Surjit Singh Flora
(Samajweekly) We find ourselves once again in this position because Trump has significantly undermined American democracy. Trump was usually flamboyant and very self-righteous, always proving himself right, and was born into a wealthy family. He inherited millions from his father and established a varied career as a real estate mogul in New York. Trump is a unique figure in American history, with no direct comparisons in existing literature or personal observations. Like Hitler, he is regarded as a cult figure within the Republican Party and among many white Americans. He has re-introduced racism as a socially acceptable phenomenon in America.
During his presidency, controversies seemed to follow him like a shadow that has not yet left him. From accusations of collusion with foreign powers to impeachment trials, these events painted a picture of instability and distraction. Instead of promoting unity, Trump has often resorted to divisive rhetoric that has torn communities across America.
His approach to foreign relations was also questioned. Many allies felt isolated as he suddenly changed policies or engaged in confrontational diplomacy. Decades of strained relations have lowered America’s standing globally.
Economically, while some viewed the tax cuts as beneficial, critics said they primarily favored the wealthy. Under his administration, the widening gap between rich and poor became more evident.
Beginning in June 2015, Trump descended the golden escalator of Trump Tower to announce his candidacy for President of the United States. After that time a significant change took place. A permanent image remains after the announcement. In a landmark address, he focused his campaign on racial incitement and the vilification of immigrants, particularly those of Mexican and Hispanic origin. He branded them rapists, drug dealers, and employed various racist measures. He said that if elected to protect America, he would expel all individuals. The incendiary statement, uttered uncharacteristically by a major party presidential candidate, quickly amassed a devoted following among white Republicans and latent racists who had previously remained hidden. In America, it became acceptable to openly denigrate immigrants in a highly offensive manner. The country’s political discourse quickly became so toxic that it was painful to watch news related to politics. This was followed by the next revelation. Trump engaged with his Republican opponents with remarkable intensity and effectiveness.
He opposed and ridiculed each person until they accepted. He also dismissed Jeb Bush, a member of the Bush political dynasty, from the Republican stage. He was the sole remaining candidate and received the Republican nomination for President. Despite Trump’s attendance at Wharton Business School, an Ivy League institution, his vocabulary appears particularly limited, and his manner of speaking suggests a lack of intellectual complexity. He exhibits a lack of refinement, exhibits ruthlessness and exhibits a fundamental lack of insight. This may contribute to an element of his success, as a significant portion of his political base lacks a college education. Let’s explore further. Who is Mr. Trump? His grandfather immigrated from Germany, and his mother was born in Scotland. Two of his three spouses are white immigrants from Eastern Europe. Trump is clearly aware of immigrants and their role in their lives. Mr Trump finds black or brown immigrants from Africa, Latin America or Asia completely unacceptable. He exhibits strong hatred towards Muslims and Muslim immigrants.
He considers almost all Muslims to be terrorists. It is reasonable to assert that, aside from the Ku Klux Klan and similar organizations, Trump represents one of the most fundamentalist and damaging political figures in contemporary American history. Remarkably, he has effectively marginalized every other viable Republican candidate in the country. It is important to clarify. Before targeting immigrants, Trump directed his discriminatory rhetoric toward African Americans. Two notable examples emerge from the crowd. Trump, a prominent owner of apartment real estate in New York, became notorious for refusing to rent apartments to African Americans. The Justice Department investigated and convicted. The later examples were particularly poignant.
The investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election dominated the headlines for years. Allegations of collusion plagued his administration, leading to a polarized nation.
Then came the impeachment trials—first over Ukraine and later related to incitement during the Capitol riots. Each incident deepened divisions and many questioned his judgment.
His personal behavior also provoked outrage. Derogatory comments about women, minorities, and even military veterans indicate a troubled attitude toward respect in the office.
Beyond politics, Trump’s business dealings while president have blurred moral lines. Critics feared that he prioritized personal gain over the national interest.
After the assault, rape, and murder of a white female jogger, five black and Hispanic teenagers, known as the Central Park Five, are arrested and convicted despite claims of innocence. A serial rapist later confessed to the assault and murder. The Central Park Five were acquitted, and their convictions were vacated a decade later. Before the Central Park Five were sentenced for crimes they did not commit, Trump took out full-page ads in the New York Times advocating for their conviction and public execution. He has not apologized to them nor acknowledged any of their mistakes. During a presidential debate with Vice President Kamala Harris two weeks ago, Trump made baseless and racist accusations, claiming that legal Haitian immigrants were involved in kidnapping and eating pets in Springfield, Ohio.
Honestly, he doesn’t have what it takes to be president right now. And this proves that he is not capable of it at all.
