Since the presidential candidates have been announced, it has become clear that one of the biggest competitors in the competition is Donald Trump, as shown by his great success and popularity with Americans. Donald Trump, a powerful businessman, superstar, and TV reality star, may very well actually become America’s next president, which may be good for the USA in some ways, but not in others. Donald Trump is a very attractive presidential candidate to discuss, as shown by his goals and the wide support he has received. However, his behavior and comments have been tagged to be racist and aggressive, which makes one question why he has been so successful in the presidential election campaign so far. Trump views on taxation and immigration are extreme, and his racist comments are not necessary. In my opinion, he is a bad choice for future president.
Donald Trump’s goals for America are overall quite simple, with his main goals being focused on the taxation system and addressing immigration issues (Donald J. Trump for President, Inc.). According to Trump, there are not enough Americans working, with too many jobs happening overseas, and too many middle class people and families struggling to get by. His tax plan is directed at these issues in a relatively simple style. The four rules of this goal include providing tax relief for the middle class, simplifying the tax law, growing the American economy, and not adding to the debt or deficit.
To make the necessary tax relief for the middle class, Trump wishes to let people keep more money in their pockets, and also increase the after tax salaries. Additionally, the tax law can be simplified, which will make less stress for the working classes, and also allow everyone to keep more of their hard earned money. This will also help to grow the American economy by discouraging companies’ inversions, making more jobs, and thus making America a stronger world leader. Finally, Trump does not believe in adding to the huge debt and deficit of the country. These are all positions he has openly stated on several of the Republican debates as well as listed on his campaign website (www.donaldjtrump.com). One such speech on this specific policy position can be viewed on YouTube. In this speech, Trump argued he wants to prevent American jobs from going outside the country or being taken by the undocumented residents at the expense of American workers. Trump even promised he would be the greatest jobs President ever and argued his business background gives him significant credibility on the economic issues (North Shore TP).
Immigration reform is another top import of Donald Trump’s. According to Trump at the last Republican primary debate, when other politicians talk about the reforms needed for immigration, they are simply a tool for cheap work, therefore the borders should be kept open for that purpose (KuiVaiM). Thus, Trump wishes to put the needs of the working people first, not allowing for an immigration system that puts the needs of other countries before America’s. He believes this can be completed with a wall between Mexico and the USA, more laws that are in accord with the constitutional system, and a plan that must improve job salaries, quality, and security for Americans. Trump’s goals to immigration reform have received much disapproval, specifically the idea of the America-Mexico wall. Trump may be appealing to the fears of his base but his proposals are often impractical in addition to being unconstitutional at times. The wall will not only be very costly in terms of money and time, given the long border between the two countries but may even fail to stop the outflow of the immigrants. A more effective tool to combat illegal immigration is to strictly enforce the immigration laws that include punishing the companies for hiring undocumented workers. If the undocumented workers find it hard to get jobs in the U.S., they will have little incentive to illegally cross the border.
In Trump’s presidential campaign he has made racist comments and been aggressive at different candidates such as “Lyin’ Ted”, “Little Marco” and even going as far as to make wrong comments on social media about Senator Ted Cruz’s wife Heidi and his young daughters. He has also made comments about African Americans and Muslims. A president should be a respectful of all people, no matter race religion, color, or social class. Donald Trump has the most support with the Republican Party, especially those that are less educated and wealthy. From what is observed as common knowledge through different news agency reports such as CNN and Fox News as well as what is observed on social media, his very best voters are those that self-identify as Republicans, but are registered as Democrats. This support base is focused mostly in the South, Appalachia, and also in the industrial North. While Trump clearly has much support across the country, the type of voters he attracts may not actually have the public of voters that is required for his presidential win. I believe that, Trump has uncalled for comments, and will not receive the votes he needs.
Trump has continually directed much of his racial discrimination to Muslims, as shown in his press conferences and statements. In fact, he has previously suggested that all mosques undergo surveillance, in addition to making a file for all Muslims living in the U.S. This statement has, so far, been the most polemic. This statement was made following the mass shooting in San Bernardino. These comments have forced further debates in the Republican presidential race, as many of his opponents had to also answer as to whether a religious test should exist in the United States for those who enter. I think Trump should not limit the freedom of religion. Trump has also recommended that America issue a travel prohibition for all Muslims, thus stopping any more Muslims from entering the country. He further added that until we can figure out the issue of terrorist attacks and their connections to Muslims, the travel prohibition should remain in place (Diamond). In spite of these racially biased comments, Trump has continued to be received by his supporters with much enthusiasm. In my opinion, Trump taking a wrong way to deal with this issue, because all Muslims are not terrorist. The actions of the few do not define the whole religious group. Just because there are some fanatics who call themselves Muslims, do not make all the Muslims terrorists just as an act of terrorism by someone from Christian background does not make all the Christians terrorists. The history will judge Trump harshly for his proposals regarding the Muslims because they not only violate the constitution but also the American values.
It seems that no one can get away from Trump’s disapproval of particular minorities. He has spoken of Mexico sending offenders across the border (Donald J. Trump for President), called all Muslims a “problem” in the USA, has called for a deportation of all illegal immigrants, made fun of a journalist who had a disability, and mocked Asian accents. He has also said that thousands of Muslims celebrated the terrorist attacks following 9/11 in New Jersey (Kessler), as well as stated incorrect statistics of crime rates in America. It would seem that Trump, in spite of his skills in business, seems more impulsive and interested in his own self-promotion than actually achieving goals that benefit everyone. Additionally, he is a risk to the unity of the country with his insensitivity and discrimination to minorities, particularly Muslims. In my opinion, Trump judged a lot of people, but this is not the acceptable. A President is supposed to strive for truths but Trump rarely hesitates to promote the stereotypes and has shown little regard for the facts. A person, who acts and talks impulsively and doesn’t understand the weight his words carry, is not fit to be a leader of the country.
Even though he has a lot of disadvantages, Donald Trump has a lot of advantages, which are experiences in business, including discussions with business leaders, and even governments, worldwide, and thus he has more friends than any other political candidate. This would provide Trump with acute and factual tactics to economics across the world, which may be helpful to trade contracts. Additionally, Trump has great confidence and a powerful personality, which work well in the world of politics. A final advantage to Donald Trump is the fact that he is a great negotiator, and knows how to work through complex dealings with governments, business, different businesses, and investors in order to achieve his goals. While many may believe that his dealings have been mainly focused on his own self, as president, he would be doing a great portion of negotiating as a necessity. For all of these advantages, the fact remains that his attitude and loss of experience in the world of politics makes him a danger if elected to the office of President of the United States. The President of the U.S. has to work with others to accomplish his goals . As a result, he has less flexibility than a CEO of a company. Moreover, Trump has never held a public office before and the country cannot afford someone as its leader who has little idea of how the politics work.
In conclusion, Donald Trump while having some unique advantages because of his experience in the business world is not an overall candidate that would be considered fit for the office of President of the United States. After observing his show in the debates and town halls as well as at his other public looks, it is clear that he does not have the political knowledge or experience to tactfully deal with people whose ideas are even slightly different than his own. Donald Trump has also proven by his actions that if he is unable to work the result in his favor that he is prone to temper tantrums where he resorts to name calling and shaming people to get what he wants. This is not how a President should act, and it would cost the United States every ally it had if it had a leader who acted in such a way. Trump has a bad views point on taxation, immigration and makes racist comments. I think that is not going to make him successful.
- Diamond, J. “Donald Trump: Ban All Muslim Travel to U.S.” CNN. Cable News Network, 7 Dec. 2015. Web. 30 Mar. 2016.
- Donald J. Trump for President. “Donald Trump Presidential Announcement Full Speech 6/16/15.” YouTube. YouTube, 16 June 2015. Web. 30 Mar. 2016.
- Donald J. Trump for President, Inc. “Donald J. Trump positions.” Positions. Web. 30 Mar. 2016.
- Kamarck, Elaine. Donald Trump’s CEO experience won’t make him a good president. 26 September 2015. Web. 5 May 2016
- Kessler, G. “Trump’s Outrageous Claim That ‘thousands’ of New Jersey Muslims celebrated the 9/11 Attacks.” The Washington Post, 22 Nov. 2015. Web. 30 Mar. 2016.
- KuiVaiM. “Donald Trump Highlights GOP CNN Debate Miami Florida 03-10-2016.” YouTube. YouTube, 12 Mar. 2016. Web. 30 Mar. 2016.
- NorthShore TP. “Donald Trump’s Blueprint For The Economy If Elected President – Road to 2016 – Hannity.” YouTube. YouTube, 17 Feb. 2015. Web. 30 Mar. 2016.
