It’s a widely held sentiment, barring a few dissenters and defenders, that the former President Trump’s ambitions were tilting towards a governmental model where personal whims transfigure into policies and autocratic will into national law. However, this endeavor has been nothing short of sporadic and inconsistent. Trump attempted to disorient the public with a wave of overpowering and shocking movements. His executive mandates spanned various segments of the civil society, compelling states and local communities, educational institutions, and legal firms to adopt a defensive stance.
The so-dubbed Department of Government Efficiency, previously helmed by his billionaire confederate Elon Musk, laid siege to the federal government. As a result, multiple civil servants were relieved of their duties, crucial state functions were dismantled, and entire federal agencies, including U.S.A.I.D., were eliminated – a decision that potentially threatens the lives of thousands around the globe.
Subsequently, Trump shifted his focus towards initiating stricter immigration controls specifically in regions governed by the Democrats. One such city to experience this crackdown is Los Angeles, where Immigration and Customs Enforcement has been carrying out extensive operations to identify individuals who may not possess the required immigration status.
Playing the safety card and citing growing unrest and protest violence, President Trump authorized the deployment of the National Guard and Marine troops. And he didn’t stop there – he also hinted at potential similar actions in cities like Chicago and New York.
In a compelling turn of events, the two states with the largest number of undocumented immigrants, trailing only after California, are Texas and Florida. However, perhaps due to their Republican governance, they seem to enjoy an exemption from the hardline immigration stance of the White House.
This preferential treatment poses as a live testament of the administration’s principle, which loosely translates to ‘all privileges for allies, strict law enforcement for adversaries’. The intense Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s operations and the mobilization of military forces were strategic moves intended to rally public support towards the administration by presenting a stance against purported crime and disorder.
Further, the parade of military, an attempt to emulate similar displays in Russia, North Korea, and other autocratic nations, was meant to serve as a testament to Trump’s widespread popularity. This military showmanship was orchestrated to demonstrate the purported deep-seated bond that Trump shares with the citizens of America.
However, the reality seemed to sing a different tune. Instead of stirring public sentiment in his favor, Trump’s aggressive attempts to enforce his will on the nation appear to have only led to increased dissatisfaction and resistance.