Former President Donald Trump has stirred controversy with a series of recent actions and statements that have drawn both political and public scrutiny. From an ordered census excluding undocumented immigrants to threats regarding tariffs and warnings to homeless populations, Trump’s maneuvers are raising eyebrows as he prepares for the upcoming midterm elections.
And in an unprecedented use of executive power, Trump ordered a new census to once again prevent undocumented immigrants from being counted. Critics contend that this decision guts the integrity of the census and risks huge, unprecedented swings in representation. Democratic leaders, including Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, were quick to condemn Trump’s strategy, calling it “cheating.”
“Donald Trump is a cheater. He cheats on his wives, he cheats at golf, and now he’s trying to cheat the American people out of their votes.” – JB Pritzker
Beyond the census executive order, Trump escalated trade tensions. To punish Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, he raised Indian tariffs on Russian goods to 50% this past April. This move is part of his broader strategy to impose tariffs globally, which he views as a “huge positive” for the American economy. As it is, Trump has already threatened courts that would try to overturn these tariffs, saying they are the key to keeping the country economically stable.
Moreover, Trump’s administration has been contemplating a plan to double trade with Russia and the United Arab Emirates, further illustrating his contentious approach to foreign relations. These policies have come under fire for directly undermining American interests by providing a windfall to foreign entities.
Trumps concerns that the tide is turning ahead of the coming midterm elections have recently come to light. Most importantly, he is continuing to set himself and his policies up in a light that, if executed properly, can excite and galvanize the support of his base. At a recent White House event, he made a bold move to address the rising violent crime sprees in Washington, D.C. He made safety one of the key themes to his forthcoming election campaign as part of a federal crime wave crackdown.
At the last Republican primary debate, Trump delivered a thinly veiled threat to people experiencing homelessness in Washington D.C. He ordered them to vacate the premises “instantly.” His comments have sparked condemnation from multiple advocacy groups. They view his statements as heartless and uncaring towards the plight of those living on the streets.
Yet Trump’s actions have not escaped the attention of state officials. Texas Governor Greg Abbott threatened extreme actions against Democratic lawmakers who left the state to prevent a quorum and thus stop harmful redistricting from happening. He stated, “If they show back up in the state of Texas, they will be arrested and taken to the Capitol.” Abbott doubled down by claiming that any criminals trying to avoid arrest will have to stay out of Texas for decades.
“I’m authorized to call a special session every 30 days. It lasts 30 days. And as soon as this one is over, I’m gonna call another one, then another one, then another,” – Greg Abbott
As political tensions escalate, many legislators and political leaders are calling for greater punitive measures to retaliate against Trump’s maneuvers. New York Governor Kathy Hochul remarked on the necessity of adopting a confrontational stance toward Trump’s policies, stating, “these times call for fighting fire with fire.”
Trump’s health updates have been particularly titillating. The updates were allegedly made by media mogul Rupert Murdoch to delay a deposition in the Epstein case. In addition to the health disclosures and legal controversies, the newfound interplay between them further complicates the former president’s public narrative.
The political landscape is ever shifting. These are examples of how Trump is establishing the playbook that both major parties will almost certainly follow toward the midterm elections.