Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 45th president of the United States in January 2017. His tenure was filled with controversy and criticism as he made significant policy changes and engaged in several high-profile conflicts. Here is a breakdown of Donald Trump’s history as president.
Immigration Policy:
One of Trump’s most controversial policies was his stance on immigration. Throughout his tenure, he advocated for tighter border security, including a wall along the US-Mexico border. In 2018, his administration implemented a “zero-tolerance” policy, resulting in the separation of children from their parents at the border. This policy was met with significant backlash from the public, leading to nationwide protests and legal challenges. Trump’s immigration policies were a significant part of his presidency and continued until the end of his term.
Foreign Policy:
Trump’s approach to foreign policy was unconventional compared to his predecessors. He engaged in a series of high-profile meetings with foreign leaders, including North Korea’s Kim Jong-un, Russia’s Vladimir Putin, and China’s Xi Jinping. Trump also disrupted traditional alliances, challenging NATO members to increase their defense spending and withdrawing from several regional trade agreements. His presidency saw the US withdraw from the Paris climate agreement and the Iran nuclear deal and engage in a tariff war with China.
Economic Policy:
Trump’s economic policies were focused on boosting American businesses and protecting American workers. Early in his tenure, he implemented a significantly-sized tax cut aimed at spurring economic growth. Throughout his presidency, he engaged in a series of trade negotiations designed to address the US trade deficit, resulting in tariffs on Chinese goods to the tune of $360 billion and a trade agreement with Mexico and Canada. Trump frequently touted the success of the stock market during his presidency, and unemployment rates fell to near-record lows during his tenure.
Health Care:
Trump’s attempts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA) proved to be one of his most significant political failures. Despite having a Republican majority in both houses of Congress during his presidency, efforts to repeal the ACA were unsuccessful. Trump did, however, implement several executive orders to modify the law’s provisions, including ending the individual mandate, which was received with heavy criticism.
Social Issues:
Trump’s stance on social issues was quite conservative. He appointed several conservative justices to the Supreme Court, attempted to restrict transgender people from joining the military, and was vocal against abortion rights. His attempts to restrict immigration were also met with criticism, and his administration’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic drew significant scrutiny.
Impeachment:
In December 2019, Trump was impeached by the House of Representatives after it was revealed that he had solicited foreign election interference from Ukraine. In February 2020, he was acquitted by the Senate, with almost all Republicans maintaining their support of the president.
2020 Presidential Election:
The 2020 presidential election was one of the most contentious in recent history. Trump faced off against Democratic nominee Joe Biden, with both sides heavily campaigning in the lead-up to Election Day. Despite Trump’s insistence that the election was rigged, Joe Biden emerged as the victor, securing more than the required 270 electoral votes.
Aftermath:
Following his defeat, Trump continued to challenge the results of the election, repeatedly alleging widespread voter fraud without providing evidence. His rhetoric culminated in the events of January 6, 2021, when a group of his supporters stormed the US Capitol building in an attempt to overturn the election results. The event, which resulted in several deaths and extensive property damage, was condemned by politicians on both sides of the aisle.
Conclusion:
Donald Trump’s presidency was characterized by a series of controversial policies and conflicts. His approach to foreign policy, immigration, health care, and social issues drew significant criticism from the public and politicians alike. While his tax policies and trade negotiations drew praise, his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and the aftermath of the 2020 election have resulted in more significant controversy. Trump’s presidency will undoubtedly be studied for years to come, and the impact of his actions will be felt long after he left office.