Regardless of whether our goodbye to Obama is a nostalgic or cheerful one, his direct influence on America is approaching an end and now it’s time to evaluate the imprint he has left on the American people. The strongest opposition to his legacy is not necessarily his own accomplishments, but the reversing effect newly elected Donald Trump may have on his policies. Nearly all of which is accomplished in a presidency is controversial, due to the many strong opinions in our country. Among these are same-sex marriage rights, The DREAM Act, and Obamacare.

Obamacare: The Affordable Care Act granted rights of healthcare to people who fall below the poverty line. Before the act was passed, a large percentage couldn’t qualify for healthcare because of pre-existing health conditions and were charged more because of a gender bias.

Trump: Originally running on the platform that he would “repeal and replace” the act, he now states he will “amend” the act. He never stated details on conservative healthcare ideas.

DREAM Act (Development Relief and Education for Alien Minors): Provides undocumented minors conditional residency and eventual permanent residency.

Trump: Planning on deporting around 2 million illegal immigrants although Obama has urged last minute protections for DREAMers

Same-Sex Marriage Rights: Obama was an expressive advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in his second term, but is not necessarily credited for having this pass as it was mostly due to Supreme Court’s efforts. However, same-sex marriage will always be remembered as becoming legalized during his term.

Trump: Has been the most vocally supportive candidate for the LGBTQ+ community, even holding a pride flag (albeit upside down) during a rally. Unfortunately Mike Pence, his VP, has passed legislature regarding the bathroom controversy that has caused inconvenience at best, and fostered animosity for the LGBTQ+ community at worst.

No one knows for sure what our next president will have in store for America, whether Trump will peel back his angry exterior and reveal a mild-tempered-moderate or will remain the way he’s been since the beginning of the primaries. We can only HOPE that the future will be kind to the American people.