Remember when we had a President who made sweeping, unilateral decisions, aimed at changing the very fabric of our nation and impacting its position on the global stage? That was Donald Trump, who took on expansive power in ways one would have a hard time comparing to other presidencies in history.
Trump did not limit himself to touching upon the principles laid out during the New Deal or the Great Society; he expanded his horizon far beyond. Indeed, he took it upon himself to modify the firm belief of Reagan-era Republicans in international alliances and free trade. All in order to reshape the U.S. government’s role domestically and internationally.
In his improvisation of a government, the then-President had enlisted none other than Elon Musk, the wealthiest person globally. His mission? To gut the federal workforce. Determining whether the slashes were too harsh was an afterthought, showing the recklessness of this approach.
Trump’s audacity didn’t stop there. He singlehandedly claimed authority to redesign the post-WW II alliance with Europe, a pact that ensured peace for almost eight decades. Is it not absurd to think a single person should have that power? Yet, the then-President thought otherwise.
What’s more, Trump used extraordinary emergency declarations to revamp global trade regulations. This reckless improvisation elicited fright from international markets and ignited apprehension among world leaders. No one was prepared for this shot in the dark by the Trump administration.
Moreover, he ordered the relocation of immigrants to detention centers in El Salvador, bypassing any form of judicial review. The lack of basic human rights consideration in this draconian measure demonstrated an alarming disregard for the rule of law.
Surprisingly, Trump’s audacity didn’t stop there. He seemed intent on decimating the very pillars of society by striking against law enforcement, news media, public health, and cultural institutions. A brazen attempt to bend everything and everyone to his will, with frightening results.
Yes, Trump did succeed in his brash campaign promises. But the aggressive, almost militant ways in which he attempted to enforce them showed a disregard for the delicate equilibrium that exists within a democracy governed by checks and balances. It was a display of power that was as unexpected as it was terrifying.
Let’s give a semblance of credit where it’s due – Trump’s first 100 days in office were a whirlwind, perhaps the most consequential since FDR. But not for the right reasons. It was like witnessing a disastrous storm, destructive and chaotic, rather than a well-planned governing strategy.
Remembering Trump’s first 100 days in office is crucial to understanding and rejecting the potential for such unabashed autocracy. As citizens, it’s our responsibility to ensure that democratic principles are upheld above all.
Although it may seem like an anomaly in American history, the Trump chapter should serve as a reminder that our democracy is fragile – not just susceptible to external threats, but internal subversion as well.
Our obligation, as citizen watchdogs, is to remember this chapter; to learn from it, and to ensure we do not allow such unchecked behavior to happen in the future. Our democratic institutions are far too precious to be subjected to such a cavalier disregard.
We must continue to strive for a more measured, responsible and intelligent approach to leadership, entirely different from the aggressive and often dogmatic style that characterized Trump’s rule.
It’s not about whether the glass is half full or half empty; it’s about who’s pouring the water. All Americans deserve leaders who pour wisely, mindful of the ripple effects of their decisions on their citizens and the rest of the world.