He seems to have a strategy to overload the system by doing and announcing many things at once, some of them astoundingly ludicrous. It is certainly working thus far. Meaning, if you’re a supporter of his, you’re thrilled. If you’re not a supporter, you’re outraged, confused and likely terrified.
As an independent voter that genuinely cannot stand either major party, there are things I’m very worried about and things I’m bullish about. I’ll give my opinions on the major topics he’s tackled in his first two weeks. What a whirlwind it’s been.
Tariffs - Have not been concerned. Have always assumed they were a negotiating tool. Did they work as a negotiating tool? Yet to be seen. I like that he’s left them on the table to be reassessed after a month. Hold our border nations accountable. I can support this. For the record, I love Mexico and Canada and have no doubt that they love the US too. I’m sure they hate Trump. That’s okay with me. I get it. I would too.
The Gaza Riviera - Like, what the actual fuck? The only thing I find solace in here is that MAGA supporters are generally in one of two camps here. 1. Fuck this. You said America first. Stay out of this. 2. He must be saying this to either distract the media or as a negotiating tool. What I am not hearing online (at least not from anyone of influence) are Trump supporters saying that this is a great idea. Most are in a wait and see what he really means mode. Either way, I’m in the wtf camp. Very concerning. VERY.
Kennedy, Tulsi and other non-establishment appointments - I’m bullish. I supported Kennedy’s campaign for President. I welcome radical transparency and hope they can curtail the pervasive agency capture that is poisoning our institutions. Zero concerns re Kennedy. Im not as sold re the other appointments but have some optimism.
DOGE Could not be more bullish. I find it telling that the left seems focused on who is doing the auditing rather than what they are finding in the audits. You would be hard pressed to find a major media outlet that is reporting on findings at USAID but you’ll get page after page about, “BigBalls.” -not kidding. Two things can be true at the same time: usaid can and probably does do many great things but they can also be a tool to launder money or propagandize on behalf of the establishment. DOGE can be uncovering truths the taxpayers deserve to know AND they can be doing so irresponsibly. All can be true at once. I’d like to see more balanced reporting here but I won’t hold my breath.
DEI I wish Trump would stfu about DEI impacting the plane crashes etc. Trump is by far the worst part of the Trump administration. I support the transition away from DEI mandates as do some of the minorities that I know. A merit based approach is the most logical. We have anti discrimination laws that should remain in place. But blaming every accident or negative outcome on DEI is ridiculous. Stfu Trump!!
Trans Athlete Ban Not sure government action was needed here. As the father of two daughters, would I want biological males competing against them? No. Would I want them sharing locker rooms with them? No. I’m fine with this decision, I just don’t think it was as big of an issue as it has been made into. That said, it’s a wildly popular decision. Something like 79% of Americans agree with it. Seems like common sense to me. I do think a better leader would have done this with additional language reassuring the Transsexual community that their dignity and right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness remains. I’m also okay with not allowing children to have gender altering surgeries/medical interventions. For the same reason kids can’t get tattoos. If I was able to get a tattoo at 13, I’d have a giant mural of the Beatles on my back. Thank God I don’t. :) That said, when you turn 18, you do you. And I support whatever that, “you,” is.
Immigration I’m fine with increased border security. If you don’t come in through an official port of entry, you are illegally here and must be deported. Period. I’m not okay with changing the status of citizens that were born here. They’re US citizens. If that is to change; it CANNOT be done by executive order. I do see how, “anchor babies,” create bad incentives for illegal entry. People shouldn’t be coming into the country for the explicit reason of birthing a child. But if the government wants to change this; it needs to be done through the legislative process. I believe ICE needs to treat all illegal immigrants with respect and dignity, especially if their only crime is entering illegally. All of my grandparents are immigrants that came into the US through the proper channels. Both of my grandfathers were granted citizenship by enlisting in the Army. My grandfather from Mexico enlisted during active wartime and was a gunner in Korea. He is 94 years old now and has ZERO patience for illegal immigrants but for years he helped legal immigrants from Mexico to assimilate and find employment.
Regarding refugee resettlement, it’s been established that this was being gamed. Also, if you’re a refugee, come in through a legal port of entry. Simple.
Pardons This is fucked up. I can see pardoning people that were non violent. But a blanket pardon is not forgivable imo. Acts of violence cannot be normalized. Pardons should have occurred in a case by case basis. I also find Biden’s outgoing pardons incredibly fucked up. Big fail here from Trump.
pausing foreign aid fine with this. Should be reassessed by incoming state department.
allowing unvaccinated federal workers back - amen. Big win
AI I’m worried no government has enough concern here. I would like to see more dialog w China and less walls. Some people I respect are terrified re the future.
Crypto I mean, it’s better than the lefts obstructionist take but wtf re Trump coin? what an asshole. Our president issued a meme coin!? But what else should we have expected from him. Trump is gonna Trump. I remain bullish re crypto and hope Trump stays out of the way. But does he ever stay out of the way? Smfh.
Gulf of America what a tool.
Greenland Hate his rhetoric around this. But if the people of Greenland were in support of this and he could negotiate with Denmark in a constructive way, why not? But it would have to be a decision made by a sovereign Greenland. Without Denmark or the USA’s coercion. Greenland is a mess demographically. Huge alcoholism, depression etc. Not sure Denmark has been the best steward of Greenland. But that should be for Greenlanders to decide. Not Trump.
Panama Canal I hear from some in the know that the China influence is not as dire as is being sold to us. Did Carter fuck up by relinquishing control? Sure. But that’s our fault, not Panama’s. Not a fan of how Trump is approaching this.
All in all, a mixed bag from my perspective. It’s pretty stark to see how much activity there is juxtaposed with the Biden administration.
In short, fuck the DNC for brining us to this point. Suppressing a primary, using lawfare to keep opposing candidates from gaining traction. Using branches of government to keep opposing candidates from becoming viable, wielding their media influence to suppress candidates. Telling us Biden was, “sharp as a tack,”’and then rugging him and replacing him with ZERO input from the electorate. Just fuck the DNC. It’s their fault we are here. A robust democrat primary would have resulted in a far better outcome.
Sorry for the end rant.
Anyways, I fully expect to have my views challenged. Any day my mind is changed by a persuasive argument is a good day. Any replies must be considerate or you’ll or you’ll be blocked.
Onward!