In the peak of his campaign, Donald J. Trump, former President of the United States, has presented himself as a guru of mending a nation beset by challenges. Promising to swiftly curb inflation, fortify our frontiers and suppress aggressive criminal activity, he stood on the stage, instilling hope with each word. In the decisive days of his campaign, one could not overlook the bold ‘Trump Will Fix It’ banners unfurled by his team. ‘The task of fixing, rests on me,’ declared the undeterred Mr. Trump.
Addressing the nation, he pinpointed three primary issues claiming they were soaring unchecked – inflation, immigration, and crime. According to him, these problems were escalating faster than ever and only he holds the key to reversing this trend. Yet, an important nuance was overlooked in his commitment to resolve these problems – they were already, to some extent, under control.
The number of illicit border crossings had receded to the level it was initially at when President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris first led office. Crime was nearing its lowest reported levels in years and inflation had stabilized at a generally normal level. Now, this isn’t to undermine the reality that there is still room for improvement.
Additional measures could be taken to refine these areas even further, and the current solutions might prove to be temporary. Not to mention, the after-effects of previous heightened inflation and illegal immigration still echo. Prices are not escalating as intensely, though they have yet to reverse the ascension.
Even though illegal entrances into the country are fewer, those who arrived during the past few years remain present. Furthermore, there’s a strong societal agreement that the overall immigration system remains flawed. Here, Trump demonstrates his knack for focusing on the brighter future instead of dwelling on the current minor setbacks.
But is it right to portray these issues as if they were still in an extreme crisis? Is it accurate to suggest that prices are still inflating at a breakneck pace, that the borders are continually being crossed, and our streets run red due to an overwhelming crime wave? Is this somber illustration of a nation, as portrayed by Trump, nearing destruction a reliable vision of America’s current issues?
With a resounding and commanding voice, he pledged at a concluding rally in New York, ‘We will promptly defeat inflation,’ swiftly followed by his assurance to ‘restore our borders’ and his resolve to decimate violent crime. An intriguing approach, as Trump seems to be countering the state of affairs of 2022 more than the potential conditions of 2024.
Nevertheless, if Trump acknowledged these issues were indeed showing signs of improvement, he would risk fading the seductive appeal of his darker depiction of America teetering on the edge of ruin. Thus, he capitalizes on past conditions, painting a narrative of the executive administration as a failure and establishing himself as the nation’s beacon of hope.
Inflation has decreased to 2.1 percent, as compared to a peak of 9 percent, which aligns conveniently with its average from 1988 to 2016 and the Federal Reserve’s 2 percent target. Additionally, violent crimes have decreased to their lowest rates in years, following a brief surge during the unfortunate times of the 2020 pandemic.
Yet, perceptions seem to lag behind the reality underscored by statistics. Several Americans have seen their wages rise, compensating for the increased costs, improving their financial standing if not the sense of economic security. While a majority of American workers earn more than in 2019, even after adjusting for inflation, several others have yet to bridge this gap that widened during the pandemic.
Since Biden enacted executive measures strengthening border regulations, crossings have dwindled by two-thirds. Yet, Biden has refrained from any extreme actions to evict those who arrived earlier during his tenure. On the contrary, Trump has hinted at ‘mass deportations’ should he be elected.
Trump often portrays the perception of a crime wave sweeping the nation. ‘Your crime is through the roof,’ he remarked and gestures towards statistics illustrating an increase in 2022. But factually, the violent crime rate was 380.7 per 100,000 people in 2022, a lower figure than all but three years — 2013, 2014 and 2015 — since 1985.
By all standards, the increase remains historically minimal. Every instance of violent crime is indeed a tragedy, impacting families profoundly with numbers meaning little to them. And while some regions have not kept up as effectively in deterring crime, these exceptions should not overshadow the overall decline in crime.
In his usual charismatic manner, Trump shines by promising to resolve issues after their severity has likely subsided. The audacity to promise to fix what’s already showing signs of improvement may seem strange, but it embodies the Trump mindset. Unwavering optimism, readiness to tackle even the smallest of issues, and most importantly, his steadfast belief in ‘Making America Great Again.’
The portrayal of the current state might differ greatly between perspectives, yet it’s that lens of optimism that has become Trump’s trademark. Despite criticisms and opposition, former President Trump continues to echo his ‘fix-it’ mantra to combat the challenges facing the nation. This narrative fuels his support base, and whether or not his promises come to fruition, it certainly keeps him prominent in the national conversation.
Ultimately, whether it’s inflation, immigration, or crime, Trump’s commitment to finding solutions and refurbishing America’s challenges is undeniable. His relentless approach to promising to fix problems, even when they show significant signs of subsidence, reflects his unwavering spirit and drive, even when the worst seems to be behind us.