Lately, whenever you engage with American social media or news outlets, there always seems to be an article on the most recent controversial decision or action by the 47th President of the United States, Donald Trump. These debate-sparking activities span areas immigration policy, civil rights, foreign relations, and the judiciary, raising concerns among legal experts, civil rights advocates, and political opponents. Even the most dedicated republican voters seem to be having second thoughts – and should they?
Immigration policy and legal issues
One of the most contentious moves has been President Trump’s invocation of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, which grants the administration broad power to detain and deport foreigners deemed threats to national security. This law, long associated with wartime policy, has been likened to past human rights violations, including the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. Legal experts warn that its application could lead to severe constitutional issues and potential abuses.
Recently, the U.S. government has sent more than 250 mostly Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador to be jailed without trial in a scandalous mega-prison Cecot (Terrorism Confinement Center) notorious for its reputation of harsh conditions, accusing the men of being members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua while supplying minimal details on their cases. The prison has been endorsed by hardline law-and-order politicians around the world and around the corner and denounced by human rights activists.
To this, add the recent suspension of these deportation flights by a federal judge on grounds of potential due process violations. In response, President Trump issued threats of impeachment charges against the judge, a move that was condemned by Chief Justice John Roberts, emphasizing that cases of disagreement between the courts should not lead to such processes. This has escalated debate on the separation of powers and judicial independence.
Civil rights and DEI initiatives
In a dramatic policy reversal, President Trump signed an executive order that breaks up diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in federal agencies and contractors. The order overturns protections that were established in previous administrations, including bans on employment discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
Critics accuse this move of undermining decades of civil rights progress and even could heighten discrimination. The swift enforcement of the order by the General Services Administration, avoiding usual procedural checks, has raised additional concerns about its potential impact.
Foreign policy, Ukraine and Russia
President Trump has engaged in high-stakes talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in recent weeks. The negotiations, which have centered on military aid, reconstruction, and integration of Ukraine into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, have been contentious domestically as well as internationally. Although Trump has maintained that it is important to ensure that American taxpayer dollars are being used effectively, his opponents have argued that his approach has been more transactional than diplomatic and some have accused him of pressuring Zelensky to make certain political concessions in exchange for continued aid.
The negotiations, however, have also been criticized for the unprofessional manner in which Trump and his close advisor, Senator J.D. Vance, treated Zelensky. There have been accounts of instances where both Trump and Vance were observed being dismissive and even aggressive towards Zelensky, leading many to wonder about the tone and effectiveness of U.S. diplomacy.
These talks have resuscitated congressional tensions as the members of Congress debate the scope and character of U.S. engagement in the war in Ukraine, many asking what are the long-term consequences of Trump’s foreign policy stance.
Trump has since conversed with Zelensky on the phone regarding Vladimir Putin’s conditions of a 30-day suspension of Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Reports indicate that the telephone conversations were more agreeable and productive than the previous real-life fiasco. According to the United States Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, a truce will happen in the span of two weeks.
Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency
As one of his overarching tasks in Trump’s administration, Elon Musk has also been tasked with the responsibility of supervising the newly created Department of Government Efficiency. This agency has been tasked with modernizing federal operations, cutting down on bureaucratic inefficiencies, and introducing tech-based solutions into governmental functions. Musk has pushed for the use of artificial intelligence, automation, and advanced data analysis to streamline services, contending that government operations should be as fast and nimble as the private sector.
Whereas some praise the plan as a long-overdue shaking up of an ailing system, others aver that Musk’s plan is bent on cost cutting and technology to the detriment of vital public services. The duo’s proposed reforms seem to help the 0.1% of top Americans but not the rest. On the heels of news of Donald Trump planning to close the Department of Education, the well-being of the common American citizen is at risk.
Worrying future
These are only some of the latest exploits of the 47th U.S. President. Bold, unforgiving and controversial moves concerning immigration, privatization, diplomacy and welfare among others leave the nation with a worrying outlook on the country’s future.