The 45th President of the United States, Donald Trump, left an indelible mark on American history, characterized by both fervent support and staunch opposition. His tumultuous tenure was punctuated by a series of controversial decisions and actions, from policy initiatives to personal conduct. We look into 16 of the most significant controversies surrounding his presidency, offering a comprehensive overview of the defining moments that shaped his legacy.
The Capitol Attack
On a dark day in U.S. history, Trump supporters, armed and inflamed by his rhetoric, violently breached the Capitol in a coup attempt to thwart Biden’s certification. The chaos resulted in five deaths, including a police officer. Trump’s ‘Save America March’ preluded the violence, as he urged supporters to march, marking a tragic chapter in his presidency.
Women’s Rights
Trump’s impact on women’s rights involved appointing conservative Supreme Court justices, paving the way for the overturn of Roe v Wade in June 2022. Allegedly involved in rolling back gender pay transparency, his administration also proposed six weeks of paid maternity leave, a shorter duration compared to the existing 12-week unpaid leave mandated by the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993.
Nepotism
Upon entering the White House, Donald Trump departed from traditional norms by appointing family members to influential positions. Ivanka Trump and her husband, Jared Kushner, assumed special advisor roles, characterized by ambiguity yet conferring significant influence. This move raised concerns about nepotism and sparked debates over the appropriateness of such appointments in the highest echelons of government.
Immigration
Donald Trump’s immigration policies went beyond targeting illegal immigration, extending to controversial restrictions on legal immigration, including high-skilled workers. Additionally, an executive order temporarily halted immigration from seven Muslim-majority countries in 2017, sparking debates over its necessity and implications for religious and cultural inclusivity in the United States.
Climate Change
Trump’s administration, marked by controversial climate policies, suppressed vital scientific research on climate change impacts within the Agriculture Department. Numerous studies warning about climate effects on agriculture were intentionally withheld, and research scientists were relocated from Washington to the Midwest. Additionally, Trump’s withdrawal from the global climate change agreement signaled a departure from international efforts to address the escalating environmental threats posed by global warming.
Obamacare
Trump fervently pursued the Affordable Care Act’s repeal, utilizing administrative and judicial channels. Despite relentless efforts, his unintended impact was a substantial financial boost, pouring billions into subsidizing Americans’ coverage. Faced with an inability to repeal, Trump ultimately opted for a rebranding approach, underscoring the complex dynamics surrounding his stance on healthcare reform.
Coronavirus
Trump’s response to the coronavirus raised concerns as he terminated a pandemic early warning program just two months before the first reported case. His lack of foresight extended to the absence of workplace guidance, complicating worker safety measures. Notably, he resisted implementing an “emergency temporary standard,” missing an opportunity to establish mandatory safety rules crucial for protecting employees during the pandemic’s critical phases.
Russian Ties
The shadow of Russia loomed over Trump’s presidency, especially after allegations of Russian interference in the 2016 election surfaced. Despite evidence and calls for investigation, Trump resisted scrutiny, blocking attempts and dismissing officials like former FBI director James Comey. Further controversy arose when he was accused of disclosing classified information to the Russian ambassador.
Impeachment
Trump faced two impeachments in a single term, with the Senate acquitting him on all charges both times—the first centered on soliciting foreign interference in the 2020 election and obstructing the inquiry. The second, just before his term ended in January 2021, involved allegations related to the Capitol riot, marking a tumultuous chapter in his presidency amid intense political polarization.
Tax Returns
Trump departed from presidential tradition, refusing to release his tax records, citing an ongoing audit. Contrary to his claims, he could have released them during an audit, fueling speculation about the contents. His insistence that tax returns offer minimal financial insight contradicts the widely accepted understanding of the valuable financial information they provide.
Transgender Rights
In 2017, Trump revoked protections allowing transgender students to use bathrooms aligning with their gender identity, despite Education Secretary Betsy DeVos’s opposition. This move marked a reversal of support for transgender rights, causing concerns about discrimination and equality within the education system under the Trump administration.
Cannabis
Despite initial indications of leaving marijuana legalization to states during his 2016 campaign, Trump’s administration maintained federal cannabis prohibition. In his 2021 budget proposal, he suggested removing protections for state medical marijuana laws, reflecting a departure from earlier signals and continuing a conservative stance on cannabis regulation.
Anti-Vax
Trump’s unprecedented anti-vaccine stance included meetings with prominent anti-vaxxers during his campaign. His tweets, falsely linking vaccines to autism, fueled misinformation. After the election, he announced his plans for an advisory committee on federal vaccine policies, marking a departure from established public health practices and contributing to vaccine skepticism.
Government Shutdown
The U.S. government faced its longest shutdown from December 22, 2018, to January 25, 2019, as Republicans and Democrats clashed over the federal budget. Primarily centered on disputes over Trump’s immigration policy and border wall funding, the impasse temporarily ended without wall funding, marking a significant episode in political gridlock during Trump’s presidency.
The Keystone XL Pipeline
Contrary to Obama’s environmental concerns, Trump swiftly approved the Keystone XL pipeline in 2017, aiming to transport Canadian oil over 1,200 miles through US land and Indigenous territories. This prompted legal action from Tribes, alleging numerous law violations. However, Biden later reversed the decision, revoking the pipeline’s permit.
The TikTok Ban
Following claims by teens affecting attendance at his Tulsa rally, Trump labeled TikTok a national security threat and demanded that it be banned by the US Government. ByteDance, TikTok’s owner, initially considered a partial sale to a U.S. company but eventually opted to divest completely to avert the proposed ban.
Denying Military Aid
As the Russia-Ukraine war wore on, the U.S. Congress approved much-needed military aid funds for Ukraine. However, instead of letting it go through, Trump interfered unlawfully yet again and prevented the military aid from going through. Some people were of the opinion that Trump did this as a favor to his Russian allies. When investigations were launched to check his Russian ties, he fired officials involved.
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