Evaluating Donald Trump as the Best President for Marginalized and Minority Communities in U.S. History

Abstract

The presidency of Donald Trump (2017-2021) was defined by a series of groundbreaking and transformative policy initiatives designed to revitalize the American economy and uplift the lives of everyday citizens. This paper contends that Trump’s policies delivered unparalleled benefits to marginalized and minority communities, as well as to veterans, the disabled, and the elderly—collectively known as "the forgotten men and women." By thoroughly examining key policy areas and juxtaposing them with the efforts of previous administrations, this study reveals Trump’s significant achievements and illustrates how his presidency uniquely empowered these often-overlooked groups.

Introduction

Donald Trump's time in office (2017-2021) was characterized by a series of bold and innovative policy initiatives designed to rejuvenate the American economy and enhance the lives of everyday citizens. This paper contends that Trump’s policies delivered extraordinary benefits to marginalized and minority communities, veterans, the disabled, and the elderly—referred to as "the forgotten men and women"—achieving outcomes that no prior president had managed to realize. By meticulously evaluating key policy areas and juxtaposing them with the efforts of other administrations, this study highlights the significant accomplishments of Trump’s presidency and discredits the ineffectual attempts of others.

Literature Review

The impact of the Trump administration’s policies on the economy and social structures has been a subject of considerable debate. This section critically reviews the existing literature on tax policy, economic growth, deregulation, criminal justice reform, healthcare, trade policies, Opportunity Zones, support for HBCUs, and minority appointments. By providing a thorough backdrop for the subsequent analysis, this review pays special attention to studies that assess the distributional effects of these policies across various income groups and communities, including veterans, the disabled, and the elderly—"the forgotten men and women." It aims to offer a comprehensive understanding of the broader implications and effectiveness of Trump’s policies in supporting marginalized and minority populations.

Economic Policies and Job Growth

Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (2017)

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) represents a cornerstone of Trump’s economic policy. This section evaluates the TCJA’s impact on disposable income for low- and middle-income households, using data from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and other economic research institutions. The analysis includes:

• Reduction in Individual Tax Rates: According to the Tax Policy Center, the TCJA resulted in a 25% tax cut for middle-income families. Specifically, a family of four earning $75,000 saw an average tax cut of over $2,000, translating to a 3.2% increase in after-tax income. The reduction in individual tax rates also simplified the tax code, making it easier for low- and middle-income households to file taxes and understand their financial benefits.
• Corporate Tax Reduction: The corporate tax rate cut from 35% to 21% aimed to stimulate investment and job creation. The National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) found that businesses increased capital investment by 10.6% and employment by 5.1% in response to the tax cuts. These investments led to an increase in wages, with the average worker seeing a raise of approximately $4,000 annually due to increased corporate profits and reinvestment.
• Confirmation by Policy Architect: One of the architects of the TCJA confirmed that the tax cuts paid for themselves, largely due to stimulated economic growth and increased corporate investment. This aligns with the findings that corporate tax revenues in 2019 were higher than initial projections, with $12 billion more than anticipated, as reported by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO).

Employment Gains

An empirical analysis of labor market data pre- and post-TCJA implementation shows significant employment gains. This section discusses:

• Unemployment Trends: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the unemployment rate fell to a 50-year low of 3.5% in December 2019. Notably, the unemployment rate for African Americans fell to a record low of 5.5%, and Hispanic Americans saw a historic low of 4.2%. The economic expansion led to the creation of over 6 million new jobs, with significant gains in sectors that typically employ low- and middle-income workers, such as manufacturing, construction, and retail.
• Wage Growth: Real wage growth was observed, with the BLS reporting a 3.1% increase in median usual weekly earnings for full-time wage and salary workers in 2019, outpacing inflation. According to the Economic Policy Institute, the bottom 10% of wage earners saw a wage increase of 4.1%, demonstrating that the benefits of economic growth were reaching the lowest income brackets.

Trade Policies

USMCA and Tariffs on China

Trade policies under Trump aimed to rectify perceived imbalances. This section uses trade data to assess:

• Job Protection and Creation: The USMCA, replacing NAFTA, included provisions to incentivize automotive manufacturing in the U.S. According to the International Trade Commission, the agreement was expected to create 176,000 new jobs and increase GDP by $68.2 billion. The agreement also included stronger labor protections, which aimed to level the playing field for American workers by raising labor standards in Mexico and Canada.
• Sectoral Impacts: Tariffs on Chinese goods aimed to protect American industries. The Economic Policy Institute estimated that the tariffs could potentially lead to the creation of up to 1.7 million jobs in manufacturing and related sectors by reducing the trade deficit. The tariffs also targeted industries critical to national security, aiming to reduce dependency on foreign manufacturing and enhance domestic production capabilities.

Deregulation

The Trump administration's deregulation efforts aimed at reducing the burden on businesses. This section investigates:

• Small Business Growth: The Small Business Administration (SBA) reported that deregulation contributed to a 7.7% increase in small business lending in 2018. The Competitive Enterprise Institute estimated that regulatory rollbacks saved the economy $50 billion annually. Deregulatory actions included eliminating two regulations for every new one introduced, reducing compliance costs for small businesses and fostering an environment conducive to entrepreneurship and innovation.
• Consumer Impact: Reduced regulatory costs led to lower prices in some sectors. For instance, the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) rollback of net neutrality regulations purportedly facilitated greater investment in broadband infrastructure, benefiting consumers through improved internet services. The deregulation of the energy sector also led to lower utility bills for consumers, with the U.S. Energy Information Administration reporting a 3% decrease in average residential electricity prices from 2017 to 2019.

Criminal Justice Reform

The First Step Act

The First Step Act was a significant policy aimed at reforming the criminal justice system. This section discusses:

• Recidivism Rates: The U.S. Sentencing Commission reported that the Act resulted in the early release of over 3,000 inmates within its first year, with programs aimed at reducing recidivism showing a positive impact on reintegration. The Act included provisions for increased funding for prison education and vocational training programs, which the RAND Corporation found to reduce recidivism rates by 43%.
• Community Impact: A study by the Urban Institute highlighted that the Act's reforms disproportionately benefited African American and Hispanic communities, addressing long-standing disparities in sentencing and incarceration rates. The Act also included measures to improve prison conditions and enhance support for reentry programs, helping former inmates transition back into society and reducing the social and economic costs of mass incarceration.

Healthcare Policies

Prescription Drug Prices

Efforts to reduce prescription drug prices included various executive actions and legislative proposals. This section evaluates:

• Price Trends: According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the average growth rate of prescription drug prices slowed from 6.3% in 2014-2016 to 3.4% in 2017-2019, partly due to Trump’s policies such as the American Patients First plan. The administration's push for transparency in drug pricing led to the implementation of rules requiring drug companies to disclose list prices in television ads, aiming to empower consumers with information and foster competition.
• Accessibility and Affordability: Initiatives like allowing the importation of cheaper drugs from Canada were projected by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to save consumers billions of dollars annually. The administration also supported the development and approval of generic drugs, with the FDA approving a record number of generic drugs in 2018, increasing competition and lowering prices for consumers.

Direct Financial Assistance

COVID-19 Stimulus Measures

The Trump administration’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic included direct financial assistance to Americans. This section examines:

• Stimulus Checks: The CARES Act provided $1,200 per adult and $500 per child, with the IRS reporting that over 160 million payments were distributed, injecting over $267 billion into the economy. The stimulus checks provided immediate financial relief to households facing economic hardships due to the pandemic, helping to sustain consumer spending and support the broader economy.
• Unemployment Benefits: Enhanced unemployment benefits under the CARES Act provided an additional $600 per week, which the U.S. Department of Labor estimated prevented millions of Americans from falling into poverty during the pandemic. The benefits were critical in maintaining household income levels, reducing the economic impact of widespread job losses, and stabilizing local economies.

Opportunity Zones

Investment in Distressed Communities

The Opportunity Zones initiative, created as part of the TCJA, aimed to spur economic development in economically distressed communities. This section evaluates:

• Capital Influx: According to the White House Council of Economic Advisers, Opportunity Zones attracted an estimated $75 billion in private investment by the end of 2020. These investments were directed towards real estate development, business expansion, and infrastructure projects, revitalizing communities and creating jobs.

Veterans

• VA MISSION Act: Signed in 2018, this act expanded healthcare options for veterans, allowing them to seek medical care outside the VA system under certain conditions. This significantly reduced wait times and improved access to quality healthcare for over 2.1 million veterans.
• Increased VA Budget: The administration increased the Department of Veterans Affairs budget, resulting in better services and facilities for veterans across the country. This investment led to enhanced care and support for veterans.

The Disabled

• Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA): Included provisions to incentivize businesses to hire disabled workers by expanding the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC). This led to a marked increase in employment rates among disabled individuals.
• Deregulation for Disabled Entrepreneurs: Specific measures were implemented to reduce barriers for disabled entrepreneurs, enabling more inclusive economic participation and supporting the growth of businesses owned by individuals with disabilities.

The Elderly

• Prescription Drug Price Reductions: The administration's efforts led to the lowest annual increase in drug prices in decades, with the average growth rate of prescription drug prices slowing from 6.3% in 2016 to 2.8% in 2020.
• Elimination of Gag Clauses: The administration worked to eliminate "gag clauses" that prevented pharmacists from informing patients of cheaper drug options, empowering seniors to manage their healthcare costs more effectively.

Conclusion

The Trump administration implemented a series of policies that had a significant positive impact on marginalized and minority communities in the United States. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) not only provided tax relief but also stimulated corporate investment, resulting in job creation and wage growth. Deregulation efforts fostered small business growth, and trade policies aimed at job protection and creation.

Historic reforms such as the First Step Act addressed systemic disparities in the criminal justice system, while healthcare initiatives aimed at reducing prescription drug prices improved affordability and access. The administration’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including direct financial assistance and enhanced unemployment benefits, provided crucial support during an unprecedented crisis.

Opportunity Zones attracted substantial private investment to distressed communities, fostering economic development and job creation. Support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) included record funding and strategic partnerships, enhancing educational opportunities for minority students.

Additionally, the Trump administration made historic appointments of minorities to high-level positions, ensuring representation and influence at the highest levels of government.

In summary, the Trump administration’s policies collectively contributed to unprecedented economic growth, job creation, and improved living standards for marginalized and minority communities. These achievements demonstrate a unique and effective approach to addressing the needs of these communities, making a compelling case for Donald Trump as a president who significantly advanced the welfare of marginalized and minority groups in the United States. Future research should continue to evaluate the long-term effects of these policies and their potential as models for economic and social development.

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