Donald J. Trump is a nationally despised man whose beliefs are unequivocally immoral. From his views on immigration and race to foreign policy he has inspired nothing but negative change in America. 

IMMIGRATION

Of all of Trump’s policy positions, immigration is by far the most irrational and poorly reasoned. His generalized and stereotypical views of Mexicans and their culture are despicable. These views are also backed by his utterly fictitious statements in his 2015 presidential announcement speech, “They’re bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists.” However, he does concede that perhaps some “…are good people.” In January of 2017, Donald Trump signed an executive order to strengthen the United States deportation force and it expanded the definition of what merits deportation to include anyone charged with a criminal offense. This includes minor offenses such as traffic violations and shoplifting. This is clearly a very unreasonable order that shows the complete close-mindedness of his actions. In the same announcement speech Trump said, “I will build a great wall—and nobody builds walls better than me, believe me.” He then showcases his admirable generosity when he goes on to say he will make Mexico pay for that wall. In the case of allowing the entrance of refugees from countries in the Middle East, Trump responded with his trademark sympathy and understanding. In January 2017 he signed the “travel ban” which placed a 90-day ban on majority Muslim countries from entering the United States. This also indefinitely halted incoming refugees from Syria. Then in October of the following year, Trump declared he would be signing an executive order to end birthright citizenship in the United States, because the Fourteenth Amendment is overrated. He continuously inculcates his ideas of intolerance through his heartless actions.

FEMINISM AND WOMEN’S RIGHTS

Trump is also an outspoken misogynist and is blind to the apparent inequality between men and women that still exists today. This can be seen through his contention that if Hillary Clinton cannot satisfy her husband how could she possibly satisfy America. How dare she forget her place as merely a homemaker and an object for her husband to do with as he pleases. How dare she try to take a stand for equal opportunities for women in America. Trump also displays his unwavering disrespect for women when discussing the Me Too movement. He states that “It is a very scary time for young men in America, where you can be guilty of something you may not be guilty of.” He also argues that while these young men are struggling, women are doing great. Trump is yet again incorrect, women face gender inequality with regard to the wage gap. Their claims of abuse and harassment, while they may be valid, are inconsequential when put against the apathetic words of men. It is easy to see that women are undervalued and oppressed in America today. Trump exhibits his disbelief in gender equality and women’s value through his repressive words.

ENVIRONMENT

Policy positions and their effect on the environment are critical to a nation’s survival. Donald Trump’s stances on big issues are careless and universally disadvantageous. In August of 2018, the Trump Administration announced its plans to cut back on coal emission regulations for coal-fired power plants stating they were “burdensome.” They are increasing state authority over emission decisions claiming that it “empowers states, promotes energy independence, and facilitates economic growth and job creation.” The administration is essentially saying the environment is unimportant and so are coal emissions. Improving the country’s economy and the power of private corporations are, after all, the only things that matter in America today. The Trump Administration said it best in their environmental impact statement released in September 2018, the planet is warming and there is nothing that can be done to prevent it. Before this in February of 2017 the United States Department of Agriculture was given a list of “blacklisted” terms that the agency could no longer use in its research. Scientists were instructed to replace “reduce greenhouse gases” with “build soil organic matter, increase nutrient use efficiency” and “climate change” with “weather extremes.” Donald Trump also has a great disrespect for wildlife, specifically endangered species. In March of 2018, the Trump Administration announced it would allow hunters to import trophies of African elephants hunted for sport. They claimed it was in order to raise money for conservation programs. Which is plausible considering that a licensed two-week elephant hunt can cost at least $50,000 per person. Raising money to conserve wildlife by glorifying the practice of hunting endangered animals for sport is ludicrous. Trump’s lack of consideration for the environment and its proper conservation should not be overlooked or glossed over. 

LGBTQIA+ RIGHTS

In America today, the intolerance of those who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community is unacceptable. Donald Trump does not seem to understand this, and goes out of his way to voice his condemnation of those in the community. He carries a particular disdain for the transgender community. In February of 2017, Trump signed an executive order reversing a directive from Obama’s time in office that allowed students to use the school bathroom corresponding to their gender identity. Then in October of 2018, the Trump Administration attempted to define gender as binary determined at birth on the basis of genitalia. The Department of Health and Human Services wrote in a memo that “sex means a person’s status as male or female based on immutable biological traits identifiable by or before birth.” They stated that the sex that is listed on one’s birth certificate will be clear proof of their sex unless refuted by reliable genetic data. How dare people want to identify as who they really are instead of as what their genitalia tells them they are. In May of 2019, Donald Trump openly declared his opposition to the Equality Act. This is the federal legislation that would substantiate and support civil rights protections for LGBTQIA+ Americans. In April of 2019, the Department of Defense put into effect Trump’s ban on transgender service members. This created a risk of service members being discharged if they come out or are found to be transgender. These are just a few of the many examples of Trump’s disgraceful treatment of those in the LGBTQIA+ community. 

Donald Trump’s intolerance, mercilessness and inconsideration are impeding America’s slow, but forward, trudge towards equality and inclusion. Trump has and will continue show his carelessness and ignorance towards those who do not conform to his “ideal” America. Both his ideas and actions are polluting this country.