As the political world continues to debate Donald Trump’s influence on America, a central question remains: Is Trump actually doing the right things for the United States?
The answer, as expected, depends heavily on perspective — political, economic, and cultural.
Trump’s Policy Record: Achievements and Controversies
During his time in office (2017–2021), and even after, Trump focused on several major areas that he and his supporters claim were “right moves” for the country:
1. Economic Growth and Tax Cuts
Trump’s 2017 tax reform — the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act — lowered corporate tax rates from 35% to 21%, aiming to stimulate business investment and economic growth.
- Supporters argue it led to record low unemployment before the COVID-19 pandemic and strong stock market performance.
- Critics argue it disproportionately benefited the wealthy and increased the national deficit.
2. Deregulation
Trump’s administration aggressively cut federal regulations, particularly in industries like energy, banking, and environmental controls.
- Supporters claim deregulation fueled business expansion and job creation.
- Opponents warn it weakened important environmental and consumer protections.
3. Immigration Policies
Trump took a hard stance on immigration, focusing on stricter border security and legal immigration reforms.
- Supporters say it was necessary to protect American jobs and national security.
- Critics argue it promoted xenophobia and humanitarian crises, especially regarding family separations at the border.
4. Foreign Policy and Trade
Trump adopted an “America First” approach:
- He renegotiated trade deals like NAFTA (replaced by USMCA) and confronted China on trade practices.
- His administration brokered historic normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab nations (the Abraham Accords).
- However, critics say his tactics alienated traditional allies and weakened America’s global leadership.
5. Judicial Appointments
Trump appointed three Supreme Court justices, reshaping the judiciary for a generation.
- Supporters argue this strengthened constitutional originalism.
- Critics argue it rolled back key rights, including access to abortion.
Public Opinion: Deeply Divided
Polling consistently shows that America remains polarized over Trump:
- His base sees him as a champion of the working class, a disruptor of the political establishment, and someone who prioritized U.S. interests over globalism.
- Opponents view him as a dangerous populist who eroded democratic norms and sowed division.
Even after leaving office, Trump’s influence on the Republican Party remains powerful — and discussions about whether he “did the right thing” are a major issue in upcoming elections.
Conclusion: Right or Wrong Depends on Your Lens
Evaluating whether Donald Trump “did the right things” for America depends largely on what values you prioritize:
- If you value economic growth, strong borders, and conservative judicial appointments, you might say yes.
- If you prioritize global alliances, social justice, and environmental protections, you might say no.
In the end, Trump’s legacy — and the question of whether his decisions were right for the U.S. — will likely be debated for decades to come.
