Just four months in, a summary of Donald Trump’s impact on the nation has started to take shape.
Take George Washington, for instance; he’s often seen as the founding figure of America. Abraham Lincoln is remembered for uniting the country post-Civil War. Even Franklin Roosevelt made his mark with the New Deal, which, admittedly, unfolded over time.
Then there’s Trump—who seems to have rushed through everything.
He became the first president to be convicted of a felony, and while opinions vary on whether it was justified, many observers think his legacy is marred by a plethora of accusations, including two impeachments. There’s also this glaring conflict of interest regarding how he and his family amassed wealth during his presidency, which, well, raises serious ethical questions.
His family business has profited significantly, drawing in billions of dollars from new contracts in the Middle East during his visits. It’s kind of impressive, on the public relations front. But imagine if Jared Kushner weren’t related to him—would the Saudi investments still look the same? There’s talk of funding around $2 billion and potentially $1 trillion in U.S. investments being discussed with Riyadh.
Trump’s criticisms of former President Joe Biden as leading a “criminal family” can feel somewhat misplaced. Even if there’s some truth in it, it seems pale compared to Trump’s own financial dealings.
Consider the realm of cryptocurrency. Those investments have seen explosive growth, and ticket holders for Trump-related events often get these prime, front-row opportunities.
Then there’s the celebratory military parade planned for the Army’s 250th anniversary—expected to cost at least $45 million. It coincides with Trump’s 79th birthday, leaving many to wonder about the intention behind such a display. Reportedly, donors were promised a “VIP experience” during the event.
Although these ethical issues aren’t explicitly illegal, they certainly raise eyebrows. One has to wonder how a future president might act after accruing so much wealth, or at least when their family has.
The saying, “you can do good while doing well,” has taken on a new meaning.
Trump’s role in foreign policy is extensive. Yet, negotiations around Gaza are tense, with increased violence from Israel in the region. On top of that, he took credit for escalating tensions between India and Pakistan after recent terrorist attacks, but his attempts to broker peace—like ending the war in Ukraine or managing Iran’s nuclear ambitions—seem less successful than advertised.
This raises a question: Will his actions serve as inspiration or caution for the next president? On one hand, they could provide a blueprint for effective leadership. On the other, if things go awry, the new administration may tread carefully.
But I think the most significant part of Trump’s legacy might be how he expanded executive power and perhaps shifted the Republican Party’s identity toward a more extreme stance.
The executive orders he passed tested constitutional boundaries. Issues around citizenship status and proper procedures have also become quite visible. Though changes in tariffs and banking regulations may have deeper economic reverberations.
The financial crises of the 1990s and the 2008 meltdown highlight the dangers of inadequate oversight of financial instruments that could be deemed too risky, reminding us of past market crashes driven by excessive speculation.
In the grand scheme of American politics, Trump represents a notable decline in governance, a trend that has roots that run deeper than his administration—from compromises made well before him to the growing hostility seen on both sides of the aisle.
It’s clear these issues predate Trump; he didn’t create them but certainly capitalized on them.
What’s next for him? Perhaps he’s aiming for a third term—much like Vladimir Putin did, where the presidency was merely an avenue for returning to power.
Will this be a sticking point in constitutional law? It might turn out to be one of the most enduring aspects of Trump’s time in office. Only time will tell.
