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When Donald Trump took office in January 2017, he arrived at the Oval Office with the intention of transforming Washington, eradicating corruption, and revitalizing America. His first term, which concluded in 2021, was marked by significant polarization, emblematic of his controversial persona. Trump's presidency sparked intense discussions about his policies, leadership style, and ideological perspectives. This article offers a comprehensive analysis of his time in office, exploring both the controversies and the achievements that defined his first term.
The Enigma of Economy
One of the accomplishments of trump’s first term is said to be the economic growth and employment level which went to the record low in half a century at 3.5%. Trump's policies, particularly his tax cuts and deregulation efforts, were designed to stimulate economic growth. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, passed in 2017, slashed the corporate tax rate and aimed to incentivize businesses to invest in the U.S. economy. For many, these measures were seen as successful in fostering job creation, economic expansion, and a rising stock market. Many viewed these initiatives as effective in driving job creation, economic development, and an ascending stock market.
But on the other hand the tax cuts favoured the top 1% of rich businessmens which shows a rightist and a capitalist outlook from the economic lens. This disparity led to significant wealth inequality, a glaring issue that Trump’s policies did little to address, also to criticise the high employment rate it is said that the wages remained stagnant and people instead of being employed could not keep up with the high prices of food and housing.
The Deregulation Agenda: A Double-Edged Sword
Trump’s focus on deregulation of industries, specially in energy and environment sector by rolling back many protection acts arguing that the concept of free market would suffice in running the industries anyway. It was praised by some businesses and industries and decried by many environmentalist as the safeguards to protect the Air, Water and other resources were lifted and left these resources open to exploitation, again the idea of free market shows a capitalist leaning from Trump’s side.
“America first or America Alone?”-: The High Cost for Trump’s Foreign Policy
The “America First” foreign policy championed by Donald Trump might have appealed to individuals disillusioned with international involvement, but it often led the United States toward a path of isolationism. His withdrawal from significant accords like the Paris Climate Agreement and the Iran nuclear deal positioned the U.S. as an erratic and untrustworthy partner in global affairs.
The “America First” foreign policy championed by Donald Trump might have appealed to individuals disillusioned with international involvement, but it often led the United States toward a path of isolationism. His withdrawal from significant accords like the Paris Climate Agreement and the Iran nuclear deal positioned the U.S. as an erratic and untrustworthy partner in global affairs.
On the flip side, Trump's direct dealings with North Korea resulted in a fleeting period of reduced tensions, even though it did not yield any significant outcomes. His rigorous approach to China sent a clear signal about U.S. trade priorities, yet the actual implementation did not reflect the ambitious goals set forth. Ultimately, Trump's foreign policy was marked by a degree of chaos, but it also sparked necessary conversations about America's standing in the world and the effects of a unilateral strategy.
A Vindictive Right-Wing Ideology: Dangerous Nationalism and Divisiveness
The first term of Trump's presidency exemplified the principles of right-wing populism, with the slogan "Make America Great Again" serving as a rallying point for nationalism. This approach often resulted in a division within the country rather than fostering unity. His language incited fears and promoted a mentality of "us versus them," exacerbating existing tensions related to race, immigration, and identity.
While his supporters rallied around the notion of American purity, the consequence was a fragmented society where meaningful conversation was relegated to the background. From a broader perspective, it's a reminder that nationalism can easily turn toxic when it forgets the "united" part of the "United States."
Capitol Riots: The Breaking Point
The events of January 6, 2021, represented a catastrophic turning point in Donald Trump's presidency. Driven by his unfounded assertions of electoral fraud, more than 2,000 of his supporters breached the Capitol, leading to five fatalities, over 140 injuries, and extensive damage to property. This assault compelled lawmakers to evacuate, interrupting the certification process of Joe Biden's electoral victory. In the wake of these events, Trump was impeached for a second time, as the riots highlighted the perilous ramifications of his polarizing language and elicited widespread denunciation from across the political landscape.
Trump’s Mixed Impact on America
Trump's first term resulted in a nuanced legacy. He brought about significant economic improvements for certain sectors and championed policies that aligned with conservative ideals, like tax cuts and deregulation. Conversely, his nationalistic fervor, authoritarian tendencies, and the rise of extremist groups have left deep wounds in American society. His lack of respect for the truth, paired with his far-right views, has further widened the divides within the nation.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
*The views expressed are personal to the author and do not reflect the platform's opinion of the same.
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Author's profile:
Arhan Ali is a sharp observer of economic and political currents, known for blending keen analysis with a dash of wit. Whether dissecting global trade wars or taking a playful jab at social absurdities, his writing strikes the perfect balance between intellect and irreverence.
