Baala Shakya, Staff Photographer

Feb. 20 marks one month since President Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States. In the wake of Trump’s return to the White House, the Yale College Democrats have reaffirmed their commitment to progressive advocacy and community engagement.

In his second inaugural address, President Trump vowed that “the golden age of America begins right now.” Soon after his inauguration, Trump signed more executive orders in his first 10 days than any recent president has in their first 100 days — and in one month signed 73 executive orders. In response, Yale Dems members say they are channeling their concerns about Trump’s actions into proactive initiatives both on and off campus.

“The first month of the Trump Presidency feels exhausting and preoccupied by personal grievances and a shift toward radicalization,” said Steven Rourick ’27, a senior fellow in voter advocacy and an elections fellow for Yale Dems.

For Rourick, Trump’s promise of economic relief — like lower grocery and gas prices — has been overshadowed by aggressive policies, including the elimination of federal diversity, equity and inclusion programs, mass deportations, a name change for the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America” and the administration’s push to revoke birthright citizenship.

Echoing Rourick’s sentiment, Meka Rucker ’28 said that Trump’s first month in office created “a cycle of unpredictability and uncertainty.”

Rucker explained that the current climate has pushed her to prioritize her mental and emotional health while building a strong support network and reinforced her belief that civic engagement matters, “whether through local school boards or district judges.” 

“It’s simply frustrating,” Rourick added. 

Emma Buretta ’28 echoed this sentiment, emphasizing how the Trump administration’s swift enactment of ICE raids has been particularly alarming and that she was “scared into action this semester.”

Buretta said that despite feeling “disheartened and frightened,” being a city fellow for Yale Dems has provided her with a community and the ability to take action through the Fellows program.

The Yale Dems Fellows program organizes involved students into four branches: city engagement, elections, legislative advocacy and voter advocacy. At Yale, the program has become a hub for student-led political engagement. 

Jack Dozier ’27, on behalf of Yale Dems, explained that the program connects Yalies to progressive causes both locally and nationally.

Elections fellows work as digital campaign interns on competitive races across the country, and Legislative Advocacy Fellows research and provide testimony on bills in the state legislature and Congress, according to Dozier. City Engagement Fellows work with organizations to facilitate connections between Yale and New Haven, and the Voter Advocacy branch acts as “the semi-partisan voter outreach wing of Dems.”

Rourick writes letters and postcards for competitive campaigns through the Voter Advocacy Branch. Through his role, he works with other Dems Fellows to encourage voter registrations and share information about politicians’ campaign platforms, bridging the gap between “undecided or unmotivated voters and closely contested races.”

“Our voices are our strongest assets,” said Rourick. “With our voices, we can support the priorities and goals of Yale Dems to focus on combating an administration seeking to dismantle the bedrock of our democracy.”

Rourick also said that many initiatives and organizations need the voices of youthful minds with “energy, spirit, and enthusiasm.” 

Zach Pan ’27, similarly energized by the election’s outcome, has turned his focus toward Capitol Hill. 

“The election has lit a fire under me. I am applying to work for Democratic members of the Senate and House who will act as a check on Trump’s presidency,” Pan said. “The urgency of the moment draws me to the Hill.”

Keertan Venkatesh ’28, a city engagement fellow, emphasized that while the central goal of Yale Dems’ mission of  “advancing progressive change across the country” remains unchanged — its focus has sharpened. 

Venkatesh highlighted that Yale Dems’ efforts have become increasingly focused in areas that President Trump has targeted, especially on initiatives needed to address “the most pressing topics our communities are facing.”

“This isn’t a radical redirection of our goals, but the natural continuation of our mission under a new administration,” said Venkatesh. “In light of this major federal loss, I think we’ll increasingly focus our efforts locally, where we’re currently most able to effect change.”

Venkatesh emphasized that students can still advance Yale Democrats’ mission under the new Trump administration and “effect real change.”

Echoing his sentiment, Rourick found inspiration in former vice president Kamala Harris’ concession speech: “Sometimes the fight takes a while. That doesn’t mean we won’t win. The important thing is: don’t ever give up … Don’t ever stop trying to make the world a better place. You have power.”

Yale Dems will host their first special election canvassing event of the semester on Sunday, Feb. 23.