MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) – Vermonters woke up Wednesday reckoning with the reality of Donald Trump’s return to the White House.
Many people we spoke with shared a level of disbelief — both positive and negative — that the former president secured another term.
On the Statehouse lawn, the site of a record-breaking women’s march after 2016′s results, residents who voted for Kamala Harris said it was a bitter pill to swallow again.
“I work as a home health care aide. My parents are both disabled. All my neighbors are recent immigrants. I’m petrified that I’m either going to lose everybody. I don’t know what to do. I just came here to just sort of rethink my life,” said Jacob Sergent of Montpelier
“I hope that he can achieve those things and I hope he does not achieve the things that I do not agree with. So, I wish him luck and I’m hopeful, but he’s a hard guy to pin down,” said John Goss of Montpelier.
Despite some hesitancy, one voter said it’s a relief to avoid claims of a stolen election or riots he anticipated if Trump lost.
Meanwhile, in Barre, other voters welcomed the news, confident that Trump will lead the state and the country to a better place.
“I’m glad that Trump got it. I voted for Trump — not ashamed to say it. I think our country is going to go on the right path now. I think people are going to be able to afford a whole lot more than what they would have with if Kamala had gotten in,” said Monica Hobbs of Graniteville.
“I like Trump. I like his attitude. I like what he did the first four days, the first four years he was there. So, I think he’ll do the same thing this time,” said Raymond Malone of Barre.
Vermont was the first state called Tuesday night with 64% of voters supporting Harris. But even in deep-blue Vermont, the red win is a cause for celebration for many.