation is real.'
—Jaina, 24, Michigan
'I have family from countries with dictatorships, and I have seen what it is like to live without any faith in your government. It is not pretty. I wish Americans would wake up to how terrible this will be for everyone, regardless of political party.'
—James, 36, California
—Bougiedolphin66
—Priya, 47, D.C.
'We have a contract to work with foster kids who entered 'without inspection' (i.e., were detained at the border and have no present status). Social workers started having informational sessions with the kids on what to do if they're confronted by ICE, and one social worker took several of our business cards for the kids to carry on them in case they get detained and need to call our office.The attorneys have started to prepare to represent detained clients, which we don't normally specialize in. I can't leave work at work anymore; I think about these kids on my drive home. My grandparents voted for this. I don't know how to face them when this is the reality of my professional career.'
—Anna, 34, Colorado
'Mind you, immigrants in Vermont are vital for agriculture, construction, and hospitality. Immigrants and business owners alike wish they had a quick way to get them work permits, but the immigration process is extremely difficult and convoluted. It almost seems like it has been conveniently designed to keep people illegal and cheap.'
—Carmen, 38, Vermont
'My mom and brother didn't vote, even though I was nearly in tears begging them on election night, and I have to try and get them to understand how much that hurts while not letting them make me feel guilty for doing what I need to do now. I've never seen something so terrifying in my life.'
—Kierra, 18, Iowa
'Oh, and my favorite: All federal employees were sent an email with Elon's famous 'Fork in the Road' subject, offering all employees the opportunity to resign no later than Sept. 30, 2025, and if they accepted, they would not have to do any of their work for the remaining months. The email included a veiled threat along the lines of 'if you choose NOT to resign, your position may be eliminated or drastically different in the coming months.' This has left so many people nervous, confused, and scared that they are going to lose their jobs. In less than a week, Trump's policies have completely upended my life such that my wife and I are unsure if we are going to be able to provide for our family.'
—Mcobrock
'The study coordinator had emailed me wanting to know if I wanted to come back this spring for the next phase of the trial. I'm guessing that's not going to happen anymore.'
—Onajourny76