In the vibrant tapestry of American political discourse, few figures have commanded as much attention, and indeed, as much fervent debate, as former President Donald J. Trump. A consistent subject of intense scrutiny and frequent criticism within the national press, a comprehensive understanding of his presidency often seems elusive. While rigorous critique is an essential component of a healthy democracy, it is equally vital to acknowledge and appreciate the initiatives and policies that have demonstrably shaped the nation in significant ways, often for the betterment of its citizens.
This article aims to offer a necessary counterpoint to the prevailing narrative, delving into a substantial body of work that, by many accounts, has been eclipsed by the constant drumbeat of critical commentary. It is an exploration of the policy decisions and administrative actions that, irrespective of political leanings, have had remarkable and nation-changing effects across various sectors of American life. Such a balanced review is not merely an act of fairness, but a prerequisite for a holistic grasp of recent history.
One of the most profound and far-reaching impacts of the Trump administration has been its reshaping of the federal judiciary. The President appointed two Supreme Court justices, significantly influencing the ideological balance of the nation’s highest court. Beyond this, a remarkable 53 federal appellate judges and 146 District Court judges were confirmed by the Senate, with an additional two judges appointed to the Court of International Trade. Furthermore, 64 more judicial appointments are currently awaiting Senate confirmation, underscoring a deliberate strategy.
These judicial selections consistently favored individuals committed to interpreting the Constitution and existing laws according to their original meaning. This approach contrasts sharply with judicial philosophies that seek to interpret statutes based on what a modern liberal judge might believe the law should have stated. The immediate impact of these appointments has been felt in highly significant cases, particularly those enhancing religious freedom, a cornerstone of American liberty.
For example, the Supreme Court decisions facilitated by these appointments have allowed state aid given to non-religious schools to also extend to religious institutions, as seen in the Montana decision. They have also protected the inherent right of religious schools to hire and dismiss employees based on the school’s deeply held religious convictions. Moreover, these decisions have permitted religious groups to be exempt from government regulations that would otherwise compel them to violate their consciences, particularly in matters concerning birth control, with potential implications for issues like abortion and same-sex marriage, though these have yet to be fully tested.
Economically, the Trump administration engineered a significant rebound, especially following eight years characterized by high unemployment and sluggish growth under the preceding administration. The tax cuts of 2017, alongside an extensive program of deregulation, provided a tremendous boost to the American economy. An estimated 25,000 pages of federal regulations were canceled, a move calculated to save American households approximately $3,100 per year.
This combination of tax cuts and regulatory relief directly translated into the creation of thousands of new jobs. Prior to the onset of the coronavirus crisis, unemployment figures plummeted to their lowest point in 50 years. Notably, unemployment rates among African-American and Hispanic workers reached historic lows, a testament to the broad economic uplift. The Dow Jones Industrial Average soared by 52% in 3.5 years, climbing from 18,332.74 on November 8, 2016, to 27,898.82 by August 21, 2020, even accounting for the challenging months of the global pandemic.
These economic shifts were far from theoretical, profoundly affecting the daily lives of ordinary Americans, not just the wealthy elite. Tens of thousands of previously unemployed individuals regained the dignity of steady employment, including the crucial benefit of continued paychecks during the coronavirus crisis. Millions of citizens, including those whose retirement savings are partially vested in the stock market, witnessed their savings receiving much-needed protection and even substantial growth, fostering a sense of financial security previously absent.
Another critical area of focus was the rebuilding and strengthening of the United States military. Reversing the substantial budget cuts that had noticeably weakened America’s defense capabilities under the Obama administration, President Trump increased military spending by nearly $150 billion per year, elevating the budget from $605 billion in 2016 to $750 billion. This steadfast commitment has steadily contributed to the resurgence of U.S. military readiness, ensuring the nation’s capacity to protect its interests globally.
On the front of protecting unborn babies, the administration took numerous decisive steps. A series of executive orders systematically restricted government funding for abortions, including the reinstatement of the significant Mexico City policy. A pivotal announcement on February 22, 2019, declared that organizations providing referrals for abortions would be ineligible for federal family-planning money. This measure directly impacted entities like Planned Parenthood, the nation’s largest abortion provider, unless they were able to perform abortions in separate facilities and refrain from referring patients to them.
Further reinforcing this stance, on May 2, 2019, the Department of Health and Human Services issued a new rule safeguarding healthcare workers who, based on their conscience or religious conviction, chose to decline participation in procedures such as abortion or assisted suicide. In a historic first, President Trump became the only sitting president to personally attend the annual pro-life March for Life in Washington, D.C., on January 24, 2020, signaling a clear alignment with the movement’s objectives.
Educational freedom also saw a significant expansion under the administration. The appointment of Betsy DeVos, a prominent advocate for greater school choice, as Secretary of Education, brought national attention to alternative educational pathways. This resulted in rising support for charter schools, taxpayer-funded vouchers, and tax credits designed for private-school vouchers. These programs were meticulously designed to expand options for parents seeking alternatives to traditional public schools, empowering families with greater control over their children’s education.
In the realm of foreign policy, particularly concerning the Middle East, the administration marked a distinct shift. Reversing the perceived marginalization and shunning of Israel that characterized the previous administration, President Trump unequivocally reaffirmed America’s commitment to supporting and defending Israel. His decision to decisively move the United States Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem was a landmark action, fulfilling a long-standing promise.
Furthermore, the recognition of the Golan Heights as an integral part of Israel’s territory underscored a strengthened alliance. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was welcomed to the White House on several occasions, consistently reinforcing American support for the Israeli nation. Indeed, a statement in the Jerusalem Post recently asserted that “Israel has never had a better friend in the White House than Donald Trump,” capturing the sentiment of a bolstered relationship.
Perhaps one of the most remarkable diplomatic breakthroughs was the historic agreement brokered on August 13, 2020, between Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). President Trump announced this monumental accord, which established full diplomatic relations between the two countries, including the planned establishment of permanent embassies and the initiation of direct airline flights. This development holds immense strategic importance.
Dubai, the largest city in the UAE, stands as the leading financial center in the Middle East and plays an unparalleled role in global air travel and tourism. The agreement is poised to “strengthen regional checks on Iranian power,” a significant geopolitical objective. Crucially, it also possesses the potential to serve as a blueprint, setting a pattern for future agreements aimed at establishing peaceful relations between Israel and other Arab countries throughout the Middle East, signaling a profound shift in regional dynamics.
Domestically, a relentless battle was waged to secure the nation’s southern border. President Trump battled against persistent Democratic stonewalling and challenges from liberal federal judges to construct an effective and secure border wall. This ambitious project saw the completion of more than 200 miles of new barrier, with projections indicating it could reach as much as 450 miles by the close of 2020. While critics contended that much of this construction merely replaced existing old barriers, they often overlooked the strategic priority: securing the highest traffic areas where the previous infrastructure was demonstrably insufficient.
An effective border wall is deemed absolutely necessary not only for national security but also to regain control over an immigration crisis that had spiraled beyond manageable limits. While it may not entirely eliminate illegal immigration, it is anticipated to significantly deter over 95 percent of individuals attempting to enter on foot. This fortification is crucial, as a secure border is seen as the foundation for achieving the political consensus necessary for a humane and just solution regarding undocumented immigrants already residing in the country, and for fostering widespread support for the legal entry of future immigrants who will contribute valuable assets to the nation.
