Why All The Controversy Surrounding Trump's Orders? - Political opinions should be based on facts.

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INTRODUCTION:

Greetings. Like most, I watch the news. However, I don't watch just one network. I like to watch more than one to get everyone's views, and then I will form my opinion. To create an informed opinion, an individual must listen to both sides. Yes, at some point, that person will align with someone whose opinion aligns with theirs. But remember the golden rule. Opinions are like rear ends. Everyone has one.

During the campaign year, many people said, "I can't wait for the election to be over and all the 'BS' stops." I had to laugh. Why? Because the controversy never stops. Those who do not support President Trump will always have their narrative because they do not like him—PERIOD! Unfortunately, that is not fair to any President who has been elected to office. However, President Trump is resilient, which is unique to his personality. When most others will cave, he will continue to fight. It is an honorable trait for any person to possess.

This week's blog post addresses that issue—the controversy surrounding his executive orders. Therefore, sit tight because I believe we are in for one heck of a ride. Remember that although this week's post may seem to be based on some of my opinions, as always, they are backed by facts, not fantasy. In addition, let us not forget the definition of the word mandate. President Trump calls his actions mandates because they are what he promised to do during his campaign. By definition - "the authority to carry out a policy or course of action, regarded as given by the electorate to a candidate or party that is victorious in an election." This is what the people who voted for him expected him to do.

WHY ALL THE CONTROVERSY:

Donald Trump’s presidency, marked by contentious policies and executive orders, has incited significant public debate and controversy. From immigration bans to environmental rollbacks, Trump's directives have sparked protests, extensive legal challenges, political backlash, and discussions about the implications for democracy and how he governs the United States. President Trump is doing what many Presidents have failed to do. Almost every President has promised to cut government spending and reduce the size of the federal government, but they have failed. President Trump is escaping the accepted norms that politics has enjoyed for years and is doing what he promised to do.

To understand the controversy surrounding Trump’s orders, one must consider the context of executive power in the United States. The executive order is a tool granted to the President by the Constitution, allowing them to manage federal operations. Historically, presidents have used executive orders to implement their policies, but the scale and nature of Trump's orders have drawn heightened scrutiny.

Trump took office during a politically polarized era, with deep divisions between the Democratic and Republican parties. His unilateral approach to governing intensified partisan tensions and generated significant opposition from various groups, including civil rights organizations, environmental activists, and his political opponents. That does not make his executive orders wrong. He is honoring his campaign promises—the ones he made during the campaign that caused millions to vote for him.

LET'S LOOK AT SOME KEY ISSUES:

The landscape of American politics has always been surrounded by tension. Still, Donald Trump’s second term has proven to be the center of controversy, particularly regarding the orders and initiatives he has enacted. As the 45th President of the United States, Trump's first term was marked by significant policy changes and headline-grabbing remarks. However, his much-anticipated second term has sparked debates that resonate across the political, social, and economic spectrum. He ran a straightforward and to-the-point campaign versus how he ran his campaign for the 2020 election.

Donald Trump's second term began in January 2025. Still, it was marked by unique challenges from the events during his first term, a polarized electorate, and the fallout from the 2020 presidential election. The aftermath of the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, set an unprecedented tone for his presidency. Supporters wanted his leadership, while detractors focused on his perceived divisiveness and challenges to democratic norms.

Trump's claims of a fraudulent election sparked widespread discord, leading to misinformation campaigns that infected public discourse. During his second term, he continues to amplify these claims, using executive orders and public speeches to challenge the legitimacy of the electoral process. This persistent narrative of "stolen elections" fueled his base and polarized the country further. In addition, all the unwarranted legal actions taken against him also fueled his base. Whether you like Trump or not, he has taken the hit for America.

One of the most controversial aspects of Trump’s second term has been his approach to immigration. His administration has made headlines with attempts to revive policies from his first term, like constructing the border wall and strict immigration enforcement measures. Orders that aimed to limit the influx of refugees and address asylum processes reignited debates on human rights and humanitarian responsibilities. Critics argue that these policies not only threaten families and communities but also focus on a narrow, often racially charged, definition of national identity. That said, no argument can be made regarding the law. Yet, some will still try.

Trump's approach to environmental regulations has sparked considerable debate. Continuing with permissions for fossil fuel extraction and rolling back regulations designed to combat climate change has stoked protests from environmental activists and scientists. The administration's decisions produced a backlash from a growing segment of the electorate increasingly concerned about climate change, sustainability, and the need for a green economy. However, other nations producing energy from fossil fuels do not produce it as cleanly as the United States and get a pass because they are considered developing nations. HOGWASH. Is there such a thing as giving a nation a pass on public safety because they are a developing nation, and how many years are they considered a developing nation? Therefore, producing our oil domestically lowers energy costs, reducing the costs of other goods. You may not like oil, but solar panels will not cut it.

At least until a safer, more reliable means of getting energy is developed or perfected, such as nuclear energy. Domestic oil production also increases our economy because we can export our oil, creating jobs that, in turn, increase tax revenue.

In healthcare, Trump continued to push for repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which has generated divisive reactions. Critics of his administration’s health orders argue that they may lead to millions losing insurance coverage, while supporters believe it is a necessary step toward reducing government overreach in healthcare. However, President Trump insists that no services will be cut. Is the jury still out on this one?

Trump's second term also confronted race relations and social justice movements. The resurgence of discussions around police reform and racial equity following high-profile incidents of police violence meant that Trump's responses to social unrest were highly scrutinized. His administration oscillated between supporting law and order and making overtures toward acknowledging systemic racism, leading to accusations of hypocrisy. Trump has also defined our country as a male and female society. Taking strides to keep men out of women's sports, where I believe they do not belong. If someone chooses to identify as male or female and is not anatomically fitting that identity, start your own leagues and compete on a fair and even playing field.

Numerous other orders are involved, but again, remember—these changes were all part of his campaign promises, which won him the election.

SHRINKING OUR FEDERAL GOVERNMENT:

For decades, Presidents have said we need to shrink federal spending and the size of the federal government. None have done it. Now, Trump is. Since Donald Trump was re-elected, discussions surrounding federal spending and budget allocations have again taken center stage. While the Trump administration had previously aimed at reducing government waste, many have argued that inefficiencies and mismanagement persist, leading to concerns about fiscal responsibility. One of Trump's campaign promises was to eliminate wasteful spending and reduce the size of government, famously encapsulated in the phrase "drain the swamp." However, critics argue that numerous instances of waste and inefficiency do not exist.

Despite the pressing need for pandemic relief, some funds intended for COVID-19 response efforts have been criticized for being misallocated. Numerous reports indicate that funds earmarked for small businesses and healthcare providers have benefitted larger corporations or were mismanaged, resulting in significant waste.

While defense spending has significantly increased, oversight reports have shown that contracts have often been awarded to companies with questionable track records, and the Pentagon cannot pass an audit. Cost overruns, delayed deliveries, and unused equipment highlight inefficiencies within the Department of Defense, raising questions about the legitimacy of such expenditures. In light of growing concerns, some members of Congress have initiated bills to audit unnecessary spending and enforce stricter guidelines for government contracts. These initiatives demonstrate a collective effort to address and curb wasteful spending at the federal level. This was a long time coming and long overdue. People in power and decision-making roles should and need to be held accountable.

Therefore, Elon Musk, who is not paid, must find as much federal waste as possible. You can't do that without getting some people mad at you. Here are some of the categories of wasteful spending found.

1. Unconditional Aid: Some countries receive large sums without strict guidelines on how funds should be spent. This lack of accountability can lead to poor governing, corruption, and inefficient resource allocation. For instance, a Center for Global Development study found that direct cash transfers to governments with weak institutions often exacerbate corruption rather than relieve poverty.

2. Misallocated Projects: Foreign aid sometimes supports projects that do not align with the actual needs of the recipient country. An example is infrastructure construction in areas with insufficient local demand, leading to unused facilities and wasted capital. A notable case is Africa's “white elephant” projects, where billions have been spent on roads or buildings with little purpose.

3. Oversight and Bureaucratic Costs: High administrative and operational costs decrease the percentage of aid that reaches its intended recipients. Funds spent overseeing distribution, compliance checks, and mission expenses can often exceed the amount designated for actual program implementation.

4. Military Aid: A significant portion is directed toward military spending, particularly in conflict-prone regions. Critics argue that resources are often funneled into perpetuating conflicts or misused for bolstering regimes harmful to their populations, as seen in certain parts of the Middle East and Africa.

5. Consulting and Technical Assistance: External consultants hired to implement projects often command exorbitant fees, diverting resources from local expertise and capacity-building initiatives. Reports have shown that, in some cases, consultants earn salaries and benefits far above what local professionals receive, contributing to a cycle of dependency.

6. Tied Aid: Some nations provide aid with conditions that require funds to be spent on goods and services from the donor country. This practice inflates costs and undermines the local economy, as recipient countries may lack the infrastructure or capacity to implement these conditions effectively.

There are some advantages to the allocation of funds to foreign nations:

National Security: Assisting fragile states can help stabilize regions and prevent the spread of conflict that could threaten national security interests.

Humanitarian Obligations: Countries often feel a moral responsibility to assist in crises, whether due to natural disasters, pandemics, or conflicts, guided by human rights principles and global citizenship.

Economic Interests: Donor countries may tie aid to opening markets for their goods, creating long-term trade relationships benefiting their economies.

Geopolitical Influence: Financial assistance can be leveraged as a tool for diplomacy, garnering support in global forums or suppressing unfavorable actions from other nations.

The Controversies:

The debate around wasteful international spending often hinges on starkly different ideological perspectives. Aid proponents argue that it has lifted millions out of poverty and enabled crucial infrastructure improvements. At the same time, opponents highlight numerous unsuccessful programs, inefficiencies, and corruption with no real accountability for where the money is going.

A notable example is U.S. aid to Afghanistan, which has totaled over $145 billion since 2001. Despite the significant expenditures, the country struggled with corruption and poor governance, leading many to question the overall impact of the aid.

Potential Solutions:

To address wasteful spending, several policy recommendations have emerged:

1. Greater Accountability: Implementing more stringent monitoring and evaluation processes to ensure funds are used effectively and reach those most in need.

2. Locally Driven Initiatives: Encouraging projects prioritizing local knowledge and expertise can maximize aid effectiveness by aligning resources with genuine needs.

3. Conditional Aid: While controversial, making aid contingent upon government reforms or measurable outcomes may incentivize recipient countries to use funds responsibly.

4. Engaging in Multi-Stakeholder Approaches: Collaborative partnerships between donor nations, recipient governments, and local communities can enhance transparency and focus aid on sustainable development.

5. Eliminating Tied Aid: Shifting towards untying aid can enable recipient countries to make more cost-effective purchases and promote local economies.

I can go on and on about the $20 billion waste found within the EPS, the $59 million given by FEMA to house immigrants in New York City hotels, a New York City city hall spokesperson stating that $19 million was hotel costs, and the rest went to food, the Sesame Street program in Iraq for a whopping $20 million, and so much more. (Courtesy Google)

IN CLOSING:

The controversy surrounding Trump’s orders in his second term is multifaceted, fueled by a complex interplay of heightened political landscapes, issues of governing, and deeply rooted societal divisions. As he presses onward with policies that evoke significant reactions across the spectrum, the ramifications extend beyond immediate legislation and executive actions. They shape the very fabric of American democracy, igniting debates that may determine not just the path of his presidency but also the future of political discourse in the United States.

As Americans grapple with the implications of Trump’s orders, They are confronted with questions about how we govern as a nation. Are we holding those responsible accountable? Are we holding to the values that define our nation? The answers to these questions will undeniably reverberate for years to come.

Like many, I have listened to many economists. They all have different opinions. Therefore, who is right and who is wrong? You also cannot judge the economy by the stock market. The stock market deals with the anticipated future, meaning what may or may not occur. I like to use what I call "The real economy."

The real economy, as I call is based on reality. This means a store cannot lower the price of goods they paid a higher price for until that inventory is reduced and the same goods they paid a lesser price for have started to hit their shelves. Money is a trickle-down effect. Some of Trump's economic decisions will produce immediate results, while others will take months.

Use your own life as an example. Some people take months or even years to save $10,000. However, you can spend it in seconds with the stroke of a pen or a card swipe. Trump has only been in office for three months. Time will tell if his economic plan will work. Frankly, I believe it will, and our country and its citizens will benefit from it. Running a country is like running a business. It requires smart decisions and sound fiscal management to flourish. Cutting out waste and watching what we spend is critical. Becoming independent, whether in technology or energy, is essential to our survival and global standing.

Learn to look at the larger picture rather than the individual event. That is the key to successfully governing. Everything between point A and point E is the politics that accompany it. Lastly, our two political parties must learn to unite for the common good. They need to solve their internal problems, gain their individual strength, and pool that together to make us a great nation, not only globally but domestically.

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