The current American President, Donald J. Trump, caused quite a stir recently by engaging candidly with the press following his arrival on White House grounds. This occurrence incited a fiery response from some spectators as is evidenced by an interesting letter to the editor. The author queried the logic behind the preference for Trump over Harris among moderate Republicans, citing the apparent disarray since Inauguration Day. As an observer with a propensity for rightwing ideologies, I will aim to elucidate this viewpoint from a hypothetical ‘middle-of-the-road’ Republican’s perspective.
A formidable sum of more than 77 million citizens decided to cast their votes for, the admittedly unconventional, Donald Trump. The detractors could easily interpret the new government’s approach as chaotic, though the supporters of this administration tend to see it as an essential element of attaining larger objectives. Yes, it might look messy, but it’s seen as necessary in order to create a better future; a means to an end. Political ‘traditionalists’ might find this hard to comprehend or accept.
The supporters appreciate Trump’s transformative agenda, despite the tumult. They are willing to weather initial short-term confusion as Trump works diligently to modify the structure of federal governance, tackle unfair trade deals, eradicate criminal illegal residents, and motivate allies to stand on their own feet, making them less dependent on the United States. Any perceived disorder is deemed an essential aspect of reaching these long-term goals.
While it’s undeniable that the administration has faced its share of challenges and PR faux pas in its initial 100 days, this was expected. Yes, it might not have been the most diplomatic decision to jest about annexing Canada as our 51st state while snubbing Prime Minister Trudeau. Nor was it sensible to entertain the notion of a similar position for Greenland. Leadership means grasping the art of diplomacy and recognizing friends and allies. Insensitive quips, although potentially amusing to some, only serve to muddy the waters of international relations.
On the topic of executive orders, Trump’s decision on birthright citizenship erred on the line of legal contention – opposing the 14th Amendment – and has drawn lawsuits. Federal judges and now the Supreme Court are all involved in addressing this issue. Furthermore, overturning a Biden order intended to reduce the cost of prescription medication for Medicare and Medicaid users seemed rash.
However, the outrage over Trump’s barrage of executive orders might be a little premature. If we remember our past presidents, Franklin Roosevelt issued an eye-popping total of 2,819 orders during his first two terms. Trump is barely at 360, which seems more modest in comparison. Still, it would be prudent for him to rethink his apparent enthusiasm for engaging with the press so openly. His candid discourse stands in stark contrast to quiet Joe Biden who was rarely heard without pre-written remarks.
A particular case that has irritated Democrat sympathizers and become the focus of the media involves Maryland resident, Kilmar Abrego Garcia. Garcia was deported in March on the grounds of an ‘administrative error’ to El Salvador and has found himself a resident of CECOT, a notorious prison in his homeland. The legality and humaneness of this decision has rightly been brought under the microscope.
Regardless of the accusations against him including illegitimate entry into the US, domestic abuse, and involvement with human trafficking, Garcia still possesses certain unalienable rights while on American soil. All residents have the Constitutional right to due process of law if accused of a crime. Ergo, Garcia deserves to be returned to the US, given due process, and if found guilty, legally deported.
Given this perspective, it’s natural to examine whether Kamala Harris would have been a potentially better choice. However, considering her evasive reply, riddled with intellectual inadequacy when asked how her presidency would differ from the lackluster term of Biden, I would say not. Furthermore, her claim of always being truthful falls flat when she brazenly describes Biden’s mental dexterity as ‘capable in every conceivable way.’
The possibility of regretting my vote for Trump is negligible. This, however, does not mean that I do not harbor concerns about the potential repercussions of Trump’s economic plans and the ability of DOGE initiatives to address the massive $1.8 trillion annual deficits we’re facing. Keeping in view the unsustainability of our present fiscal path, these anxieties are legitimate.
Despite some setbacks, the recent positive surge in financial markets to pre-tariff announcement levels is an encouraging sign. The latest employment figures also affirm a vigorous labor market, despite a slight 0.3% dip in the first-quarter GDP. These insights make me cautiously optimistic about Trump’s commitment to fiscal reform, fair trade, inflation management, and nurturing self-reliance among our allies.
But would Harris supporters ever acknowledge Trump’s achievements if he accomplishes his goals while maintaining governmental stability? One can hardly be optimistic about that. The overwhelmingly negative sentiment—even a mere 100 days into his administration time—suggests they would find it difficult to give credit where it’s due.
The irony here lays thick with a recent letter to the editor decrying the lack of progress on multiple issues – cost of living, the Ukraine ordeal, and the Gaza predicament. All three of which, mind you, emerged during the Biden presidency and are now Trump’s burdens to bear and rectify.
Confronted with a seemingly unmanageable task which grew under the inept Biden administration, it’s startling to see the hateful sentiments towards Trump who now grapples with challenges he inherited. His unconventional method inspires concern among some, but it also engenders hope among his supporters who believe in his transformative vision for the country.
Will all this lead to a better America? Time will definitely tell. At least, it is evident that under President Trump, the American people are witnessing a forceful fight to alter the course of the country, unlike the passive acceptance of the status quo that characterized the Biden years. Even though the road is rocky now, the long-term gains could be significant– if only his critics would allow him the opportunity to execute his plans.