The reality of President Trump’s subsequent term dawns with increased disillusionment from many voters who express, ‘This is not what we signed up for.’ These early months unfolded with a series of tumultuous events and valid worries about the government’s direction, including a distressingly real risk of a constitutional crisis. Yet, despite the mounting severity of the situation, Trump remains a fixture in the media environment. His appearances on television and prolific tweets often serve to explain or deflect attention from his questionable policy choices and executive acts. His preferred method of diverting attention away from an existing problem is to start a new controversy as an effective smokescreen.
Such distractions make it easy to overlook the historical record of Trump’s first tenure: over 30,000 documented untruths, including the unsupported claim that the election was unlawfully taken, not just one but two impeachments, the closing down of his charity due to the misuse of its funds, and finally, the implosion of Trump University ending in a $25 million settlement for deceptive conduct. Following this track record, he was found guilty of 34 business fraud charges and held liable for a sexual assault, resulting in penalties amounting to nearly half a million dollars. Considering this, one cannot help but question if this is the history of a man suited to head a government.
Many of the commitments taken during the 2024 campaign and at the onset of his subsequent term, have dissipated, taken unexpected turns, or revealed themselves to be total fabrications. An instance is the promise of lowering food prices ‘on day one’. Rather than a decrease, there has been a 2.5% increase, the full effect of tariffs is yet to be seen. Gas price reduction was another commitment, with an ambitious target of $1.87 per gallon. However, when President Biden left office, the price stood at $3.11, and it currently is $3.12, thus far from the declared goal of $2.
Though tariffs were marketed as government revenue generators and safeguarding measures for domestic industries, they have also incited global economic uncertainty, disrupted financial markets, contributed to the soaring cost of goods for consumers, and initiated damaging trade wars. According to President Trump’s promise, these conflicts were supposed to cease within 24 hours of him resuming office. However, the war persists. Trump proclaimed himself during the autumn campaign as the ‘only president in generations who did not initiate a war’, and vowed to bring a permanent end to these ‘foolish, stupid days of never-ending wars,’ a promise that seems increasingly unrealistic.
There are THREE CRITICAL ASPECTS to consider when evaluating the first five months of Trump’s second term. First, the magnitude of his executive orders and propositions is staggering, leading to record numbers of legal disputes and a growing resistance from citizens. In his first 100 days, he issued 142 executive orders. Even President Franklin Roosevelt, known for his crucial executive orders, which brought the U.S out of the Great Depression and guided the country through World War II, implemented fewer.
The second aspect to concern us is the intense whirlwind of activity coupled with a sea of dishonesty. Spurious and inaccurate information is consistently disseminated by his administration, causing difficulties for the public to segregate truth from untruthfulness. The third point entails the overall damages witnessed: cutbacks in crucial services, endangerment to programs such as Social Security and Medicaid, agency downsizing, decreases in health and scientific research, and environmental regulations retraction. These ongoing policy changes have true implications for us all, fiscally, socially, and personally.
If you cast your vote in favor of Trump but are having second thoughts now, it’s essential to remember that you’re not isolated. His allure as an anti-establishment reformer conceals a chronic pattern of manipulation and wrongdoing. Many voters thought that as an outsider, Trump would be a refreshing alternative to the conventional political milieu. Conversely, he pursued an agenda centered primarily around boosting his image, enhancing his label, seizing power, and further amassing wealth for himself and his kin.
If you are troubled by the breakdown of our democratic system and frustrated with how our allies perceive the U.S., then it’s incumbent upon you to act. Sharing your newfound understanding with others, contacting your congressional representative, participating in protests, and voting in the approaching midterm elections can be impactful actions towards restoring our democracy and repairing the inflicted damage. Curbing the existing turmoil is crucial not only for our country’s stability but also for its future prospects. Hence, it’s time for each one of us to contribute to the cause.