CITY COLLEGE–Donald Trump’s 2024 reelection has left the Vásquez-Ortiz family of Marble Hill, a neighborhood in the uppermost section of Manhattan, grappling with uncertainty and cautious hope. Like many working-class families, they face concerns about wages, healthcare, and social programs. They are left wondering whether the policies of the next Trump Administration will mitigate their struggles or exacerbate them.
“We’ve been here before, but it feels different now. It’s like the weight of the unknown is heavier than ever,” says Jomary Vásquez, 26, reflecting on the uncertainty her family faces after Donald Trump’s re-election in 2024.
For the Vásquez-Ortiz family—Jomary, her brothers Ariel and Adrian, and their mother Yomali—the next four years bring a range of challenges tied to their working-class reality. From stagnant wages and rising costs to fears of cuts to essential programs, they worry whether their struggles will be seen or addressed by those in power.
