Uncertain Waters of US Politics
Ishtiaq Ahmed
Bradford: Donald Trump has been inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States, reclaiming leadership of the world’s most powerful nation. Despite facing a slew of legal challenges, Trump, a polarising and unpredictable figure, returns to the White House, promising dramatic changes.
The inaugural ceremony featured a rare show of unity in the deeply divided political landscape. President Biden escorted Trump to the event, with both traveling in the same car, a stark contrast to Trump’s refusal to extend similar courtesies during the previous transition.
Trump’s inaugural address was unscripted, scathing, unforgiving, and venomous, marked not by what he said but by what he left unsaid particularly regarding his intended foreign policy directions.
He proclaimed, “The golden age of America begins right now. America will be respected again and will no longer be taken for granted.” Trump sharply criticized the previous administration for prioritizing foreign concerns over domestic issues and asserted that he had a mandate for sweeping changes.
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He delivered scathing criticism of President Biden’s tenure, stating, “My election is a mandate to completely and totally reverse a horrible betrayal that has taken place, and to restore faith, wealth, and democracy to the American people. From this moment on, America’s decline is over.”
Controversial Policy Shifts
Trump outlined a series of contentious policies in his speech, signalling a sharp departure from inclusion and diversity initiatives. Declaring an end to what he called “social engineering,” he stated, “The United States government will officially recognise only two genders: male and female. We will forge a society based on merit, not identity.”
This reversal is expected to alarm equality and human rights advocates, as racism, gender disparities, Islamophobia, and other forms of discrimination remain pervasive in the US
In his inaugural address, Trump remained somewhat vague on foreign policy.
However, his past statements suggest he is favourably inclined toward Russia, dismissing the conflict in Ukraine as an internal matter for Moscow. He is also known for his strong support for Israel, opposition to Iran, and scepticism of international organisations such as NATO and the UN, which he regards as costly burdens on American taxpayers.
Executive Orders
Trump announced immediate executive orders aimed at tightening immigration. Key measures include:
- Declaring a national emergency at the southern border and deploying additional Defence Department resources.
- Reinstating the “Remain in Mexico” policy, requiring asylum seekers to await case outcomes across the border.
- Resuming construction of the border wall.
- Proposing to end birthright citizenship, a move likely to face significant legal challenges.
- Suspending refugee admissions for four months and expediting deportations.
- Introducing the death penalty for unauthorised immigrants convicted of certain crimes, including the murder of law enforcement officers.
- Ending the “catch and release” policy, which allows migrants to live in US communities while awaiting hearings.
Trump pledged to launch the largest deportation program in American history, intensifying raids and labelling some gangs and cartels as foreign terrorist organisations. “All illegal entry will immediately be halted,” he said, promising an unprecedented crackdown on immigration.
Domestic Priorities
Trump vowed to dismantle environmental and progressive policies, including the Green New Deal and electric vehicle mandates. He also proposed creating an “External Revenue Service” to impose tariffs on foreign goods.
He signalled political retribution, stating, “The scales of justice will be rebalanced,” a reference to his ongoing legal battles, which he framed as politically motivated attacks.
Trump concluded by expressing gratitude to Black and Hispanic communities for their support. “We set records, and I will not forget it,” he said, emphasising his commitment to repaying their trust. He said this while at the same time renegading on equality, diversity and inclusion.
As Trump embarks on this new term, his agenda promises to deepen divisions while pushing the political and social fabric of the nation to the far right.
The article is the writer’s opinion, it may or may not adhere to the organization’s editorial policy.
The author is a British citizen of Pakistani origin with a keen interest in Pakistani and international affairs.
