Election 2020: What has President Trump done to America?

Summary

The 2020 US presidential election, overshadowed by the COVID-19 pandemic, saw over 200,000 American deaths and skyrocketing unemployment, with national debt exceeding 100% of GDP. President Trump's economic policies, including tax cuts favoring the wealthy and a booming pre-pandemic economy, contrasted with his controversial immigration stance and 'America First' approach. His administration renegotiated trade deals, notably with China, and withdrew from international agreements, impacting global relations. Trump's environmental rollbacks and appointment of conservative judges reshaped American law and policy, potentially for decades. His presidency also intensified political polarization and racial identity divisions within the country.

Takeaways

• 😷 The 2020 US presidential election was significantly influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, with over 200,000 American deaths and millions of people unemployed.
• 📉 The US national debt surpassed 100% of GDP during the pandemic, highlighting economic challenges.
• 💼 President Trump's response to the pandemic was a central issue of the election, reflecting his administration's handling of the crisis.
• 💼 Trump's tax-cut bill in 2017, which reduced corporate tax rates and taxes for many Americans, was a key economic policy.
• 📈 Under Trump, the US experienced a period of economic growth, low unemployment, and increased wages for lower-paid workers before the pandemic.
• 🌐 Trump's 'America First' policy led to the US withdrawing from multiple international organizations and renegotiating trade deals.
• 🏭 Trump's trade war with China and renegotiation of NAFTA had significant impacts on global trade dynamics.
• 🔒 On immigration, Trump's policies tightened asylum rules, reduced refugee admissions, and increased detention center populations.
• 🌳 Trump's administration rolled back numerous environmental regulations, including those limiting carbon emissions.
• ⚖️ Trump appointed over 200 federal judges, including three Supreme Court justices, potentially reshaping American law for decades.

Q & A

How has the 2020 presidential election been characterized in terms of the pandemic?

The 2020 presidential election will forever be remembered as the pandemic election due to the significant impact of COVID-19 on the country, with over 200,000 Americans dead, millions unemployed, and the national debt exceeding 100% of GDP.

What was the economic situation in the U.S. before the pandemic under President Trump's administration?

Before the pandemic, the U.S. had its lowest unemployment rate in 50 years, a buoyant stock market, and fast annual wage growth, particularly among the lowest-paid workers. The economy was booming as promised by President Trump.

What were the main features of Trump's tax-cut bill?

Trump's tax-cut bill, signed within a year of taking office, reduced the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% and decreased taxes for around 65% of working Americans, but it was particularly beneficial for the rich.

How did the U.S. fiscal package compare to other countries in response to the pandemic?

When the pandemic hit, Congress implemented the world's largest fiscal package, with an historic $2 trillion relief bill, making it the largest response compared to other countries.

What was President Trump's stance on globalism and how did it affect international relations?

President Trump took an anti-globalist stance, pulling America out of ten international organizations or treaties and renegotiating trade deals, often using tariffs as a tactic to gain concessions.

What were the outcomes of the U.S.-China trade war initiated under Trump's administration?

The trade war with China led to a more than threefold increase in the average tariff rate on goods. Despite agreeing on the first phase of a trade deal in January 2020, China is not expected to meet all its commitments, and tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars' worth of Chinese exports to America remain.

How did President Trump's policies impact immigration and the U.S.-Mexico border?

Trump's policies made it harder for people to claim asylum at the southern border, increased the number of migrants in detention centers, and utilized Defense Department funds to build a wall on the southern border, despite Mexico not paying for it as initially promised.

What was the impact of Trump's administration on the environment and environmental regulations?

Trump reversed 79 environmental rules, including the Clean Power Plan, and sought to remove regulations on coal plants and methane emissions, potentially increasing carbon-dioxide emissions by 3% over time.

How many federal judges did Trump appoint during his term, and what was the significance of these appointments?

Trump appointed 217 federal judges, including three to the Supreme Court, which is more than a quarter of the judiciary. These appointments are significant as they reshape American law and could impact legislation for decades due to the lifetime tenure of many judges.

How has President Trump's rhetoric and actions contributed to the polarization in American politics?

Trump's rhetoric, including labeling the media as 'fake news' and 'the enemy of the people,' along with his divisive policies, has accelerated political polarization in America, contributing to increased partisanship and a more racially conservative Republican Party.

What is the potential long-term impact of Trump's presidency on the U.S., even if he were to lose the 2020 election?

The long-term impact of Trump's presidency could include a lasting change in the U.S.-China relationship, a reshaped judiciary with a conservative lean, and a more polarized political and social landscape that may not easily revert to previous norms.