The prospective return of Donald Trump’s presidency promises a tumultuous period that might impact marginalized communities adversely. Trump has hinted at policies that could potentially compromise the safety of these groups, including criticisms targeting Vice President Kamala Harris and the Haitian population. His intentions for his return to the Oval Office seem to focus more on making controversial promises rather than on effective governance.
Notably, Trump’s pledge to issue immediate pardons to the Jan. 6 rioters who attacked the U.S. Capitol is astounding. Last year, he quoted: ‘I’ll be looking at J6 right off the bat, probably within the first nine minutes.’ This comment ignores the severity of offenses that led to over 1,580 defendants being charged and over 1,200 convicted, with charges ranging from seditious conspiracy to unlawful parading.
Trump seems eager to argue with the established 14th Amendment clause that grants automatic citizenship to individuals born in the U.S. Despite its constitutional standing, he aims to revise this crucial element, likely inviting a flood of legal confrontations.
Trump’s continuous commitment to removing undocumented immigrants is alarming. On the eve of the last election, he boldly announced plans to initiate America’s most extensive deportation program targeting ‘criminals’ right from his first day back in office.
After claiming victory in the previous presidential race, Trump insisted on implementing a 25 percent tariff on products imported from Mexico and Canada, two of America’s vital trade allies. Such a policy could jeopardize America’s international trading relationships and destabilize the economy.
One of Trump’s most bewildering claims is his supposed ability to resolve the Ukraine war within a day of his presidency. In a debate, he confidently announced his intention to settle the conflict before even assuming office. Such a dismissive and oversimplified approach to complex global issues fails to consider the real-world implications and nuances of international diplomacy.
Furthermore, Trump has shown undeterred resolve to enhance oil drilling in the U.S., believing that increased U.S. oil production would significantly decrease energy costs. This stance pays little heed to the growing concerns surrounding climate change and ecological sustainability.
Transgender rights also seem under scrutiny under Trump’s leadership. He has repeatedly classified transgender women as men and ensured that they would be excluded from women’s sports. His promise to reduce federal funding for schools that promote such rights is a direct attack on inclusivity and diversity.
Trump has also voiced opposition to gender-confirming care, which occasionally involves hormone therapy. He has vowed to repeal policies that offered resources and advice on such treatments, showcasing an unwarranted disregard for individual health choices and wellbeing.
Trump advocates for a future where automobiles are entirely made in America, championing the idea of an automobile industry ‘fuelled by American energy,’ ‘sourced by American suppliers,’ and built by American workers. While stimulating domestic industry is generally an admirable goal, refusing to participate in global markets can lead to economic isolation.
In 2021, Biden endorsed an initiative focusing on making new cars and trucks sold by 2030 to be zero-emission. Related policies, such as California’s law mandating that all new car sales should be zero-emission within ten years, were supported. Upon returning to the Oval Office, Trump has stated his intention to reverse these ‘electric vehicle mandates,’ disregarding the global urgency for climate action.
Furthermore, Trump has pledged to abolish all ‘open-border’ policies of the current administration on his first day in office. This approach predicts a return to stringent border policies from his first term, which is reminiscent of a closed-off, isolationist stance.
Trump’s steadfast criticism of America’s diversity initiatives is quite contentious. He’s promised to cut federal funding to schools promoting certain viewpoints. His decision to reduce funding to schools introducing vaccination or mask mandates showcases an alarming disregard for public health.
Interestingly, Trump claims to have plans to extinguish inflation, a broad and complex economic issue. Nonetheless, he has yet to outline a clear strategy, applifying doubt on the feasibility of his pronouncement. His comment, ‘I will instruct my cabinet that I expect results within the first 100 days or much sooner than that,’ dismisses the complexity of economic processes and the expertise required to manage them.