In New York, Britons fear re-election of Trump

A few days before the presidential election ahead of twists and turns, on which serious international issues hang, tensions are rising in New York. In this Democratic base, where there is a large British community, most fear that Trump will be re-elected. Almost more than we believe in Kamala Harris at this point. “What is happening is very bad,” said Anne, 45, originally from Nantes and responsible for the sale of sparkling wine on the east coast. I have always considered the United States a country of freedom but, with a candidate like Trump, whose speech has become very radical since 2016, we are moving towards a worrying fascism. »

Trump and Bardella, the same?

The current climate reminds several expatriates who were interviewed about the last legislative elections in France. “Like the RN, Trump feeds on people’s desperation to support a program that suggests he will save them,” said Théo, 26, originally from Perros-Guirec (22) and managing director at Ladurée in in New York. There is an obvious lack of education and he uses it to create limiting thought patterns, telling them, for example, that if we stop immigration, their wages will increase. »

Many wonder how the threat of Trump could still hang over the country after a first term that is considered to be unsuccessful, ongoing legal cases and a speech as false as it is hateful. But, according to Anne, it is above all a question of semantics: “Trump’s speech is easy to understand. It uses simple terminology that unresearched voters can understand. Like Bardella, in France, whose speech is more accessible than Macron and Glucksmann, Trump plays the close card by talking about everyday life and telling people what they want to hear.

International, the great forgotten American campaign

Because international affairs, three years after the start of the war in Ukraine and the recent escalation in the Middle East, are not among the main concerns of the Americans. While Europe is closely examining the candidate election that could be a big blow to NATO, the Americans are more interested in inflation, health and immigration. “Living in the world’s leading power, Americans don’t really feel threatened by what’s happening in the world, unlike us who are closer to it the conflict and who knows European history,” said Joslin, 31 years old, a big data expert from Plabennec (29). “It’s a little strange. I talked to “Trumpists” in Texas and found that they were focusing too much on themselves and not being aware of what their vote could cause on a global scale.

“Kamala has played her part”

The polls have never been so close before the “big day”, Tuesday 5 November, which also makes this election a cause for concern. “It’s not going to amount to anything, especially in the base states,” Théo explained. Kamala played her part in the debate but it seems complicated for her to win. I think it is more natural in the uninformed assembly here to choose a white man. » With which the work of the American electoral process is added: “She can win the popular vote and lose the election, it is very unstable”.

The uncertain future for visa tourists

Undoubtedly, the re-election of Trump (again) would have an impact on the country’s immigration policy and the future of our British foreigners. “When Trump was elected, the first time, the deadlines to get my “green card” (the residence card, editor’s note) went from six to 18 months and it was on a special visa to freeze,” said Anne, who is also worried that there is a risk. for his career. “Income taxes have been very high on French wine since his first election. Everyone is afraid wine exporters and distributors I know in the United States another 10% increase, which would put some out of business. » Recently naturalized, the Nantes woman will be voting for the first time this year , I suffered. There, I have the right to say something. » So, to make good use of her vote, Anna registered to vote on Long Island, a Republican island in New York State where she lived. stay before. “My husband believes that our Democratic votes will count more in a Republican district. »