What does Manchester think of Donald Trump?

The election of Donald Trump as the next President of the United States of America is a highly contentious issue around the globe, with many people speaking out over their concerns with Trump’s controversial character.

With tensions at an all-time high between Russia and Ukraine, and in the Middle East, many are left wondering how Trump’s foreign policy will affect the conflict.

Kier Starmer has announced his excitement to work “shoulder-to-shoulder” with Donald Trump.

Today, I spoke with several individuals in Manchester to gather local perspectives on the topic, and it’s evident that opinions on Trump’s presidency vary widely.

John Moore, aged 60, a pensioner from Stockport said: “I quite like the idea of Trump being outspoken, because very few politicians are. I’m pretty confident that he’s not bothered about what people think of him, so he’s not guarded”.

Stacy Rahl, aged 57, an American visiting Manchester said: “I voted and lived through the 2016 election, so I knew Trump being elected was a possibility, but I find it depressing and troubling. I’m concerned about what it means for the future”.

Thompson Stutterton, a 38-year-old businessman from Stretford said: “I was surprised. I thought it was going to be closer than what they said. It’s just grim really, isn’t it”.

Mohammed Bair, aged 50, unemployed living in Salford said: “I’m happy he won because it’s a democracy. I hope he brings some peace for us in the world because the current situation in the world is fighting everywhere”.

When asked whether Trump’s election would affect the UK and the rest of the world, the public had varying opinions.

Iqrusha Solwyn, aged 23, a student in Oldham said: “I feel that Starmer and Trump have an alliance, so it will definitely have an effect on the UK”.

John Moore added: “I don’t think they’ll see eye to eye; I think Starmer’s a little bit of a wuss, he’s going to get trodden all over and will make a fool of himself. He's kind of doing that on his own, but Trump will make it a little bit worse”.

Mohammed Bair said: “A lot of people are mentally suffering right now, they don’t know how to survive, so I hope that Trump brings peace everywhere”.

Two members of the public were quick to bring up the middle eastern conflict between Israel and Palestine.

Stacy Rahl claimed: “I think it’s clear Trump admires Netanyahu, so he’s much more sympathetic. I might be being hopeful but he’s the one person that could actually stop him if he decided, because he sometimes transacts business that way”.

Stacy added: “Trump doesn't care that much about foreign affairs generally, so I think the UK will not get a tremendous amount of attention. I think they would have gotten more from a Harris presidency because she's just more interested in relationships with allies than he is. And God knows what his presidency means for NATO”.

John Moore said: “I don't know how exactly but Trump is certainly the sort of person to throw a lot of weight and support behind the Israelis so that will make a massive difference”.

Thompson Stutterton expressed deep concern: “With conflict between both Russia and Ukraine, and Israel and Palestine, Trump’s election doesn’t really put the world in a very safe place. You just never know what he’s going to do. He is extremely unpredictable”.

The interviews in Manchester showed a wide range of opinions on Trump’s presidency. Some people supported him, while others were critical, reflecting how divided views on his leadership can be.