As the political landscape of the United States has evolved over the past several years, public opinion on key moments in American history has continued to shape and shift our country. One such moment, the coinciding of President Donald Trump’s inauguration with Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Jan. 20, 2025, remains a significant point of discussion, particularly in light of Trump’s legacy as a political figure. The 20th amendment to the Constitution sets January 20 as inauguration day. Views on both the timing of the inauguration and Trump himself remain polarized, reflecting ongoing divisions in the nation.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day, observed on the third Monday of January, honors the life and achievements of Dr. King, one of the foremost leaders of the civil rights movement. His message of racial equality, nonviolence, and social justice has been central to conversations around racial and social progress in the United States. For many, the day symbolizes a moment of national reflection on civil rights and the unfinished work of achieving racial equality.

Student’s opinions on the fact that Trump’s Inauguration was on MLK Day twice—the first time being on his first inauguration in 2017—are divided. Senior Aiden Richmond, for example, believes the coincidence holds little meaning.

“That’s just how the calendar works,” Richmond said. 

However, others who were unaware of the 20th amendment still harbor negative feelings regarding the date.

“I feel like it was slightly intended, and I feel like it was more of a façade,” junior Gracyn Gibson said. “He just didn’t show much respect for the day, he didn’t recognize it at all.”

Trump’s supporters often note that during his previous presidency, the economy experienced growth, unemployment reached record lows for certain minority groups, and his administration pursued criminal justice reform, including signing the First Step Act into law—a bipartisan effort aimed at reducing mass incarceration. They argue that critics who focus solely on symbolic moments, like the inauguration date, overlook these tangible accomplishments.

“I can say for sure that Trump’s economic policies will definitely be better for me as a young adult, as well as for anybody else, because nobody wants to pay 33% in taxes and then have to pay eighty to a hundred thousand dollars a year for college for the first four years,” Richmond said. “And that’s what it came down to for us seniors.”

On the other hand, Gibson disagrees with Trump’s plans for the country. 

“I feel like a lot of beliefs are being brought from different standpoints that aren’t of America and not necessarily right,” Gibson said.

While freshman Camila Garcia- Blanco brings a neutral standpoint. 

“I’ve heard that Trump is supposedly—like I said, I’m really ignorant on the subject—but Trump is supposedly gonna do something really good for the economy,” Garcia-Blanco said. “So, honestly, just seeing how that’s gonna play out is gonna be really interesting.”

Donald Trump’s legacy remains one of the most polarizing in modern American history. Critics argue that he exacerbated political and racial tensions, setting back efforts toward national unity. His handling of race and identity issues continues to spark debates about American values, national identity, and the future of democracy.

“I think [Trump’s border policy is] gonna contribute a lot to the country being safe again, and no one that doesn’t belong here isn’t gonna just hop the border or anything,” junior Andrew Shipley said. “It’s a lot safer.”

However, for immigrants like Garcia-Blanco, Trump’s proposed policy to deport 20 million immigrants raises concerns for those who have only recently gained their citizenship.

“I don’t really know how to feel or like what the future holds for me and my family,” Garcia-Blanco said.

Public views on Trump’s inauguration and its overlap with Martin Luther King Jr. Day are emblematic of the broader political divide. For some, the event is a reminder of what they perceive as a failure to uphold values of racial equality and justice, while for others, it serves as an example of political opponents using symbolism to criticize a president whose policies resonate with their values.