Voices Across America: #DearPresidentTrump
As President-elect Donald Trump prepared to take office, CBS News asked Americans to share their messages to Mr. Trump using the hashtag #DearPresidentTrump. Over the course of just a few days, more than 3,000 voicemails, as well as a collection of videos and tweets, came in from people across the country. Some were supporters of Mr. Trump; others were not.
Many of the messages differed, with some expressing concerns, optimism, and even advice for the 45th president of the United States. However, one common theme emerged: Most people wanted what was best for the country.
Sheriff Billy Woods
DEAR PRESIDENT TRUMP: "Seek justice, love mercy, and work humbly."
Billy Woods, a newly-elected sheriff in Marion County, Fla., is no stranger to public service. He was a police officer at the Ocala Police Department for 26 years and his father was a firefighter.
He has two sons.
The county in which he serves is a Republican stronghold, miles away from the I-4 corridor that splits Florida along party lines. Counties to the north tend to lean conservative, while counties to the south are more likely to be liberal.
Brenda Hernandez
DEAR PRESIDENT TRUMP: "I'm afraid of waking up one morning and getting the phone call that my parents have been arrested."
- LOCATION: University of Florida
- OCCUPATION: Undergraduate student
Brenda Hernandez, 22, is an undergraduate student at the University of Florida and will be graduating with a degree in political science this spring. The child of immigrant workers, she hopes to become a apply to law school and go on to become an attorney for immigrant rights.
Christopher Rich
DEAR PRESIDENT TRUMP: "I would urge you to stay vigilant in pursuing truth and understanding and knowledge."
- LOCATION: University of Florida
- OCCUPATION: University of Florida Athletic Association
Even though he is a conservative, Christopher Rich, 31, admits he was not happy with the Republican Party's nominee. Still, he feels it is his duty as an American to support the president at this time.
He hopes to get more involved in local politics soon.
Duane Dewey
DEAR PRESIDENT TRUMP: "He's president and you gotta support him ... and he might do a great job."
- LOCATION: Hawthorne, Florida
- OCCUPATION: Veteran
The first person to be decorated the Medal of Honor by President Eisenhower in 1953, Duane Dewey, now 85, served in the Korean War. He did not attend college and started a successful typewriter repair business, despite not even knowing how to type.
He lives with his wife, Bertha, and volunteers his time by visiting local schools and telling students about his war experience.
Jeremiah Newton
DEAR PRESIDENT TRUMP: "Mr. President, with great power comes great responsibility ... you hold our nation in your hands."
- LOCATION: Austin, Texas
- OCCUPATION: Owner: Bearded Bastard, Newton Plus Co., and My Dear
From the time he was a child, Jeremiah Newton was taught if he couldn't find something that worked, he could make something new that did. Unhappy with the quality of already available beard products, he decided to create his own.
His companies distribute their products online and have received orders from more than 200 countries. Newton tells CBS News wants to blow 10,000 minds, not just sell 10,000 units
Kathy Schmitz
DEAR PRESIDENT TRUMP: "I would love to see you look at what real unity is. To really understand that we can't belittle one another, that we can't separate our people."
- LOCATION: Orlando, Florida
- OCCUPATION: Reverend, First Unitarian Church
Kathy Schmitz has served as Reverend at the First Unitarian Church of Orlando since 2010, and was actively involved in community efforts after the Pulse nightclub shootings in 2016. Her congregation welcomes members of the LGBT community and plans to walk in the Women's March in D.C. with other members of her congregation and the Orlando community.
She is married with two children and three grandchildren.
Loujani Contreras
DEAR PRESIDENT TRUMP: "The LGBT community fears under your presidency and we just want to be noticed."
- LOCATION: Orlando, Florida
- OCCUPATION: Call center worker
A native of Venezuela, Loujani Contreras, 28, is engaged and a survivor of the Pulse nightclub shooting. She and her fiancé are involved in the Women's Football Alliance -- and were with a group of teammates the night of the deadly attack. Their friend Cory Connell was one of the victims.
Meshawn Maddock
DEAR PRESIDENT TRUMP: "All across the country, your message is why you won."
- LOCATION: Milford, Michigan
- OCCUPATION: Michigan National Delegate
Meshawn Maddock, 49, was an advocate for Donald Trump during his campaign. She hopes he will limit the power of the elite in Washington and replace career politicians with everyday people with conservative values.
She says President Trump's message is against big businesses and became involved to continue that mission.
Maddock has three kids.
Nahjah Bazzy
DEAR PRESIDENT TRUMP: "The very harsh things you say are incorrect. You are misguiding the American people."
- LOCATION: Inkster, Michigan
- OCCUPATION: CEO, Zaman International Humanitarian Organization
A nurse-turned-humanitarian, Nahjah Bazzy, 56, created a one stop-center for marginalized women and children. Known as Zaman International Humanitarian Organization, it helps provide them with food, clothing, therapy, social services and technical skills.
Her family has been in the country for more than 140 years and she has four children and one grandchild.
Shamell Bell
DEAR PRESIDENT TRUMP: "We need to make America great. Period. For the first time ever."
- LOCATION: Los Angeles
- OCCUPATION: PhD student in Culture and Performance, Black Lives Matter activist
Shamell Bell, 32, is a community organizer and choreographer, combining her two loves in the form of street dance activism. Bell is also one of the first members of the Black Lives Matter movement.
She is the mother of a 6-year-old son.
Suzie Cadey
DEAR PRESIDENT TRUMP: "I hope that you grow in this role."
- LOCATION: Katy, Texas
- OCCUPATION: Development Director, Pinoak Charity Horse Show
Suzie Cadey, 55, tells CBS News that living in Houston in the last year was interesting. Her household was divided during the election, with her husband voting for Donald Trump, while she voted for Hillary Clinton.
She says she felt that Clinton represented her, and women in general. Her 16-year-old daughter was shocked by the Republican victory and cannot wait for midterm elections.
Full coverage: The 2017 Presidential Inauguration
Dear President Trump: Everyday Americans share messages to the 45th president