The 45th president of the United States, Donald Trump, is a controversial figure. His presidency has sparked deep debate and discussion among Americans. His 2016 campaign was unprecedented and groundbreaking, creating an ideological shift away from standard Republican and Democratic ideologies. As a result, Americans are left wondering what the present and future of American politics have in store. This article will examine the effects the Trump presidency has had on American politics and the legacy it will leave for future politics.
Impact of the Trump Presidency
Donald Trump has had a groundbreaking impact on American politics. Throughout his term, he has disrupted the status quo of the Republican and Democratic establishments and has positioned himself as an outsider challenging the traditional forces. Here are some of the major impacts he has had.
Division of Political Partisanship
The Trump presidency has caused significant political divisions within the United States. In 2017, a Gallup poll found that political polarization was the strongest it had been since 1994. This polarization is largely due to Trump himself. He has energized a formerly small base of Republican voters and excited his supporters, but there has been an equal response from Democratic voters, who have become more and more disenfranchised. This has resulted in a further entrenchment of red and blue parts of the country.
Rise of Populism
The Trump presidency has also seen the rise of populism in the US. Trump’s anti-establishment messages have been embraced by citizens and resulted in a wave of populism that has been seen in other countries in the world. President Trump has sought to put the American people first, attempting to “drain the swamp” of Washington and institute policies that benefit American citizens before international interests. His positions on immigration, trade, and foreign policy have likewise put the American people first, signaling a new way of thinking in American politics.
Fear of Authoritarianism
The Trump presidency has sparked fear among many Americans, particularly among progressives and Democrats, that the United States could be moving towards an authoritarian state. President Trump’s authoritarian rhetoric and disregard for institutions and checks and balances has caused many to fear that the country could be headed towards an undemocratic government. Trump has also been accused of violating the Constitution in order to push his own agenda, something that could have far-reaching negative implications if left unchecked.
Legacy of the Trump Presidency
The legacy of the Trump presidency is largely up in the air as his term continues, but some key aspects have already been established that will have lasting effects on American politics for years to come.
Return to Ideological Politics
The Trump presidency has, in some ways, brought a return to ideological politics. He has broken from the traditional Republican and Democratic ideologies and has instead staked out his own, unique positions on the political spectrum. This has energized and excited voters from both sides of the aisle, creating a new dynamic and opening up the possibility of a new, more diverse range of views in American politics.
Rejection of Political Elites
The Trump presidency has also seen a rejection of political elites. The 2016 election saw a populist uprising in response to traditional political elites, which has led to a rejection of the Washington establishment. The Trump message of “draining the swamp” has resonated with many, who feel that political elites have grown too powerful and have too little accountability. This has resulted in a newfound admiration for outsiders who challenge the status quo.
Increased Emphasis on Local Politics
The Trump presidency has also put a newfound emphasis on local politics. Many citizens have become increasingly disillusioned with the federal government, leading to greater interest in local politics. This has resulted in greater engagement in small-scale issues, with citizens taking an active role in their own local governments. This has led to movements like the Tea Party, which uses grassroots tactics to push a conservative agenda.
The Trump presidency has profoundly changed American politics. He has caused deep divisions and increased polarization among the electorate. He has risen populism and sparked fear of authoritarianism. Eventually, his legacy will be seen as one of ideological disruption and rejection of the political elite. It has also led to a resurgence of grassroots, local politics and a new wave of views and ideologies entering public discourse. As the Trump presidency continues, Americans will continue to ponder the effects it has had on the future of American politics.
