When President Trump finished taking the oath of office last week, all I could think about was how my fellow students would react at school the next day. It wasn’t just about whether my 11th-grade classmates in New York supported him — it was the tension that I knew would fill the air.
People don’t like what makes them uncomfortable, and Donald Trump embodies discomfort. For better or worse, he’s also a reminder of why I refuse to silence my beliefs on policy, politics and my vision of true justice — even when it’s unpopular.
High school often feels like a miniature political system. You’re expected to follow the rules, agree where it’s safe and avoid saying anything that might set you apart. Watching Trump’s inauguration, I saw someone who has rejected these expectations entirely — and it made me question why students, teachers and administrators are so afraid to do the same.
One of the inauguration’s most striking moments wasn’t Trump’s words or the crowd’s reaction — it was the absence of Democratic leaders like former First Lady Michelle Obama, House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Their decision to stay away wasn’t simply an act of protest; it was a deliberate refusal to confront the reality of Trump’s presidency. For them, attending likely represented more than just participating in a ceremony — it would have meant legitimizing a leader whose rise they believed was built on divisive rhetoric and a disregard for norms.
Their absence spoke volumes about a deeper discomfort. It wasn’t just Trump they rejected — it was what his presidency symbolizes: a turning point in American politics where values like truth, inclusion, and decency seemed, to them, to be in jeopardy. It reflected something I see often: avoiding confrontation instead of addressing uncomfortable truths.
At school, I’ve witnessed similar silences about controversial issues. Instead of engaging with complex topics, like the immigration crisis or abortion rights, most students avoid them entirely. It’s not because they don’t care; speaking up feels risky. As someone with strong opinions, I’ve often hesitated to share them. I’ve rewritten posts, toned down arguments, and sometimes stayed quiet.
When I do speak out — whether about my pro-Israel views or skepticism of cancel culture — the reactions can be tense, even hostile. I’ve faced far too many instances where peers or teachers dismiss my unconventional opinions in class.
But Trump’s inauguration reminded me that silence isn’t strength. Trump addressed America — with his past rivals seated behind him. He spoke his mind, criticizing the Biden administration’s failures and highlighting the political persecution he faced.
Watching Trump take the presidency — despite protests, boycotts and criticism — illuminated the power of refusing to conform. During his first term, Trump deported hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants from the US; while this approach was undeniably controversial, he pursued it with pride and is now expanding these efforts in his second term. That boldness is rare, especially in my generation, where even a controversial tweet could jeopardize your future.
I’m not saying I agree with everything Trump has done. I don’t; his handling of the 2020 election loss was anything but presidential. But the inauguration made me reflect on how often young people are told to “play it safe.” Our teachers remind us to filter our thoughts and avoid controversy, but progress has never come from playing it safe.
History’s greatest changemakers — from civil rights leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. to suffragettes such as Alice Paul — didn’t worry about being liked. They worried about making a difference. Trump’s refusal to mold himself to fit others’ expectations is a modern, though divisive, example of that.
This isn’t just about politics — it’s about how we live our lives.
Of course, social media only amplifies this fear, where every word feels permanent, and any misstep could go viral. Even college applications encourage conformity. The advice to “build a personal brand” often means hiding what’s controversial, even if it reflects what we truly believe. I now review every article I write for newspapers multiple times — not for grammar or tone, but to ensure my writing isn’t too contentious for the college admissions officers who will soon determine my future.
Watching President Trump’s inauguration made me realize that being politically incorrect — or simply honest — can make you unpopular, but it also means you’re willing to fight for your beliefs. Whether you admire it or oppose it, Trump’s presidency proves there’s power in breaking the rules.
Gregory Lyakhov is a high school junior in Long Island who has contributed to The Jerusalem Post, The Times of Israel and The Algemeiner.
This story originally appeared on NYPost
