After securing a string of wins in crucial swing states, former President and Republican candidate Donald Trump claimed victory over Democratic candidate Kamala Harris in a momentous US presidential election.
With Trump set to return to the White House from January, we asked our American readers to share their views on the election, including how it may impact their personal lives.
We received answers from all corners of the country, from Trentino Alto Adige to Umbria to Sicily, with dozens of US nationals offering their perspectives.
Returning to the US is ‘unthinkable’
The overwhelming majority of respondents said they had voted for Democratic candidate Kamala Harris and expressed dismay and concern over Trump’s election win.
William, living in Perugia, Umbria, said: “I am sick at heart. I had thought about returning to the US in a year or two. Now I am not sure I will do so.”
Peter, in Padua, Veneto, said he was “ashamed and embarrassed to have an American passport” and voiced doubt over the “rights I may have if I ever return to the US – which is now unthinkable”.
Multiple respondents said they were concerned about the future of democracy in the US, warning that Trump’s upcoming return to the White House will erode civil rights and freedom.
“I do not see a democracy surviving in America. I see women's rights being set back 70 years,” an anonymous reader said.
Annette Guanciale Rose-Shapiro, living in Le Marche, labelled Trump’s win a “real blow for democracy in the US,” voicing concern over “measures to control women's lives” and LGBTQ rights.
‘I fear for my family’s future’
When asked how Trump’s win may affect their personal lives, multiple readers said they feared for family and friends living in the US.
Anna, in Siena, Tuscany, said: “I am devastated, depressed, sad, and hopeless. I have family in the States and I fear for their futures, especially for my young nieces’ rights.”
Karen, in Vicenza, Veneto, said she was “unsettled, alarmed and disappointed” by the election results and was “worried for my daughter, who still lives in the US, due to the decrease in freedoms and the apparent increase in racism”.
Other readers pointed to the potential global ramifications of Trump’s win.
Rich Klein, living in Parma, Emilia Romagna, said his return to the White House may “weaken EU and NATO” and result in Russian President Vladimir Putin feeling “emboldened”.
A reader said she was concerned about “trade policies and NATO”, while Maje, living in Bolzano, said she feared a negative impact on the “dollar rate” as well as NATO’s future.
A 'return to American values'
Though the vast majority of respondents expressed concern over Trump’s second presidential term, some readers had opposite views.
Gerd Moll hailed Trump’s win as a “return to American values”, whereas Ted Whitmore, in Scalea, Calabria, said the election results meant “a return to normalcy”.
Keith, living in the Padua province, Veneto, said Trump’s win would bring “ease of mind”.
“Now I don't have to worry about all the proposed extra taxes,” he added.
An anonymous reader said Trump “will bring prosperity and safety”.
Thank you to everyone who replied to The Local's survey.
See our Americans in Italy section for all the latest news and updates affecting US nationals in the country.
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