Writing Through Tumult

Writing about the Trump administration is both cathartic and challenging. The critiques capture the anxiety and frustration shared by many Americans while underscoring the high stakes of political engagement during these tumultuous times.

As much as most writers would prefer to focus on more uplifting topics, there remains a responsibility to grapple with the complexities of leadership, ethics, morality, and the enduring struggle to uphold democratic ideals. The hope being to help other Americans recognize what’s actually at stake.

This era feels like one of the most polarizing and consequential periods in contemporary American politics. Reporting on it has become an exercise in balancing alarm, cynicism, and urgency. Beneath some of the confrontational tones lie broader commentaries on governance, ethics, and the societal upheavals wrought by an administration that thrives on undemocratic methods and personal profit motivations.

The Specter of Corruption

One of the defining characteristics of the Trump administration is its blatant disregard for ethical governance. The imagery of "sacking Rome from the inside" often comes to mind. It’s hard not to draw parallels to the fall of great civilizations when considering all the greed and self-serving behavior that pervades this administration. Calling it a “grift” feels like an understatement, as Trump and his appointees prioritize personal gain over public service.

This comparison to Rome’s fall is particularly poignant because it illustrates a betrayal of foundational democratic values. Just as Rome succumbed to internal decay, America is rapidly losing its democratic integrity due to the rampant corruption from within. While this demise isn’t unique just to Trump’s presidency, it’s especially acute during this tenure.

Dismantling Progress: A Regressive Agenda

There is a segment of “Americans” who adhere to the ideology and hold the views that non-white and non-Christian individuals should leave or be deported from the United States. Donald Trump, has significant support from Christian nationalists, and he promises "the largest deportation operation in the history of our nation."?

It is estimated this perspective represents approximately 30% of Americans, leaving skeptics at about (37%) and Rejecters of this perspective at about (30%) of Americans. Interestingly, if this segment of “Americans” were to achieve their “utopian” objective, it would result in the antithesis of their narrative to “Make America Great Again.”

• The U.S. population would decrease to around 200 million
• Approximately 40% of the U.S. workforce would be lost, including critical sectors like healthcare, technology, and agriculture.

o?? Agricultural production would be severely impacted, leading to tremendous food shortages nationwide.

o?? The healthcare system would collapse due to loss of medical professionals and support staff.

• The U.S. would lose its position as a global superpower due to devastating economic and innovation declines.
• ·Such actions would result in severe international condemnation and sanctions.
• Prior to its collapse, the federal government would face an astronomical budget deficit, leading to highly accelerated borrowing attempts and tremendous spending cuts nationwide.
• The U.S. GDP would shrink by 30-40%, triggering a severe economic collapse.
• International trade agreements would be nullified, leading to economic isolation and would further exacerbate the economic collapse.
• Military readiness would be severely compromised leaving America vulnerable to aggression by enemy countries.

The new administration’s policies represent a deliberate rollback of progress on multiple fronts, targeting women’s rights, LGBTQ rights, and climate change initiatives. This regression reflects an unsettling hostility toward marginalized communities.

• Women’s rights? “Get back in the kitchen!”
• LGBTQ rights? “Stay in the closet!”
• Climate change? “That’s a hoax—bring on the cheap oil!”
• Religious freedoms and civil rights? “Either leave or get deported”

These rhetorical caricatures capture many American’s frustration with this agenda that is both destructive, regressive and dismissive of the decades of hard-won progress. The administration’s denial of climate change as a “hoax” is particularly alarming. This stance not only undermines urgent domestic action but also alienates international allies, painting America as insular and reactionary.

The erosion of these rights and values is disheartening. For many Americans, it feels like a repudiation of decades of efforts to build a more equitable and sustainable future in America.

The Role as a Reluctant Laoco?n

Many writers often feel like Laoco?n, the Trojan priest from Greek mythology who warned against bringing the wooden horse into Troy, famously crying, “Beware of Greeks bearing gifts.” His warning was ignored, and Troy fell.

This period is not just about one presidency: it’s a microcosm of broader debates about America’s future. We are witnessing how fragile progress can be and how easily foundational values can erode. Institutions degrade, and short-term gains are prioritized over long-term stability. These challenges will persist if we fail to remain vigilant.

I yearn for a more harmonious existence, and I never want to be the writer perpetually sounding alarms, but the gravity of the moment pulls me back.

Even if my words fall on deaf ears.