Trump vs Democracy 2
Donald Trump’s presidency left an indelible mark on America, and his upcoming return to the White House could deepen the divisions he amplified. His administration’s policies often undermined democratic norms, widened systemic inequalities, and prioritized corporate interests over the working class and marginalized communities.
As we look to the future, examining the past and present offers clues to where the country could be headed — and the challenges we must confront to safeguard democracy.
The Working Class Was Promised a Revival but Got Left Behind
Trump’s populist message resonated with working-class Americans, particularly in places like Pennsylvania, once the heart of steel manufacturing. He promised to bring jobs back, revitalize industry, and protect American workers. Yet the reality was far less hopeful.
In 2018, Trump imposed a 25% tariff on imported steel, claiming it would save American jobs. While this temporarily relieved some domestic steel producers, it raised costs for manufacturers dependent on steel, such as General Motors and Whirlpool. Companies passed these costs down, creating ripple effects that hurt small businesses and consumers. Pennsylvania steel mills, like Allegheny Technologies Incorporated, faced logistical challenges and financial strain as the tariffs disrupted supply chains.
Instead of creating a manufacturing resurgence, these policies increased market uncertainty, led to layoffs, and failed to boost employment in the steel industry. Corporate profits soared, but workers’ paychecks stagnated. The administration’s allegiance to CEOs became explicit, leaving workers without the promised economic revival.
Minority Communities and Systemic Disenfranchisement
Trump’s presidency also saw increased efforts to suppress minority voters under the guise of “election integrity.” Measures like strict voter ID laws, voter roll purges, and limits on mail-in voting disproportionately impacted Black, Latino, and Native American communities.
In states like Georgia, polling places in minority neighborhoods were closed or consolidated, forcing residents to endure hours-long lines to vote. The Trump administration championed these measures, which were part of a broader Republican strategy to suppress growing political power in communities of color. Brennan Center for Justice
Meanwhile, the administration ignored calls to restore key Voting Rights Act provisions that the Supreme Court gutted in 2013. Without these protections, voter suppression flourished, further silencing historically marginalized groups.
Hardline immigration policies, such as family separations and the Muslim travel ban, created a climate of fear in immigrant communities. Many avoided engaging with government systems, including voter registration, further limiting their voices. Trump’s rhetoric — labeling immigrants as criminals and demonizing movements like Black Lives Matter — emboldened policies that restricted participation in the democratic process.
Credit: Euronews
Corporate Interests Took Priority
The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) is a key example of how Trump’s administration favored corporate interests. Framed as a middle-class victory, the TCJA delivered most of its benefits to corporations and the wealthiest Americans. Corporate tax rates were slashed permanently, while individual tax cuts were temporary and largely insignificant for lower-income households. Tax Policy Center
By 2027, lower-income families are projected to pay more taxes as temporary provisions expire, while the top 1% will continue to benefit. Trump’s efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA) without a viable replacement added further strain as healthcare premiums rose and the number of uninsured Americans increased by nearly 2 million. Kaiser Family Foundation
Regulatory rollbacks, particularly in environmental protections, also prioritized corporate profits over public health and safety. Communities, especially those in low-income and minority areas, bore the brunt of these changes as pollution and workplace hazards increased.
Eroding Trust in Democracy
Perhaps the most damaging legacy of Trump’s presidency was his assault on democratic norms. His attacks on the press, labeling journalists as “enemies of the people,” undermined accountability and trust in a free press. By discrediting critical reporting as “fake news,” Trump fostered a culture of mistrust that continues to shape public discourse.
Federal institutions designed to protect civil rights and the environment were systematically weakened. Courts were stacked with judges sympathetic to corporate and partisan interests, ensuring that the administration’s policies outlasted Trump’s tenure.
The rise of the MAGA movement also amplified racial and cultural divides. Trump’s rhetoric targeting congresswomen of color and movements like Black Lives Matter emboldened state governments to implement exclusionary policies. These actions did more than divide — they fundamentally undermined the principles of equity and inclusion that sustain democracy.
Why This Matters Now
Trump’s first presidency exposed how fragile democracy can be when power is wielded without accountability. His administration deepened inequalities, sidelined marginalized communities, and prioritized the wealthy over the working class. As he prepares for another term, these challenges could escalate, threatening the nation’s fabric.
Rebuilding democracy requires more than reversing harmful policies. It demands collective action to protect voting rights, hold leaders accountable, and ensure that the government serves all Americans, not just the privileged few.
The fight for fairness, equality, and democracy isn’t over — it’s just beginning.
