Donald J. Trump remains a central and often debated figure in American politics, frequently facing intense scrutiny from the national press, which can make a full understanding of his presidency challenging. While critical analysis is crucial for a healthy democracy, it’s also important to recognize the policies and initiatives that have significantly shaped the nation for the better.
This article offers a vital perspective, exploring a body of work often overshadowed by constant criticism, examining policy decisions and actions that have brought about remarkable changes across various sectors of American life, regardless of political viewpoints. A balanced review is essential for a complete 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.
The administration’s judicial appointments consistently favored judges who adhere to interpreting the Constitution and laws based on their original meaning, diverging from philosophies that might reinterpret statutes based on modern liberal ideals. These appointments have already significantly impacted crucial areas, especially by bolstering religious freedom, a fundamental aspect of American liberty.
For instance, these Supreme Court decisions have paved the way for state aid to extend to religious schools, mirroring support for non-religious institutions, as seen in the Montana case. They have also affirmed religious schools’ rights to hire and dismiss staff based on their core beliefs and allowed religious groups exemptions from regulations that would force them to compromise their conscience, particularly regarding birth control, with potential implications for broader issues like abortion and same-sex marriage that are yet to be fully explored.
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 strategic combination of tax cuts and deregulation directly fueled job creation, leading to unemployment figures hitting a 50-year low before the pandemic struck. Notably, African-American and Hispanic workers experienced historic low unemployment rates, showcasing a widespread economic boost. The Dow Jones Industrial Average saw a substantial increase of 52% over 3.5 years, climbing from 18,332.74 to 27,898.82, even amidst the challenging 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 notable expansion, with Betsy DeVos, a strong proponent of school choice, appointed as Secretary of Education, bringing national attention to alternative educational paths. This led to increased support for charter schools, taxpayer-funded vouchers, and tax credits for private schools, all designed to offer parents more choices and empower families in their children’s education.
In foreign policy, the administration signaled a clear departure, especially regarding the Middle East, by reaffirming America’s strong support for Israel after a period of perceived neglect. President Trump’s decisive move to relocate the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem was a significant action, fulfilling a long-standing commitment.
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.
A truly historic diplomatic achievement was the agreement brokered on August 13, 2020, between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, announced by President Trump, which established full diplomatic relations, including plans for embassies and direct flights. This breakthrough carries immense strategic importance for the region.
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 determined effort was made to secure the nation’s southern border, with President Trump overcoming significant opposition to build a secure border wall. Over 200 miles of new barriers were completed, with projections suggesting 450 miles by the end of 2020, strategically focusing on high-traffic areas where previous infrastructure was insufficient.
An effective border wall is considered essential not only for national security but also for regaining control over the immigration crisis, aiming to deter over 95 percent of illegal border crossings on foot. This fortification is seen as foundational for building the political consensus needed for humane solutions for undocumented immigrants and for encouraging legal immigration that benefits the nation.
