The ongoing culture wars in the United States have intensified under former President Donald Trump's administration, reflecting a deepening divide between conservative and liberal values. This conflict, which has simmered since the 2000s, has escalated significantly with the rise of Christian nationalism and Trump's policies targeting various social issues. As the nation grapples with questions of identity, equity, and inclusion, Trump's actions have sparked widespread debate over their implications for American society.
Since his election victory, Trump has made it clear that he intends to wage a war on what he terms “woke” culture. His administration has drawn a line in the sand regarding LGBTQ+ rights, asserting that there are only two sexes and actively working to ban federal funding for youth gender-affirming care. Moreover, Trump has sought to prohibit transgender individuals from serving in the military, marking a significant rollback of rights for this community.
In addition to these measures, Trump has taken aggressive steps to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the federal government. He ordered the elimination of all federal DEI programs and related offices, placing staff on leave and removing associated websites. His rhetoric around these initiatives has been scathing; he branded them as "discriminatory," "anti-American," and driven by a "far-left agenda."
Trump’s commitment to reshaping education in America is evident through the reinstatement of the 1776 Commission, which aims to promote what he calls "patriotic education" in schools. However, this initiative has faced sharp criticism from historians who argue that its guidelines are outdated and neglect decades of rigorous scholarship. The clash over how history is taught reflects broader tensions within the culture wars.
The influence of social media cannot be understated in this context. Echo chambers have allowed both conservative and liberal viewpoints to proliferate, creating an environment where extreme opinions can thrive. The rise of right-wing mobilization has further fueled the conflict, taking hostility from the fringes into the heart of American politics.
Companies such as McDonald's, Meta, and Walmart have reportedly reevaluated their DEI programs in response to political pressure. This retreat from diversity initiatives underscores how the culture wars are not confined to government policy but extend into corporate America, reflecting a broader societal shift.
Trump's mission to win these culture wars is often framed as a struggle for the soul of America. Many analysts suggest that his policies aim to reverse the progress made during the diversity push that followed George Floyd's murder in 2020. Some observers even argue that Trump is attempting to turn back the clock to a pre-civil rights America reminiscent of the Jim Crow era.
“People have got to make a decision. Don’t get distracted by arguments over the initials. We’ve got to focus on the intent. The intent in a country like America is to create a more fair and just country for all Americans,” Trump once stated, though critics argue that his policies do exactly the opposite.
The backlash against DEI initiatives is indicative of a broader cultural shift. Figures such as Randall Woodfin have noted that while diversity, equity, and inclusion are often weaponized in political discourse, they are fundamentally aligned with American values. He remarked, “Unfortunately a small group of people have decided to weaponise the words diversity, equity and inclusion. They’ve been made to be bad but the truth is diversity, equity and inclusion at minimum are neutral terms and at best are part of the American values as a country.”
This sentiment was echoed by Moe Vela, who described the ongoing conflict as “a continuum” rooted in division and fear of those who are different. He emphasized that such attitudes contradict the principles of democracy.
Chris Scott highlighted the alarming implications of Trump’s policies, stating, “What it has made clear is that a second Trump term is working to turn America back into pre-civil rights America during the Jim Crow era.” He warned that many citizens perceive these changes as a return to darker times for marginalized communities.
The concept of "cancel culture" has emerged as another battleground in these culture wars, with many conservatives framing it as an attack on free speech and traditional values. Yet, critics argue that this narrative often oversimplifies complex issues surrounding accountability and social justice.
Dante King articulated how Trump’s platform prioritizes certain demographics at the expense of others: “Donald Trump has a platform. He has prioritized heterosexual, able-bodied, cisgender white men and he is concerned with disenfranchising anyone who does not live up to or behaves based on the ideology, the ideals, the cultural customs and practices of white men.”
As Trump continues to advance his agenda, many fear that his approach may entrench divisions within American society even further. The consequences of this conflict extend beyond politics; they affect everyday lives and shape public discourse on critical issues.