Amsterdam: How Trump’s America Influences Expat Students
By Natalie Gal | News | February 24, 2025
Cover Illustration: A so-called ‘supermoon’ behind the Capitol and the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, 2025. Jim Lo Scalzo/European Pressphoto Agency. (The view of Washington, DC on the evening of Donald Trump’s inauguration. Many civilizations view the red moon as a sign of impending disaster, a dangerous omen. But the crimson light of a lunar eclipse is also the subject of numerous tales and folklore.)
Hard news reporter Natalie Gal delves into the post-election opinions of liberal American expat students at the University of Amsterdam, capturing their apprehensions, reflections and visions for the future.
On November 6, 2024, Donald Trump was re-elected president of the United States, generating a firestorm of controversy and media frenzy. His re-election sent shockwaves across the US, causing some disbelief, panic and despair while rekindling a deep sense of patriotism and joy for others. As a result of globalization, leaders, citizens and expats in the Netherlands are confronted with an uncomfortable reality: Trump’s presidency will come to affect more than American society. It is a global event, shaping the social, political and economic futures of countries worldwide, including the Netherlands. Trump’s election adds to the noticeable shift towards right-wing parties, which has already been happening in Europe as a result of the 2024 European Parliament elections. The Netherlands’ own Geert Wilders, labeled “Dutch Trump” by popular media, was also one of the first world leaders to congratulate President Trump on election day via X. Furthermore, concerns over the impact of Trump’s controversial tariff policy on the Netherlands and broader Europe are looming.
While far from the direct consequences of Trump’s presidency, American students in the Netherlands are not left unaffected. Two students at the University of Amsterdam, Tasmyn and Elle, share how Trump’s election has impacted them.
Post-election Reflections
Tasmyn, 19, from San Diego, California is a second-year student in Global Arts, Culture and Politics. She visited the US. around the time of the election, and returned just before November 6th, as she did not want to be in the country for the election results. She describes her awareness of Trump’s impact outside of the US.
“I remember the 2016 elections but I am mature enough now to understand the gravity of the situation, making its impact on me heavier. It is hard to process—I do remain engaged in what is happening in the US but my patience for it is much lower. […] I feel a sense of responsibility as an American citizen living abroad, and I believe I should, and do, feel apologetic, as this presidency goes beyond just the US I am more aware of how international Trump’s effects can be and that is a result of an international perspective.”
Elle, 20, shares her thoughts after the election as not only a third-year Political Science at UvA but also as an American living in the Netherlands. She is from Baltimore, Maryland.
“I think that the ability to vote in an election in a democracy, not everyone has that. That’s a privilege, and for me, it is my duty, as a citizen, to educate myself and vote. Because I think that is probably the reason that we lost this one. Generally, I would say that the reason we lost is because a lot of people weren’t happy with either candidate and just didn’t vote. I think that perspective is what puts us in these situations.”
The Importance of Common Ground and Staying Informed
Elle emphasizes the importance of compromising and communication. Changing one’s mind, especially when it comes to politics, is usually impossible, and leads to arguments. Elle says she views meeting halfway and finding common ground as the only plausible solution. Even if that leads to anger or discomfort, sometimes looking past certain differences is inevitable.
“Ultimately, something that they [Republicans] always say about the left is that they’re too sensitive and that we can’t coexist and all that. And I want to prove from my side that that’s not true, because then maybe we can make some real progress, and we’re not just all falling into the categories that they’ve created for us.”
Elle also discusses the privilege of living in the Netherlands and not being directly affected by Trump’s presidency. Despite this, distance does not undo the necessity of staying informed and educated.
“I think it’s important that, even if it stresses you out, and even if it is uncomfortable and it’s not what you want to be reading, I think you have to read it. You have to know what’s going on in your country because the next election is going to come around […] it’s kind of our responsibility to push the boat and by being educated and being able to share credible information, I think that’s the best way to do it.”
Tasmyn shares an alternative perspective. “My knowledge of US politics influences me, but I also may have the opportunity to influence others who previously voted for Trump. I am not as informed as I would like to be, but mostly because it is difficult to find the will with how much negative news there is at the moment.”
“…As long as he is there and he has both the House and Senate Majority, I don’t see a point in going back, because I would never be able to get anything done. I’m just one person. I’ll keep voting from over here.”
Future Concerns
When asked if they would ever consider moving back to the US, both Elle and Tasmyn are doubtful. For a long time, Elle had been planning to work in the US public sector to fight injustice and transform the issues she sees in American society. “But as I’ve gotten older and closer to the point at which it would be appropriate to move back, I don’t really want to […]. As long as he is there and he has both the House and Senate Majority, I don’t see a point in going back, because I would never be able to get anything done. I’m just one person. I’ll keep voting from over here.” Tasmyn shared similar views, although she cherishes her many ties to the US. She wishes to stay in the Netherlands until someday a positive opportunity presents itself to move.
Elle and Tasmyn’s views reflect those of many liberal American expat students who see Trump’s presidency with apprehension. Their perspectives, shaped by their international experiences and progressive values, may differ from those of Trump supporters who view his leadership more positively. While their opinions are critical, they come from a place of personal reflection rather than attack, highlighting the divide in how Americans, both at home and abroad, see the future of their country.
The experiences of Elle and Tasmyn reflect a broader trend among young American expats questioning their ties to the US and contemplating whether they can contribute more effectively from a distance. They are experiencing the concept of personal responsibility and ways to use their voice. While they may not see a future in their home country for now, their ongoing engagement suggests that their voices and actions will still play a role in shaping the nation’s trajectory and future, no matter how far they are from home.
Natalie Gal is a university student in Amsterdam. The views expressed here are not necessarily those of The Amsterdammer.
