Whether it’s for the homeless or wounded veterans, they stand day in and day out and ask for donations from the millions of people that pass by the iconic strip each year. 

Just last Thursday, my sister and I were heading back to our hotel in Times Square when someone collecting money for veterans started to shout at someone who had walked past without acknowledging him.

“He’s probably a Trump supporter, one of those Trump supporter assholes,” he yelled.

Welcome to Donald Trump’s America – more divided than ever before. 

Whilst I love the United States and have spent the last month touring around the East Coast having an absolute blast, I’m glad I’m Australian and do not have to live in a country under his rule. 

In little over a week, the real estate magnate/reality TV star has gone about keeping all of those (at times, insane) election promises, signing 13 executive orders (orders that bypass Congress) since he took the Oval Office. 

These include no federal funding for abortion services, no TPP, the Dakota Access Pipeline, his infamous “wall” between the US and Mexico and his latest order – the banning of entry into the USA from seven Muslim-majority countries. 

This has resulted in mass protests across the country, including the biggest mass protest in US history with the Women’s March held in cities across the US and the world. 

Regardless what you think of his policies, good or bad, they are going to have a massive effect on human rights, whether it is being able to seek refuge or women’s rights to their own bodies. 

And yes, he was elected President, but keep in mind - he did not win the popular vote. And yes, he is keeping his promises, but that has resulted in ripping apart eight years of work done by the Obama administration to help people with things such as jobs and healthcare. 

They say Australia is the “lucky country” – we are by no means perfect but coming home and not having a decision made by Trump blasting on every TV screen and newspaper is refreshing. 

Eight years ago, Obama spoke of hope. I only hope that the American people continue to keep Mr Trump accountable for his actions.

Kelsey Sutor.