What’s up, second-gen community? Donald Trump’s back in the White House in 2025, and he’s shaking things up in a way that’s got the world talking. According to a recent New York Times piece, he’s pushing to ditch federal holidays like Juneteenth, which celebrates the end of slavery, and wants to gut diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs across the U.S. For companies or groups with American ties, this means pressure to follow his lead or risk losing out. But Trump’s agenda isn’t new – power-hungry leaders have always tried to control the narrative, and his moves are dimming America’s light on the global stage, far from what its Founding Fathers hoped for. In Ireland, it’s easy for some to say we should copy Trump and roll back DEI, but think about it: what if the countries Irish emigrants fled to had treated them with the same hostility Black Americans face today?
Trump’s Power Play and Its Ripple Effect
Trump’s running the show in 2025, and he’s not wasting time. The New York Times says he’s targeting Juneteenth, a holiday marking the day in 1865 when enslaved Black Americans in Texas learned they were free. He’s called it a “non-working holiday” that hurts the economy, ignoring its deep meaning. He’s also going after DEI, issuing orders to cut diversity training and remove mentions of “injustice” or “oppression” from government websites. For organisations with U.S. connections, such as big tech firms or charities with American funding, this is a wake-up call. They might have to tone down DEI efforts to keep contracts or avoid legal battles, even if it means sidelining fairness. Posts on X show some cheering Trump’s “anti-woke” stance, while others call it a step back to division.
For second-gen youth in Ireland, this feels personal. Your families know what it’s like to navigate new cultures, and you see U.S. companies here – like those employing thousands in Ireland – facing pressure to follow Trump’s rules. But you’re Gen Flow, using X, TikTok and Instagram to share stories and push back, keeping Ireland’s inclusive vibe alive.
Power Grabs Aren’t New, But They Hurt America’s Soul
Trump’s not the first to twist power for control. Back in the 1800s, groups like the Know-Nothings attacked Irish immigrants, painting them as threats. Today, Trump’s policies – like targeting Black history or blaming diversity for issues – echo that old fear-mongering. America’s Founding Fathers, like Thomas Jefferson, wrote about “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” for everyone, not just a select few. James Madison designed a system to balance power, not to erase the struggles of groups like Black Americans. Trump’s moves, from snubbing Juneteenth to praising figures like Tiger Woods while ignoring systemic issues, feel like a betrayal of that vision. The world’s noticing – countries like Canada and Sweden are losing faith in America’s leadership, per recent reports.
Second-gen Gen Z, you get this. Your parents’ stories of migration and resilience connect you to those facing exclusion today. Trump’s America, pushing a “colourblind” narrative that ignores history, doesn’t reflect the hope your families found abroad. You’re using Gen Flow’s digital tools to call out this disconnect, inspired by Ireland’s history of standing with the underdog.
Ireland’s Empathy: A Lesson from Irish Emigrants
In Ireland, some voices – especially on X – say we should follow Trump’s lead and ditch DEI, claiming it’s “divisive.” But let’s flip the script. In the 1800s, Irish emigrants fled famine and oppression, only to face “No Irish Need Apply” signs in places like the U.S. and UK. They were mocked, excluded, and blamed for society’s problems, much like Black Americans are targeted by Trump’s policies today – think his 1970s housing discrimination case or his attacks on the Central Park Five. If every country had treated Irish emigrants with that kind of hostility, where would they have gone? Ireland’s heart shines through its history, from recognising Palestine in 2024 to the Dunnes Stores workers striking against South Africa’s apartheid in the 1980s. Those workers, led by individuals like Mary Manning, stood up for justice, showcasing Ireland’s tendency to side with the marginalised.
For you, second-gen youth, this is your legacy. Your families’ journeys mirror the struggles of those Trump’s policies sideline. You’re not buying into far-right calls to erase DEI.
Second-Gen Gen Z: Making Ireland Shine Brighter
Ireland’s already a standout for its big heart, but you can make it even better. Trump’s power might force U.S.-linked groups to dial back DEI, but Ireland doesn’t have to follow suit. You’re Gen Flow, using social media to share stories of inclusion and challenge hate. Look at Kneecap, the Irish rap trio, calling out injustice with their pro-Palestine stance – they’re proof you can use your voice to push back. Start conversations in your networks, mentor younger peers, or advocate for fairness in schools and workplaces. Your dual identity – blending your heritage with Irish pride – gives you the power to keep Ireland a place where everyone belongs.
Trump’s agenda might dim America’s light, but Ireland’s empathy, built on centuries of struggle, is yours to amplify. You’re not just resisting division – you’re building a future where no one’s left out, unlike the hostility Irish emigrants or Black Americans faced.
Your Voice Can Change the Game
Second-gen community, you’re Ireland’s next chapter. Share a 300–500-word piece at equalityworx.com/submit about how you’re fighting anti-DEI vibes or why Ireland’s empathy matters. Post a clip on X or Instagram with #EqualityWorxVibe and tag @EqualityWorx – we’ll spread it far. You’re Gen Flow, turning Ireland’s heart into action to outshine Trump’s division. Let’s make this a movement! ✊ #EqualityWorxVibe
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