As Trump Takes Office, Triad Residents Share Hopes And Fears

It's official: Donald J. Trump is now the 45th President of the United States.

Nine Triad-area residents recently shared their hopes and concerns about the administration with WFDD, assessing the new president, his policies, and the ways in which those policies may impact their lives.

Mensa Biassi is enjoying an exceptionally warm January day in the sun. He's leaning against a brick wall across from the fourth street taxi stand in downtown Winston-Salem with a broad smile on his face.

When asked about his hopes for the new president he laughs out loud.

"Well, I hope he succeeds! Okay? We're all in the same boat, right?” he says. “For me personally, I'm retired. And I'm hoping that my sons, who are in the job market now, find a good job and support themselves."

Across the street, C.L. Edwards is waiting for her bus at the city's central station. At first, she's reluctant to offer her views on the new president, but she eventually shares an idea. “I hope that people will learn to respect differences, and to love each other, and this will be a better place to live,” she says.

Nearby, bus rider Mark Ryan overhears Edwards' response and seems interested in contributing. “I'm looking forward to a Republican," he says. “He's a rich man. He's got a good business. So maybe he can get the nation out of debt.”

Meanwhile, Kevin Cadigan is enjoying a leisurely walk along Trade Street during his lunch break. He has a less sunny view of the new administration, particularly when it comes to Trump's cabinet choices.

“The hard part is listening to all the nominations, and the answers that are being given as a result of the [committee's] questions are things that I wouldn't expect to hear,” says Cadigan. “And that tells you a lot about the administration. The people that are being picked, and the people who have been nominated. Are they really in the best interest of the American people, or the corporations that they've worked for?”