Hope in the Midst of Uncertainty: Why America Must Stay the Course

Why the Numbers, and History, Are on Our Side

Last night, the most important person in my life messaged me. She asked me something simple, yet deeply profound:

“Are we the majority, or are Trump’s people the majority? If they are the majority, we’re cooked. If we are, we have hope. I need numbers, and honesty.”

So I spent this morning running the numbers, and friends, I would like to firmly stand on my soapbox and announce with confidence: we are the majority.

Here’s why: A third of America voted Republican. A third voted Democrat. And a third did not vote at all.

I used to say, “If you didn’t vote, you don’t get to complain.” But I believe I was wrong. It is the feeling of frustration, the desire for something better, that sparks real change. Telling people they are powerless after the fact does nothing to empower them going forward.

We can sit here and blame those who didn’t vote, or the very small number of third-party voters, but the truth is, that’s not helpful. What is helpful is gaining their support, and offering ours to them. Because the truth is, most Americans do not support authoritarianism, forced conformity, or rule by fear. They want a fair shot. They want security. They want a future.

Yes, we are correct when we say this is the bad place. These are the dark times. We feel it in our bones. But I want to assure you all: it does not have to be.

Have faith. Build community. Focus on your goals. Work together.

We can rise above this. But we cannot do it alone. We need the people who sat out in 2024. We need the people who will be old enough to vote soon. We need to remind them that their voices matter, not just in elections, but in the everyday fight for justice, equity, and democracy.

So what can we do? WORK with your local leaders to incite change. Step up in your own community. Join forces with those who are afraid, disillusioned, or disconnected, and give them a reason to believe in something better.

Because here’s the truth: America is not lost. And neither are we.

The Real Numbers: America Is Not Lost

A common misconception following the election is the belief that “half of America” supports ideologies that undermine democracy, human rights, and economic stability. But the numbers tell a different story.

Total U.S. Population: 340 million
Eligible Voters: 244 million
Total Votes Cast: 156 million (63.9% turnout)

• Votes for Trump: 77.3 million (49.8% of those who voted, but only 22.7% of the total U.S. population)
• Votes for Harris: 75 million (48.3% of those who voted)
• Votes for Third-Party Candidates: 3 million (1.9% of those who voted)
• Eligible Voters Who Did Not Vote: 88 million
• Ineligible Population (Minors, Non-Citizens, etc.): 96 million

Key takeaway: Trump’s victory does not mean half the country supports his administration’s policies. It means that a deeply divided and exhausted electorate, shaped by fear and disinformation, made choices in a system that actively discourages participation.

But the numbers reveal something hopeful: the majority of Americans did not vote for extremism, and millions remain unengaged but reachable. They are looking for leadership, clarity, and a reason to believe in the future.

Navigating the Economic Storm: What You Need to Know

While political uncertainty is one challenge, the economic instability caused by the new administration’s policies is another.

The Trade War is Back, and It’s Already Hurting U.S. Workers

On January 20, 2025, President Trump announced a new wave of tariffs on Chinese, European, and Canadian goods​. Those Policies have gone into Effect Feb 02, 2025
This includes:

• 60% tariffs on Chinese imports, higher than any previous administration
• 35% tariffs on European steel and auto parts, triggering retaliatory tariffs from the EU
• Tariffs on Mexican and Canadian agricultural products, driving up food prices

Immediate impact:
✔️ Retail prices are rising. Supply chain disruptions are already increasing costs for household goods, electronics, and vehicles.
✔️ Small businesses are feeling the squeeze. Industries that rely on imported materials, manufacturing, tech, and agriculture, are seeing higher costs.
✔️ Farmers and exporters are bracing for a hit. China has already announced counter-tariffs on American soybeans and wheat, threatening thousands of jobs.

Who Benefits? Large corporations that can absorb price hikes. Who loses? Working-class Americans, small businesses, and consumers.

Hope in Action: While this trade war adds uncertainty, it also provides a rallying point for economic reform. Workers, small businesses, and local economies can mobilize together, putting pressure on lawmakers to advocate for fair trade policies instead of reactionary tariffs that punish American workers.

What We Must Do Now: Turning Crisis into Opportunity

Hope is not passive. It is not merely waiting for things to improve. Hope is action. Hope is resilience. Hope is knowing that change is always possible when we work together.

1. Stay Engaged: Your Voice Matters More Than Ever

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t disengage, get involved.

Demand transparency from lawmakers. Push for hearings on the trade war and its economic impact.
Support local businesses. Large corporations can weather the storm, but small businesses need direct community support.
Find trusted news sources. Corporate media thrives on fear, look for independent, fact-based reporting.

Why This Works: Every major movement in history, civil rights, labor protections, economic justice, was won by ordinary people taking action.

2. Build the Future: Elections Are Not the Endgame, They Are the Beginning

Presidential elections grab headlines, but state and local governments wield enormous power over daily life.

Know your state representatives. Many states are pushing back against federal overreach, your voice amplifies that resistance.
Vote in every election. Governors, mayors, and local councils shape policies that directly impact communities.
Support new leaders. The next generation of activists, policymakers, and reformers is being built right now.

Why This Works: Change starts at home, in neighborhoods, in communities.

Citations and Relevant Links

Election Data & Voter Breakdown

• U.S. Census Bureau – 2024 Presidential Election Turnout and Voter Demographics
• Pew Research Center – How Fear and Misinformation Shaped the 2024 Election
• Federal Election Commission – Final Vote Tally of the 2024 Presidential Election

Economic & Trade Policy

• The White House – President Trump’s America First Priorities (2025)
• Brookings Institute – The Impact of Tariffs on U.S. Consumers and Workers
• U.S. Chamber of Commerce – Small Business Impact Report: 2025 Trade War Update

Project 2025 & Federal Overhaul Plans

• Heritage Foundation – Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise (Project 2025)
• Project 2025 – Presidential Transition Plan

State & Local Resistance

• California State Government – Governor’s Statement on Federal Trade & Immigration Policies
• Oregon State Legislature – State-Level Resistance to Federal Overreach in 2025
• Washington Governor’s Office – Coalition of West Coast States Against Federal Policies

Misinformation & Media Manipulation

• MIT Technology Review – How AI-Generated Propaganda Shaped the 2024 Election
• Center for Countering Digital Hate – Disinformation Trends in the 2024 Election