I Simulated Trump’s Policies: Here's What Happened (5)

Summary

This simulation of Trump's presidency in the game Democracy 4 explores the impact of his policies across various sectors, including crime, economy, foreign relations, and public services. By matching real-life campaign promises to in-game policies, the simulation reveals mixed results: improved public safety, a boost in global influence through military spending, but strained international relations and a weak economy. While certain groups like police officers, farmers, and religious individuals benefited from his policies, others, such as environmentalists and minorities, were dissatisfied due to the environmental, economic, and social challenges exacerbated by his approach.

Takeaways

• 😀 Trump's policies, when simulated in Democracy 4, included significant funding increases for the police and military.
• 😀 Despite Trump's support for nuclear energy, high CO2 emissions and low solar/wind energy usage were observed during the simulation.
• 😀 Trump's aggressive foreign policies, including tariffs, immigration controls, and military spending, led to strained foreign relations and low international trade.
• 😀 Police funding led to a reduction in violent crime by 30%, but non-violent crime remained largely unaffected due to social causes.
• 😀 The economy faced persistent issues, such as high unemployment, a growing deficit, and a global recession, despite tax cuts and corporate tax reductions.
• 😀 Immigration became significantly harder under Trump's policies, with legal and illegal immigration dropping.
• 😀 Trump's energy policies boosted nuclear energy production while reducing investments in renewable energy sources like wind and solar.
• 😀 Education policy led to a skills shortage and inequality in educational access, with private and religious schools receiving more funding.
• 😀 Despite a focus on private healthcare, public health remained low, with social factors like poverty and drug addiction worsening health outcomes.
• 😀 Trump’s foreign relations were negatively affected by high tariffs and harsh immigration rules, but military funding led to increased global influence.

Q & A

What was the overall impact of Trump's policies on crime in the simulation?

Trump's policies led to a 30% reduction in violent crime, but nonviolent crime saw only a minor decrease, due to the social causes of crime remaining unchanged. High police funding contributed to increased police brutality and perceptions of authoritarianism.

How did Trump's tax policies affect the economy in the simulation?

Trump's reduction of corporate and income taxes did not significantly boost the economy. Despite the tax cuts, the GDP remained persistently low due to a global recession, high tariffs, and economic factors like trade barriers and a lack of foreign investment.

What was the result of Trump's stance on foreign trade in the simulation?

Trump's high tariffs led to a decrease in international trade. The U.S.'s foreign relations were also negatively impacted by these tariffs, contributing to a decline in foreign investment and trade opportunities.

How did Trump's policies affect energy and environmental outcomes in the simulation?

Trump's focus on nuclear energy led to a significant expansion in nuclear power, but CO2 emissions increased as oil prices remained high. Investment in wind and solar energy decreased, and overall environmental impact worsened.

What were the effects of Trump's military funding policies on global influence?

Trump's substantial military funding boosted the U.S.'s global influence, despite tensions with other countries. This funding was a key factor in improving the U.S.'s standing on the global stage, even though foreign relations were generally low.

How did Trump's immigration and border policies impact foreign relations?

Trump's harsh immigration laws, border wall construction, and the total refugee ban contributed to low foreign relations. Other countries reacted negatively to these policies, further straining international ties.

Which demographic groups were most satisfied with Trump's policies in the simulation?

State employees, particularly police and military personnel, were the most satisfied due to high funding for these sectors. Farmers also benefited from subsidies, and religious groups appreciated policies favoring religious education and anti-abortion stances.

What was the outcome of Trump's energy policies on CO2 emissions in the simulation?

Initially, CO2 emissions decreased due to a lower GDP, but they ultimately increased as the focus shifted to oil drilling and away from renewable energy sources like wind and solar, reflecting a negative long-term environmental impact.

What impact did the reduction in public school funding have on education in the simulation?

Reducing public school funding and lack of support for university grants worsened the skills shortage. Although vocational training was funded, the gap in higher education and skilled workers persisted, impacting overall workforce development.

Why did wealthy individuals support Trump's policies in the simulation?

Wealthy individuals benefitted from Trump's tax cuts, particularly the reductions in corporate and income taxes, which resulted in more disposable income and favorable conditions for the affluent demographic.