Donald J. Trump was sworn into office on January 20th,2025, his inauguration, which multiple tech billionaires attended, including Elon Musk, who faced backlash after a controversial gesture at Trump’s inauguration, which some interpreted as a Nazi salute. The act sparked international outrage, with critics calling for legal consequences similar to those in Germany. After Elon’s salute came the pledging part, where Donald Trump (who is an allegedly practicing and faithful Christian) refused to put his hands on the bible. Take it as you will. But beyond inauguration theatrics, Trump has wasted no time signing controversial policies that critics say are reversing decades of progress. From immigration crackdowns to economic favoritism, his actions raise pressing concerns about the future of American democracy.
1. Immigration Crackdown: Border Security & Refugees
Trump has made his anti-immigrant stance unmistakable. Making statements in public such as “They’re eating the dogs and the cats” and even calling them animals. Only now is he going multiple steps further. One would think for a nation built upon immigrants who did not initially live here and who murdered their original inhabitants in masses, the US would be more open towards letting them in; however, not under Trump’s lead. According to Reuters, Trump canceled flights for 1600 Afghani refugees who fled from the Taliban, and he is also sending thousands of troops to the border right now and citing “national security concerns” in a move that critics call xenophobic.
- Birthright citizenship ban
Trump is also ending birthright citizenship of those whose parents are undocumented, which is, to many, considered unconstitutional.
- Pardoning Extremists: January 6th Rioters & Anti-Abortion Activists
As NBC News reports, Trump issued mass pardons for January 6th rioters and anti-abortion activists who obstructed healthcare clinics, sparking outrage from civil rights groups. The infamous January 6th rioters who assaulted police and got physical with many have been pardoned by Trump, along with the anti-abortion activists who obstructed access to healthcare clinics by barricading them and not letting people use their healthcare facilities. He seems to care a lot about unborn children but not much about those victims of school shootings or the women who would die without having access to abortion.
- Healthcare Fallout: Exiting the WHO
Trump has signed an executive order marking the exit of the USA from the WHO. Not only will this affect the nation’s people, stripping them of information on future pandemics and diseases, but many countries that rely on the US for funding will also not receive any money from the US (Africa, for one).
- Economic Divide: Favoring the Wealthy
In keeping with Republican economic priorities, Trump has doubled down on tax cuts, benefiting corporations while doing little for low-income Americans. Trump has been focusing on significant tax cuts and reducing regulations. By creating many new policies, he is making the rich in America richer and not doing anything to help those in need or increase the minimum wage.
- Not aiding California with its recent wildfires.
Trump has stated that he would like to hold federal aid in California until the state manages its water correctly. Critics argue that Trump lacks a clear understanding of the crisis and shows little empathy for its victims. Which he truly might
This has all occurred within 4 days of Trump taking office. America, a nation that is supposed to be built upon freedom and equality, is now taking steps back. Stripping its women of their rights and limiting immigrants, whom it’s supposed to aid. It seems we are straying further from the Constitution day by day.
