Donald Trump Wins U.S. Presidential Election: Armenian Community and Diaspora Reflect on Implications

Donald J. Trump has once again been elected President of the United States, marking a dramatic shift in American governance and raising varied expectations around the globe. Among communities closely watching this development is the Armenian diaspora, including those in Armenia and the Armenian-American community, who hold diverse perspectives on what a Trump administration could mean for Armenia, the South Caucasus, and U.S.-Armenian relations.

Throughout his previous tenure and campaign periods, Trump's approach to foreign policy has often leaned toward a "realpolitik" stance, prioritizing U.S. strategic interests over alliances. This has led to a mixed reception in Armenia and within the diaspora, as many wonder how his policies might affect Armenia directly. Historically, the U.S. has played a significant role in aiding Armenia through economic and diplomatic channels, including initiatives aimed at strengthening Armenia’s democratic governance and regional security.

Adding to Armenian-American optimism, three outspoken advocates for Armenia and Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) have joined the Trump campaign: former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, and environmental advocate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Each has voiced strong support for Armenia’s sovereignty and the right of Artsakh to self-determination, energizing Armenian-American voters and amplifying calls for greater U.S. involvement in Armenian issues.

Gabbard, in particular, brings a notable record of bipartisan advocacy. As a longtime member of the Congressional Armenian Caucus while serving Hawaii, she consistently championed Armenian-American concerns and visited Artsakh in 2017. Gabbard’s efforts have included pushing for U.S. recognition of the Armenian Genocide and pressing for action on Armenian priorities, earning her considerable respect within the community. Her, Ramaswamy’s, and Kennedy’s presence in the campaign adds weight to hopes that Armenia’s voice may find stronger representation in U.S. foreign policy.

Last month, Trump made a statement on social media that resonated deeply with the Armenian-American community and broader Christian circles. He criticized Vice President Kamala Harris’s perceived inaction regarding the crisis in Artsakh, where he noted that “120,000 Armenian Christians were horrifically persecuted and forcibly displaced in Artsakh.”

Trump’s post continued: “Christians around the World will not be safe if Kamala Harris is President of the United States. When I am President, I will protect persecuted Christians, I will work to stop the violence and ethnic cleansing, and we will restore PEACE between Armenia and Azerbaijan.” His remarks have stirred a sense of hope and support among Armenian-Americans, many of whom have long sought stronger U.S. intervention in the South Caucasus amid rising ethnic and religious tensions.

The post was widely shared within the Armenian-American community, who saw it as a powerful sign of Trump’s dedication to protecting Christian minorities and addressing the Artsakh crisis head-on. 

In a further symbolic gesture, Trump had recently placed a call to Catholicos Aram I, the head of the Great House of Cilicia of the Armenian Apostolic Church, affirming his support for Armenia’s concerns over Artsakh and the broader issue of peace in the South Caucasus. The call has been viewed by many as a significant acknowledgment of the Armenian cause, with Trump expressing a commitment to pursuing peace in the region and addressing Armenia’s security concerns. This outreach was met with appreciation in both Armenian-American and Armenian circles, who see it as a move toward more diplomatic engagement in the region.

His statement, alongside his outreach to Catholicos Aram I, signals Trump’s intention to make Armenia and Artsakh key concerns within his administration’s foreign policy.

Armenian-Americans, especially those politically active, are expressing both concerns and cautious optimism about the impact of Trump's leadership. Some are hopeful that his approach to bolstering American interests could bring greater security assurances for Armenia, particularly in the wake of the recent Azerbaijani invasion of Artsakh also known as Nagorno-Karabakh. Others are wary, pointing out that his administration’s prior neutrality during the 2020 Azerbaijani military attacks left Armenia vulnerable amid geopolitical tensions.

One of the primary areas of concern remains Armenia’s security, especially in its relations with neighboring Azerbaijan and Turkey. Armenian communities in the U.S. are calling for more decisive support from the White House, particularly in the form of humanitarian aid and political pressure to ensure the safety and stability of Armenians in the region. However, Trump's foreign policy history has typically been marked by restraint in committing to international conflicts, leading many to question how Armenia’s concerns will fit into his overall strategy.

The Armenian government, meanwhile, will be closely monitoring any shifts in U.S. foreign policy that could influence its regional security and economic stability. Analysts in Yerevan speculate that Trump’s re-election could lead to increased military aid to the South Caucasus, potentially benefiting Armenia, though this largely depends on the administration’s stance towards the wider regional dynamics involving Russia and Turkey.

For Armenian-Americans, Trump’s re-election raises questions of advocacy and mobilization. The Armenian diaspora has a strong history of lobbying in Washington to support Armenian issues, including recognition of the Armenian Genocide, securing foreign aid, and promoting resolutions that support Armenia’s sovereignty. During Trump’s previous tenure, many Armenian-American groups felt that Armenia’s needs were deprioritized compared to broader U.S. policy goals.

Community leaders in cities with significant Armenian populations, such as Los Angeles and Boston, are urging for a more unified approach in advocating for Armenia’s needs within Trump’s foreign policy framework. They emphasize the need for bipartisan support in Congress to ensure that Armenia remains a focal point in U.S. foreign aid programs, especially in humanitarian support following recent conflicts.

The Armenian government has voiced intentions to strengthen economic ties with the U.S., focusing on technology, agriculture, and tourism. Some Armenian entrepreneurs in the diaspora see this as an opportunity to push for more U.S.-Armenia trade initiatives that could encourage American investment in Armenia, helping to diversify its economy and bolster local employment. However, these efforts may need strong lobbying to align with Trump’s focus on American economic interests.

Within the Armenian-American community, Trump’s re-election has polarized opinions. Some community members see his strong stance on security as beneficial for Armenia's interests in the region, while others worry about a perceived indifference toward Armenia’s specific challenges. The addition of Ramaswamy and Kennedy to Trump’s campaign team has reignited hope that Armenia’s voice will be better represented in the coming administration, particularly on the issue of Artsakh.

As Trump prepares to enter his second term, the Armenian community in the U.S. and abroad remains vigilant, hoping that his policies will reflect a commitment to Armenia’s security and economic well-being amidst a rapidly changing global environment. With Armenia’s future closely intertwined with regional stability and international support, many are ready to engage and advocate in hopes of a positive and meaningful relationship with the new administration.