Donald Trump’s last tenure created an environment where truth became malleable and hate was normalised. Yet his defenders remain unwavering, dismissing his divisive language and actions as mere political theatre. But this was never just politics. It was—and is—a moral crisis that we are still grappling with today. This article could delve into the disturbing details of Trump’s conviction for sexually assaulting E. Jean Carroll, or it could focus on his 34 felony charges and 88 criminal convictions. Yet, it won’t. Because unfortunately there are those who will argue that his personal transgressions are irrelevant, that what truly matters is what he’s done for the country. So, instead, let’s address exactly that: What has he done for America? It’s time to examine the policies, the rhetoric, the decisions, and the consequences of his leadership.
During Donald Trump’s time in office, he often accused the media of spreading “fake news,” which gradually destroyed the public’s trust in journalism. He frequently targeted outlets like CNN, The New York Times, and The Washington Post, calling their critical coverage biased or made up, even though these organisations based their reports on credible sources. His famous line, “What you’re seeing and what you’re reading is not what’s happening,” became a hallmark of his broader effort to question the truth and blur the lines between fact and fiction. This approach had measurable consequences. A 2020 Pew Research Center study found that trust in traditional news media fell among Republicans, with 70% believing journalists intentionally misled the public. Simultaneously, misinformation flourished on platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Trump repeatedly promoted unproven treatments, such as hydroxychloroquine, which was disapproved of scientifically, creating public confusion. While remaining sceptical of media bias is healthy, Donald Trump dismissed factual reporting. The January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol demonstrates the dangers of this erosion of truth. This event was largely motivated by false claims about election fraud, which was amplified by Trump and others. Actions like these prove how disregarding verified information can cause chaos in democracies and pick societies apart.
Trump unequivocally failed to denounce the forces of white supremacy that surged during his time in office. He stated that there were “very fine people on both sides” after the fatal rally in Charlottesville; the rally had been organized by white nationalist and neo-Nazi groups. One woman, Heather Heyer, was killed by a car driven into a crowd of counter-protesters. It was then that Trump utterly failed in perhaps the most basic moral requirement of any leader- to stand against hate, to condemn racial violence in all its forms. Instead, Trump gave license to bigotry. Supporters may argue that Trump was trying to promote peace, that not everyone involved in the rally was a racist. But peace cannot exist in a vacuum of moral ambiguity. A true leader does not hedge on matters of justice. Rejecting white supremacy promotes peace by upholding equality and justice, rather than encouraging conflict – a concept unbeknownst to Trump.
Trump’s economic and foreign policies harmed U.S. interests. His tax cuts, which were promoted as benefiting the middle class, mostly helped corporations and the wealthy, worsening income inequality and increasing the national debt by nearly $7.8 trillion. His trade war with China, aimed at reducing the trade deficit, led to higher costs for American consumers and
retaliatory tariffs that hurt U.S. farmers, resulting in billions in government bailouts. Globally, Trump’s “America First” approach alienated key allies and weakened long-standing partnerships. He withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement and the Iran nuclear deal; he had public disputes with NATO allies, including threats to reduce U.S. contributions; he strained the alliance at a time when global cooperation was vital. Ultimately, he left the U.S. economically vulnerable and diplomatically isolated.
These disappointments are not confined to policy alone; they reflect a broader pattern of behaviour that undermines trust and responsibility. Trump’s disregard for truth and promises extend beyond international relations, revealing a leader willing to prioritise personal gain over the well-being of the nation and its people. A classic example would be when in 2019, Trump announced that the 2020 G7 Summit would be hosted at his Trump National Doral resort, citing convenience and cost-effectiveness. Critics accused him of using his presidency to funnel taxpayer money into his struggling property, raising ethical concerns and allegations of self-dealing. After public criticism, he cancelled the plan, but many saw it as putting personal gain ahead of public trust.
Trump has shown time and time again that no one is exempt from his disregard, and no promise is sacred. A clear example of Trump disregarding loyalty and promises is his treatment of Jeff Sessions, his former Attorney General and an early supporter. After Sessions recused himself from overseeing the Russia investigation, Trump attacked him publicly, calling him weak and eventually forcing him to resign. Despite Sessions’ loyalty, Trump discarded him when he felt betrayed, showing that even close allies were not exempt from being cast aside. He has repeatedly proven that his words are mere tools of manipulation, meant to rally support momentarily without any intention of honouring them. For example, during his 2016 campaign, Trump promised he would “never settle a lawsuit,” pledging to fight every case “to the end.” Yet, less than a year into his presidency, he quietly settled multiple lawsuits for millions of dollars, including one involving the now-infamous Trump University fraud case, in which it was exposed that Donald Trump misled thousands of people looking for real estate education. While advertised as a top-tier program with instructors “hand-picked” by Trump, evidence showed he had little involvement, and students felt pressured to pay up to $35,000 for programs that didn’t deliver on their promises. After facing multiple lawsuits, Trump settled for $25 million in 2016 without admitting guilt. This is not the behaviour of a man who respects his word—it’s the pattern of someone who will say anything to maintain power, even if it means turning his back on his own promises, his own supporters, and the very principles he claimed to uphold.
The true measure of a leader is not just in the policies they enact, but in the way they uphold the dignity and humanity of every citizen. Trump’s words and actions show a man willing to sacrifice those values for political gain. In doing so, he has left his country with wounds that may take generations to heal. And in the silence of those who choose not to speak out, the nation must reckon with the lasting damage done by a president who thrives on division, hatred, and misinformation.
By Limor Hirst, student
