One year ago today, America woke up to the reality that it had unexpectedly elected Donald Trump to be the 45th president of the United States.
Given how divisive and nasty the election had become in the months prior, it was no shock that Twitter reacted in dozens of ways to the news that Trump had defeated Democrat Hillary Clinton. Despite his rival earning approximately 3 million more votes than him, a triumph in the Electoral College propelled Trump to victory.
Most of you reading this probably remember where you were when you heard the news and remember how you felt—good, bad, ugly, scared, elated, or frustrated. You weren’t alone in feeling that way, and you’re not alone feeling a mix of those emotions on a daily basis over the past 365 days.
A lot has happened since last year (seriously—it’s absurd how much has happened). Here’s a look at how people reacted online to last year’s election, in the immediate aftermath.
Pain, shock, and memes:
https://twitter.com/LifeIsBellarke/status/796346122587475968
England: Nothing can be more embarrassing than Brexit.
— Aaron Sparrow™ 🇺🇸 (@Aaron_Sparrow) November 9, 2016
America: Watch this.
Just woke my children up & told them Santa's dead.
— joe heenan (@joeheenan) November 9, 2016
Don't see why I should be the only one hearing terrible news this morning.
https://twitter.com/irionmartins/status/796289294914699264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Everyone say's meteorologists are the "only ones that can be wrong & still keep a job". What say you Pollsters? #ElectionDay
— Garrett Lewis (@GarrettLewisNWA) November 9, 2016
#ElectionNight #USElection2016 #USADecides #USA2016 Oh Dear god #america what have you done…
— Barry McWilliams (@baz48) November 9, 2016
I don't even know what to say. Depressed,sad,disgusted,angry & scared 4 my daughters future.4 the U.S & 4 the WORLDS future. #ElectionNight
— Emilie de Ravin (@emiliederavin) November 9, 2016
https://twitter.com/MixersFoolsGold/status/796409316085497856
maybe if we put 2016 in rice?
— Jamie Jones (@JamieDMJ) November 9, 2016
https://twitter.com/sheIIymarie/status/796175945581416450
If Trump can seriously win the PRESIDENCY OF THIS NATION, I don't want to see a job description with "experience required" ever again
— Ifeoluwa (@guaptimus_prime) November 9, 2016
https://twitter.com/amateuradam/status/796159585254076418
https://twitter.com/sansastcrk/status/796378754767552512
https://twitter.com/bananfannafo/status/796245102813442048
https://twitter.com/truIytae/status/796290900846637056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
I will never forget this chart for as long as I live. pic.twitter.com/7Y4t4o65gp
— Alexis Pereira (@MrAlexisPereira) November 9, 2016
Happiness for Trump:
I've put everything on the line to support @RealDonaldTrump, bc only he can Make America Great Again.
— HARLAN Z. HILL 🇺🇸 (@Harlan) November 9, 2016
Tonight, America agrees.
#45 #MAGA
First order of business: Pardon Pepe the Frog pic.twitter.com/iMDfqgCc2r
— AGR (@AGRcactus) November 9, 2016
Hey haters and losers who are saying #notmypresident ! Your tears are delicious! 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/cWDXff9wWF
— Unfiltered☢Boss (@Unfilteredboss1) November 9, 2016
https://twitter.com/Tnspud1/status/794342808366759937
With elections on Tuesday–which sent a whole host of other emotions flying about–next year’s midterms, and another presidential election in 2020, you can bet there will be more reactions like this (and more) to look forward to.