TL/DR –
The article posits that support for President Trump is decreasing due to economic hardship and unfulfilled campaign promises, including tariff impacts, loss of federal services, and increasing healthcare costs. The author also criticizes Trump’s handling of politics, including attempts to manipulate election outcomes, pardoning of allies convicted of tax fraud, and imposing tax policies that favor the wealthy at the expense of average citizens. The article concludes by suggesting that Trump’s policies and actions are leading to a “decaying democracy” and the country needs to acknowledge its diversity and find a better way forward.
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Confidence in President Trump’s administration is crumbling, with even his staunchest supporters grappling with economic hardship and a loss of faith in his ability to fulfill his electoral pledges. As the President continually rebuts, denies, and deflects criticism, his support base dwindles further, much like quicksand swallowing everything in its path.
Less affluent Trump enthusiasts are grappling with the economic fallout of possibly unlawful tariffs, cessation of federal services, and skyrocketing healthcare costs. The fear of being arrested is also very real for some, particularly those from Hispanic, Asian, or Middle Eastern backgrounds who have witnessed detentions of their fellow citizens.
Even the wealthier supporters, who are often insulated from such concerns, are questioning the economic rationale of trillion-dollar tax deficits and the national security implications of trading America’s top technology in deals with nations like China and the United Arab Emirates. Such international deals significantly boost the Trump family’s wealth. Furthermore, there’s growing concern over the U.S. military’s increasing presence in the southern Caribbean, following the killing of 76 people on supposed Venezuelan drug boats.
The President’s tendency to oversell himself and his accomplishments is leading to unfulfilled promises. His ambitious goals and unrealistic timelines often mean breaking the law or breaching the Constitution. While he’s managed to keep Congress in line for now, his quest for glory is often thwarted by the rule of law.
Recent elections in New Jersey, Virginia, and New York City indicate that Trump’s policies are under review. Voters in these areas overwhelmingly chose candidates who believe Trump’s actions are eroding democracy to the detriment of American citizens. It appears that some issues are critically important to all Americans, regardless of political leanings.
One such issue is the rising cost of healthcare, which is poised to become unaffordable for millions of Americans due to Trump’s domestic policy enacted in July. The government shutdown has further highlighted these healthcare concerns, making it a challenging issue for Republicans to tackle in the upcoming mid-term elections.
Interference in the electoral process is a point of concern for many, as evidenced when the President threatened New Yorkers with the deprivation of federal funds if they voted for a certain mayoral candidate. His efforts to manipulate election outcomes are hardly new, considering his attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results and his recent pardon of staunch election deniers. Many are uncomfortable with this authoritarian behavior in a nation celebrated for its free and fair elections.
Another issue is the tax burden currently shouldered by average Americans, while the country’s most profitable companies and wealthiest individuals enjoy many tax advantages. This only exacerbates the burden of multi-trillion-dollar tax deficits faced by ordinary Americans for years to come.
Tax benefits enjoyed by the wealthy are widely recognized and are projected to create an estimated tax deficit of $3 trillion over the next decade. The burden on average citizens is made worse by IRS staff cuts and the roll-back of provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act, which demanded large corporations like Tesla and Apple, as well as crypto companies and private equity firms, to pay a minimum of 15% tax on their profits. This roll-back is predicted to cost the Treasury $220 billion over 10 years.
IRS staff cuts during Trump’s tenure have also undermined the agency’s ability to enforce tax laws and ensure compliance. Trump’s pardoning of his wealthy friends convicted of tax fraud and evasion only adds insult to injury.
It’s also concerning that hundreds of lawsuits questioning the legality of the administration’s actions have been filed within the past 10 months. These lawsuits, filed by a wide range of plaintiffs including state governments and federal unions, signal a blatant disregard for America’s legal and constitutional boundaries.
Perhaps it’s also important to note that America’s longest-serving military officers and soldiers who don’t fit restrictive physical and gender profiles are being dismissed or made to resign by an ex-National Guard major who gained fame as a FOX News host and appears to answer only to Trump. Such leadership is hardly fitting for America’s military.
Beyond these issues, the persistent violation of constitutional rights and the disregard for the rule of law by the President and his administration trouble many. The use of fear, retaliation, coercion, and blackmail to enforce administrative actions raises serious concerns. The resulting impact on many Americans and the deterioration of democracy is leading people to reconsider their support of Trumpism.
America must find a better way forward, one that celebrates and acknowledges the diverse makeup of its people.
Contributor: David Tuohey, based in West Springfield.
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