Following Donald Trump’s first 100 days in office, millions of Americans took to the streets to express their anger. Their success was rooted in opposition to an array of exclusionary, often unconstitutional policies and executive actions that dramatically reshaped the country’s social, economic, and political fabric. We believe his actions pose an existential threat to freedom, climate action, and international relations. To do so, they say he is jeopardizing the financial security of millions. Now that Trump’s administration is beginning to take shape, it’s easy to spot some disturbing patterns at play. They cite growing fear, escalating costs, and a climate of terror that walks among us.
The impact Trump’s presidency has had is clear, especially in the fields of transportation, environmental justice, and inclusion. From the economy to global diplomacy, the list goes on, but the consensus is that his method has caused unprecedented damage. Supporters truly bought into his pledges to bring down prices and revitalize the economy. Fast forward, and now they’re dealing with a much different story. With little to show in fulfilled commitments as of yet, many are understandably disheartened by the course the administration is taking.
Erosion of Rights and Safety Nets
Here’s how one of Trump’s most dangerous and damaging policies has shaped the economy. They have simultaneously eroded other core rights and social safety nets that have historically cushioned marginalized groups. Supporters praise an administration that they say has systematically worked to erase decades of progress. This decline affects major public investments such as healthcare, education and social services. Unsurprisingly, millions have been left with increasing confusion and anxiety about their financial prospects.
There’s been a lot of outrage with the dismantling of protections and rights. The implications of Trump’s actions are beyond a policy reversal. They have produced the toxic climate of fear that has darkened communities that dare to demand racial equality and justice. Millions of Americans justifiably feel that their rights have been robbed from them. They believe this change puts the needs of companies ahead of those of the people.
“He has managed to turn the entire country into a failed Atlantic City casino. In the words of Pussy Riot we as Americans ‘have to wake up’.” – Mark, Arkansas, 66, physician
While these policies are damaging, their very implementation is also indicative of a larger, more dangerous ideological turn towards authoritarianism. Certainly the observers who argue that Trump’s administration has fascist characteristics, and thus the latent threats that this pose to American democracy.
Economic Turmoil and Declining Values
If you look at the economic indicators, it’s clear that Trump’s policies have caused immense upheaval in the U.S. economy. Many Americans are witnessing a decline in business values and portfolio performance, leading to growing anxiety about retirement and financial security. Pensions and social security payments are supposedly on the chopping block as the administration’s anti-working and anti-retirement agenda advances.
Trump’s first campaign pledge was restoring the economy and creating a booming jobs market. Critics say the story on the ground has been quite the opposite. Instead of going down, prices have skyrocketed, and families are still unable to afford the basics. His promise that he would be able to deliver a roaring economy is beginning to ring hollow after inflation has risen to a 40-year high.
“When a 79-year-old man says that countries are ‘kissing his ass’ to make deals, it makes me cringe.” – Chris Harvey, Illinois, 74, retired
As economic conditions worsen, many are left questioning the effectiveness of Trump’s leadership. The economic renaissance once promised has turned into a national and regional sense of pending recession.
Isolation from Global Allies
The negative impact of such a confrontational, counterproductive approach has severely strained relations between the United States and its traditional allies. Critics sharply argue that his foreign policy choices have left America alone on the world stage, obliterating years’ worth of diplomatic cordiality. This noticeable change in tone has led many experts to ring alarm bells about the potential long-term consequences for our national security.
Unfortunately, the administration’s unnecessarily aggressive stance has alienated some key partners. This strategy has eroded relationships which previously provided a comfort when there was chaos. Observers note that Trump’s unpredictable behavior and rhetoric have further complicated relationships with other nations, leading to a loss of respect and influence worldwide.
As Trump continues to pursue his agenda with alarming diligence, following what many see as the Project 2025 plan, his actions invite scrutiny from both domestic and international spheres. If implemented correctly, the impacts of this whole-of-government strategy could turn the geopolitical tides for decades to come.