Title image: salon.com
At around 10:40 am this morning Doha time, Republican candidate Donald Trump was declared the President of the United States, beating Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton in what appears to have been one of the most publicized and intense presidential races in American history.
Despite Clinton's favorable odds and popularity, she shockingly lost the election. Clinton called Trump to concede defeat, but will not address it publicly till later. Clinton also had some unfavorable views among Americans, but was, according to most, still the better choice.
Image: salon.com
Despite the vast unpopularity of the Republican candidate, his extreme views and policies on immigration, towards ethnic and religious communities, and various allegations against him from women about him sexually assaulting them, America has finally spoken and cast its final vote.
The impact of Trumps election is being felt across the globe. When Trump was leading the race, stock markets began to dramatically decline. The global market has taken a plunge with “futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average falling 506 points, or roughly 4%, as investors began to brace for Trump’s agenda and his anti-free trade views.” (Forbes)
Although Trump declared a hardline stance against “radical Islamic terrorists” multiple times, he had also called for a “total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States until our country's representatives can figure out what is going on.” (The Atlantic, Dec. 2015)
Many Muslims, and Muslim Americans, have shared their concern over Trump’s attitude towards Muslims.
Some are afraid to travel to the US, afraid of receiving negative backlash from Americans and facing unfriendly policies under the new president.
Trump will assume office on January 20, 2017, until then President Barack Obama will continue to serve as president at the White House.
What does this mean for Qatar?
At the moment it appears uncertain what this will mean for Qatar.
According to Dana Shell Smith, the US ambassador to Qatar, “Whoever wins #USElection2016 U.S-Qatar partnership will remain strong!” She tweeted this at a special screening of the presidential election that was held at Georgetown School of Foreign Service in Qatar (GSFS-Q).
Northwestern University in Qatar (NU-Q) also screened the election during one of their classes, which students were invited to attend.
Many were shocked at the final result, students and professors alike. Professors at NU-Q were backing Clinton and were severely disappointed when Trump won.
Professor Christina Paschyn, Assistant Professor in Residence, wrote, “We tried, America. We tried. I pray our country (and Ukraine) survives the next four years. Forever, #LoveTrumpsHate.”
Doha residents speak out
Doha residents have expressed their sentiments about the new president on different social media platforms.
What are your thoughts? Who were you supporting? Comment below!
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