The Good Things Donald Trump Did
Donald Trump, the 45th President of the United States, left an indelible mark on the country and the world. Despite facing numerous challenges and controversies throughout his presidency, Trump managed to achieve several significant accomplishments. In this article, we will explore the good things that Donald Trump did during his time in office.
Economic Growth and Job Creation
One of Trump’s most significant achievements was his efforts to stimulate economic growth and create jobs. During his presidency, the US economy experienced a period of growth, with the GDP increasing by 2.9% in 2017. Trump’s tax cuts, which he signed into law in 2017, reduced corporate tax rates from 35% to 21% and lowered individual tax rates from 35% to 37%. This led to a significant increase in business investment, job creation, and economic growth.
Trade Wars and Tariffs
Trump’s trade policies, including the imposition of tariffs on imported goods, were a major focus of his presidency. The US imposed tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from countries such as China, Canada, and Mexico, in an effort to protect American industries and jobs. This move led to a trade war with several countries, but ultimately resulted in the signing of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) in 2020.
Judicial Appointments
Trump’s presidency saw a significant increase in the number of judicial appointments, with the Supreme Court and the federal judiciary experiencing a surge in new justices. Trump appointed two Supreme Court justices, Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh, and 21 federal judges, including 10 appeals court judges. These appointments helped to shape the judiciary and ensure that the courts would continue to play a vital role in interpreting the Constitution and laws.
Environmental Protection
Trump’s administration took steps to protect the environment and combat climate change. The Trump administration withdrew the US from the Paris Climate Agreement, which was a major international accord aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, the administration also implemented several environmental regulations, including the rollback of the Clean Power Plan and the withdrawal of the US from the Clean Water Act.
Border Security
Trump’s administration prioritized border security, with the implementation of several policies aimed at reducing immigration. The Trump administration built a wall along the US-Mexico border, which was a major focus of the administration’s immigration policy. The wall was intended to prevent unauthorized immigration and deter asylum seekers from entering the country.
Veterans’ Affairs
Trump’s administration made significant improvements to the Veterans Affairs (VA) system, with the implementation of several reforms aimed at improving care and services for veterans. The Trump administration increased funding for the VA, reduced wait times for veterans to receive medical care, and implemented new policies aimed at reducing wait times for mental health services.
Education Reform
Trump’s administration implemented several education reforms, including the implementation of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and the introduction of the "Betsy DeVos Education Act." The ESSA aimed to give states more flexibility in their education policies, while the DeVos Act aimed to increase funding for charter schools and vocational training programs.
Healthcare
Trump’s administration attempted to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare. The Trump administration proposed several changes to the ACA, including the elimination of the individual mandate and the expansion of short-term limited-duration insurance plans. However, the ACA was ultimately upheld by the Supreme Court in 2017.
National Security
Trump’s administration prioritized national security, with the implementation of several policies aimed at strengthening the country’s defenses. The Trump administration increased funding for the Department of Defense, reduced the number of troops in Afghanistan, and implemented new policies aimed at reducing the threat of terrorism.
Table: Trump’s Economic Growth and Job Creation
| Year | GDP Growth Rate | Unemployment Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 2.9% | 3.6% |
| 2018 | 2.3% | 3.5% |
| 2019 | 2.3% | 3.5% |
| 2020 | 2.3% | 3.5% |
Table: Trump’s Trade Policies
| Country | Tariff Rate | Tariff Amount |
|---|---|---|
| China | 25% | $200 billion |
| Canada | 15% | $1.3 billion |
| Mexico | 20% | $1.2 billion |
| United Kingdom | 10% | $1.3 billion |
| Japan | 5% | $1.1 billion |
Table: Trump’s Judicial Appointments
| Justice | Appointed by | Term |
|---|---|---|
| Neil Gorsuch | Trump | 2017-2024 |
| Brett Kavanaugh | Trump | 2018-2024 |
| Thomas Roberts | Trump | 2018-2024 |
| John Roberts | Trump | 2018-2024 |
| Amy Coney Barrett | Trump | 2020-2024 |
| Ketanji Brown Jackson | Trump | 2020-2024 |
Conclusion
Donald Trump’s presidency was marked by significant achievements in various areas, including economic growth, trade policies, judicial appointments, environmental protection, border security, veterans’ affairs, education reform, healthcare, national security, and the table of his economic growth and job creation. While Trump’s presidency was not without controversy, his efforts to stimulate economic growth, protect the environment, and strengthen national security were significant accomplishments.