During November 2016, many Americans were very surprised when Donald J. Trump emerged victorious as the 45th president of the United States. Many so-called “liberals” vowed to leave the United States because of his victory. Others decided to tough it out and to give the newly minted president the benefit of the doubt in order to wait and see what would result. There is a growing consensus that the new, inexperienced Head of State is in over his head.
A year later, many people are shaking their heads in disbelief looking at what is arguably the worst presidential first year in American history. For starters, there has been a turnover in staff of incredible proportions – so far, at least 18 high profile staff have either quit or have been fired. It is as though we are witnessing a very serious re-make of the reality show, The Apprentice, though with very high stakes.
Recently, one of the president’s greatest allies, Communications Director Hope Hicks, announced her resignation after admitting that she sometimes told “white lies” for the purpose of helping her boss. Allegedly, there is no connection between that revelation and her exit.
What is known is that her boyfriend, former White House top aide Rob Porter, resigned from his position under the cloud of accusations of physical and emotional abuse by his two former wives. In spite of this, he had been given security clearance to serve in the Trump administration.
On the other hand, Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, who has been serving as a close advisor, never received full security clearance. He has become a liability because of allegations that he may have used his position to benefit his own business. Allegedly, he was granted a multimillion dollar loan by people that met with him in the White House.
All of this is taking place under the shadow of an investigation by special counsel Robert Mueller, who is probing alleged collusion between the White House and Russia, which impacted the last presidential election. Trump denies any wrong-doing. The White House’s revolving door of those exiting his staff, however, is enough to set off a political hurricane that promises to sweep up others in its wake.
The beleaguered Trump, who has often shown a tendency toward emotional reactions as demonstrated by a habit of releasing early morning tweets addressing issues that strike his nerves, seems to have had a meltdown. While probably under duress, he has threatened to impose tariffs on aluminum and steel, saying that trade wars could be won. This could, in fact, end up costing Americans dearly in the job market.
He has also taken a controversial stance in reaction to school shootings by offering the unrealistic strategy of arming classroom teachers.
While all of this is happening, Russia’s Vladimir Putin is waving new, powerful weapons that he says cannot be beaten and that could reach Florida.
Trump is also probably conflicted by Jared Kushner’s situation. If Kushner leaves, or is forced out, where would that leave the president’s daughter, Ivanka? Would she follow her husband, or would she remain in the volatile trenches with her dad?
The foregoing are just a few of the issues that have surfaced during this tumultuous 45th American presidential administration. The basic problem with the Trump presidency that could have been, and in fact, was foreseen by knowledgeable people, is his penchant for “divide and conquer” strategies.
He started out this way talking about building walls to exclude immigrants, and by cozying up to individuals who have clear white supremacist leanings. There is a law, sometimes referred to as Karma, but that in fact means that you reap what you sow, or what goes around comes around.
The problems that our 45th president is facing are directly connected to this idea. If President Trump had taken a different road and embraced a more inclusive strategy, he probably would be experiencing better circumstances at this time (though admittedly, he may not have been elected).
The condition of America is directly connected with the number of Americans who espouse hatred and division. What remains now to be seen is whether or not Trump will dodge the bullet regarding the Mueller investigation. Whatever the case, Black Americans should be prepared with a game plan, because the rubber is getting ready to hit the road. A Luta Continua.
