To the surprise of many, Trump may use the next four years to oversee an era of prosperity and peace. Pictured: President-elect Donald Trump. Photo Credit: Donald Trump/X.
In the coming weeks, many will attempt to explain how President-elect Donald Trump will govern, establish his priorities, or lay the groundwork for a successful second term. It seems rather obvious that the former president’s efforts to transform America will depend on three factors to one degree or another. First, he must oversee a new economy that grows fast, creates jobs, controls inflation, cuts taxes, and rewards people. Secondly, if Democrats double down on their leftward drift the party’s progressive wing will ascend. A marginalized Democratic Party will produce more Republican wins nationally and down the ballot. Lastly, if Trump can bring peace where there is war, restore America’s respect on the world stage, and rebuild the American military he will move into the front ranks of presidencies much to the chagrin of the liberal intelligentsia, academia, and the legacy media.
Economy
Trump promised a return to the greatest economy the country had ever had, which according to him occurred the last time he occupied the White House. Trump has reasons to crow about his economic success. Most presidents get too much credit for a good economy and take on too much blame for a bad one. Trump’s friendly business policies, tax cuts, and efforts to take advantage of America’s energy industry paid off in his first term. Inflation was low, growth was good, the energy industry boomed, and his tax cuts helped people across the board.
From the vantage point of many, Trump had numerous successes that included benefitting groups that do not normally enjoy the positive impact of a strong economy. First, unemployment rates for African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans, Native Americans, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and those without a high school diploma all reached record lows. Second, unemployment for women hit its lowest rate in nearly 70 years. Third, nearly 7 million people were lifted off of food stamps. Fourth, poverty rates for African Americans and Hispanic Americans reached record lows. Fifth, income inequality fell for two straight years and by the largest amount in over a decade. Sixth, the bottom 50 percent of American households saw a 40 percent increase in net worth. Seventh, wages rose fastest for low-income and blue-collar workers – a 16 percent pay increase. Finally, African American homeownership increased from 41.7 percent to 46.4 percent.
This explains why Trump’s message had traction in minority communities. If Trump’s economy produces the results, it did in the first term, many of his first-time minority voters will vote Republican a second time and push the Democratic Party and its class warfare message further out into the political wilderness.
If Trump decides to apply the 20 per cent tariffs bandied about in the election, he will put much of this at risk. Insiders believe that these talking points will target China and its imports, but most of the products can be purchased or made elsewhere making the threat of inflation unlikely. The recent threat to impose tariffs on Mexico and Canada stems from the president’s efforts to ensure his progressive mates north and south understand who runs the show. That may work, but it could also become problematic. Time will tell if more friendly leaders in Canada will alleviate Trump’s grudge against his Canadian cousins.
Trump will need to rely on those who understand the basic principles of a market economy and propose legislation that will create jobs at home, take advantage of America’s natural resources, and harness the potential of the productive American worker who possesses strong skills, a competitive mindset, and appreciates a government that rewards and honours his/her entrepreneurial outlook. Once again, the business of America will be business.
Democratic Party intransigence
Most of the people this author speaks with who disagree with my coverage have not come to terms with Trump’s victory. The legacy media, the folks at the major networks, the columnists at the papers of record (NY Times, Washington Post), and large segments of the entertainment field (particularly the late-night shows) remain in shock and horror. There are a few who have interpreted the results with some acumen (Bill Maher, Fareed Zakaria, Brian Williams), but most analyze Americans as being misogynistic, racist, and xenophobic. Another typical response accuses Trump voters of being misinformed or victims of disinformation. On X many remain apoplectic, depressed, or angry about the election results. Many Democrats do not seem chastened or willing to understand why they lost. Instead of looking inward, they remain committed to their excessively progressive stances on men playing in women’s sports, demanding access to abortion for up to nine months, and mouthing support for Israel while staying neutral about Iran.
Representative Seth Moulton (D) of Massachusetts 6th Congressional District opined after the election, “Democrats spend way too much time trying not to offend anyone rather than being brutally honest about the challenges many Americans face. I have two little girls. I don’t want them getting run over on a playing field by a male or formerly male athlete, but as a Democrat, I’m supposed to be afraid to say that.” For his efforts he was roundly panned within his party and his campaign chair resigned, saying: “Millions of Americans today showed that they hate immigrants and transgender people more than they fear fascism.” If Democrats maintain these positions, they will continue their shift to more progressive stances that do not appeal to middle Americans. And Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders’ motions that would defund Israel for its ability to fend off Hamas and Hezbollah do not help either. Sanders proposed blocking the sales of weaponry to the Jewish state because he did not think they needed the supplies to defend their nation. Fortunately, 78 of his colleagues did not agree and the socialist senator from Vermont who caucuses with the Democrats will have to come up with another idea to help antisemites defeat the only democracy in the Middle East.
Peace in our times
As a disciple of peace through strength, Trump intends to avoid foreign wars, settle conflicts underway, and use American power to submit those wishing to create turmoil, cultivate unrest, or practice terrorism. Trump and his team, led by Marco Rubio as Secretary of State, will invest heavily in sending a clear message that American military power will be used to protect America’s interests. If doubt remains, Trump will forcefully speak to world leaders, leaving them unwilling to risk adventurism.
For decades, American leaders, outside of President Ronald Reagan, have been afraid to employ a victory strategy, instead desiring to engage on a limited basis, going back and forth between a total war outlook and one that leaves America’s enemies with the belief that they can wait out the Super Power until another distraction comes along. Trump’s team appears committed to winning, even if that means using full power for a duration. His advice to allies has been to go and get the job done if war occurs.
Those watching American foreign policy will see decisiveness, resolution, and a dogged determination on the part of this White House to send a clear message about America’s leadership globally and its expectations that nations intent on creating mischief will pay. America will not be involved in every conflict, but America’s interests will be communicated and protected. After four years of an administration that allowed the world to erupt, the Trump administration plans to enforce a pax Americana using the overwhelming power of its military and economic advantages. To the surprise of many, Trump may use the next four years to oversee an era of prosperity and peace that will make even some of his enemies grudgingly admire.
Dave Redekop is a retired elementary resource teacher who worked part-time at the St. Catharines Courthouse as a Registrar until being appointed Executive Director at Redeemer Bible Church in October 2023. He has worked on political campaigns since high school and attended university in South Carolina for five years, earning a Master’s in American History with a specialization in Civil Rights. Dave loves reading biographies.
