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Nearly a month has passed since the results of the 2024 US election, which saw Kamala Harris lose and Donald Trump secure a decisive victory, winning a second term.

With mixed feelings surrounding the results, ������ spoke to Arab Americans about their experiences during this year’s election campaign, feelings about Trump returning to power, and how the post-election period has motivated Arab Americans to intensify their fight for their communities.

Palestinian voices overlooked in 2024 race

Like much of the population, when Joe Biden dropped out of the presidential race in July 2024 and endorsed Kamala, many hoped she would separate herself from him and become a more progressive candidate who would address important issues, especially regarding Gaza.

But the reality was quite different, and she showed a side none of us saw coming. One example of this was when the request for Palestinian-Americans to speak on the main stage at the Democratic National Convention was , causing trust in Kamala to fade.

Additionally, throughout her campaign, Kamala raised questions by repeatedly that Israel had a "right to defend itself," while figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) made empty promises on her behalf, she was "tirelessly working for a ceasefire."

While all of this was happening, anti-war protesters opposing Israel's war on Gaza were being��beaten, harassed, and attacked by police on college campuses,��yet Democrats largely ignored these incidents.

Additionally, Kamala's "I'm speaking!" ��during a vice-presidential debate��further damaged any sense of cooperation.

"When Harris lost, my emotions were hard to place," said Palestinian activist Jena Jibreen, reflecting on Kamala's actions during her campaign.

But ultimately, Jena knew in her heart that Kamala would lose.

“Palestine was never going to be the sole reason she lost — it was always going to be because she and Joe Biden have failed the American people at every turn, and because she failed to promise literally anything tangible to the voters.

“I also, deep down, wanted her to lose. Just as much as I wanted Trump to lose. I wanted both of them to lose a mortifying loss,” Jena added.

Jena concluded that while she still has some fears for the future, she affirmed that Democrats are the only ones to blame for the outcome of the election.

She shared, “The Democrats spat in our faces each and every time we asked them to change, to do the bare minimum in regards to Gaza. I’m happy that the Democrats were humiliated. I am also scared about the loss of our rights, but no more scared than I was before Kamala lost. And certainly no more scared than I am about the eradication of my people in Palestine.”

Yasmin Mustafa, a Palestinian criminal justice student who hopes to become a judge at The International Court of Justice (ICJ), shared the same feelings as Jena.

“While it was empowering to see people mobilise and raise their voices, it was also disheartening to witness the harmful polarisation between Democrats and Republicans,” Yasmin said.

She added, “The genocide in Gaza swayed the election results because of the way the Biden-Harris administration handled it. Unfortunately, I’ve seen many people handle the election results terribly by deflecting the blame on Palestinians, which is immoral in every way.”

Palestinians deserved more

Upon reflecting on the US elections, Yasmin shared that Arab Americans, especially Palestinians, deserved more during the election process.

Yasmin added that their concerns should not have been treated as inconvenient truths and that Palestinians are not responsible for the failures of US politicians or the election results.

Touching on Donald's inauguration and move to the White House for January 20, 2025, Jena told ������ that "Trump will not be worse for Palestinians in Palestine."

Jena added, "He can only be the same level of bad because there is nothing worse than genocide. There are no levels of genocide. There is only genocide… They had a chance to win some Arab American votes (not mine)... but at every turn, they told us to stop whining and be scared of Trump. My peers continue to remain steadfast in their solidarity, and those who have dropped our cause as a form of revenge are not at all considered to be a loss."

That said, Yasmin believes the misplaced anger fuelling harmful language shows how easy it is to seek a scapegoat instead of holding those in power accountable.

"It reflects a deep misunderstanding of both the political process and the realities on the ground in Palestine," she said.

The future of Arab Americans

Looking towards the future of the Arab American community in the US, Jena emphasised to ������ the importance of civic commitment, even outside of election periods.

“I do not believe in fear-mongering, it does not serve us,” Jena said, adding, “We must commit ourselves to the safety of the most marginalised in our communities. But we have always had this duty. It should not take a Trump presidency for us to start showing up for our community.

“Under both parties, nothing is guaranteed because neither party has our best interests in mind. It’s going to be a difficult four years, but it’s already been excruciating.

“We need to listen to those most vulnerable and ask how we can be of service. And we need to continue this after Trump leaves office, too.”

Yasmin further stressed, “On a local scale, I plan on raising awareness and building solidarity among other marginalised groups. Fear can be overwhelming, especially for us Arab Americans since we feel underrepresented. However, it can also be a powerful motivator if we choose to use it constructively.

“For Arab Americans, showing up for our communities, whether through organising protests/demonstrations, advocating for political Arab American figures, or simply being there for one another, is absolutely necessary.

“When we allow fear to take over, we risk falling into silence or inaction, and that only strengthens the systems and narratives that work against us. By transforming fear into action, we can reclaim our power here in the US.”

Ultimately, for Yasmin and many other Arab Americans, this means engaging in meaningful conversations, supporting grassroots initiatives, and, in Jena’s own words, “continuing to fight for what’s right, not just for our community but for anyone facing oppression.”

Serene��Madani is a journalist who has previously written for , , , and