The changing USA

Wikipedia’s entry on Donald Trump

Thinking out loud – 5

I wrote this post originally quite early in Donald Trump’s second presidency. I might write a second version as so many more things have changed since then.

It’s perplexing how much has changed in US domestic politics and international relations since Donald Trump’s second term as president began on 20th January.

I’m not going to try to summarise his actions, analyse his reasons for them or the effect they may have going forward. Instead I’m going to explain how one ordinary British citizen (me) views the underlying reasons for the way Trump behaves and why those around him act the way they do.

Right at the start I must admit that I have little to go on; my knowledge is limited to what he has done and said as reported by the news media, the reactions from the many world leaders and business people who have met him, the outcome (so far as we know them) of his actions, and comment from others on his personality, character and behaviour. But mostly, what I write below will be based on what I’ve observed in interviews and on news broadcasts, articles, and the response of others.

So, if you’re prepared to hear thoughts and opinions from a very ordinary member of the British public – read on.

Intellect

Donald Trump has a BSc in economics (and I have one in horticulture, another in mathematics and computing as well as an MSc by thesis on plant reproductive biology). I appreciate, therefore, that Trump has both the intellect and work ethic required to achieve his degree. It’s a significantly harder challenge than doing well in primary or secondary education.

Legal issues and bankruptcy

Following his university education, Trump found work in the family property business. However, things didn’t always go too well for him, there were legal battles over race discrimination and contempt of court, and six of his businesses have been declared bankrupt. The details are included in the Wikipedia article about him, with references to sources.

How things look

This seems to have set the tone for his current approach to legality and success in politics as well. Winning by whatever means he deems necessary seems to be his normal approach to political life. As long as he gets what he wants, he doesn’t seem to care it it’s legal or illegal, innocent or corrupt, good or bad for the American economy, good or bad for the world economy, good or bad for the environment. Sometimes he may genuinely not understand what he’s dealing with, ‘Drill Baby Drill’ is a dreadful intention to express if you’re a person who understands the damage that will be done to to our very fragile environment and ecosystems. And he clearly had no idea that imposing tariffs on imports was tantamount to a severe tax on United States Citizens.

Mr Trump has stabbed Ukraine in the back by his unkind and unhelpful remarks to Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the White House combining ignorance and rudeness in an extraordinary way. He tries to be friendly to the some of the world’s worst characters – Vladimir Putin is a prime example, Benjamin Netanyahu is another – while at the same time rudely dismissing and criticising many who would help him if he took a more conciliatory line, people like the leaders of Canada, most European nations, and so forth.

War

Mr Trump has skilled and experienced military analysts and experts ready with good advice and wisdom. He ignores them. Apparently he prefers guesswork, trial and (mostly) error to sound advice, good judgement and deferring to those with experience, an ability to think through the options and war game out the possible and likely outcomes.

See also:

• Donald J Trump – The White House
• Donald Trump – Wikipedia

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