An In-depth Analysis of Trump's Presidency: A Should an F Grade Be Given?
February 28, 2017, was the day the Trump presidency was assessed right after its inception. The initial impression was one of skepticism and disbelief, leading to a memorable remark: "LMAO maybe a Z-. " While the humor was undoubtedly on par, the analysis that follows provides a deeper, more critical assessment.
Grading Trump's Presidency
While some may argue for a higher grade, the consensus leans heavily towards a failing grade. Here's why:
History - F
The misconception that there were no airports during the Revolutionary War highlights a fundamental misunderstanding of American history. This indicates a broader lack of historical knowledge and a poor comprehension of the foundational facts that frame our nation's past.
Civics - F
The erroneous statement that the press is the enemy of the people, rather than the enemy of corrupt governments and dictators, demonstrates a misunderstood role of the media in a democratic society. It shows a failure to grasp the principles of checks and balances and the importance of an independent press in maintaining transparency and accountability.
Math - F
The comparison of vote counts (81 million vs. 74 million) and the erroneous statement regarding the size of inauguration crowds (smaller than Obama's) expose a basic lack of mathematical literacy. This serves as a reminder of the importance of data accuracy in conveying impersonal and objective information.
English - F
The rudimentary sentences and poor spelling and grammar in statements like "Coffeffe" underscore a general failure in written communication. This is critical for a leader responsible for articulating complex ideas to the public.
Science - F
The misinformation regarding the efficacy of alternative treatments and methods to stop a pandemic with qualifiers like "wishful thinking" reveals a lack of scientific acumen. This is particularly concerning in a global health crisis, where accurate information is paramount. Misinformation can have severe consequences and lead to public health disasters.
Creative Writing - A
In spite of the factual errors and poor language skills, Trump's creative use of alternative facts and hyperbole scored an A. Statements like "Coffee Bombing hurricanes" and "Youre the most persecuted president/man/person in history" exhibit a rhetorical flair, even if grounded in falsehoods.
Failures in Major Agenda Items
Despite numerous attempts and grand plans, the Trump presidency did not deliver on its major agenda items:
Healthcare Plan - No
A purportedly "beautiful healthcare plan" fell short of expectations. The failure to pass comprehensive healthcare reform left millions without affordable coverage, highlighting the limitations of the administration's approach.
Tax Cuts - No
Tax cuts were promised as being self-funding, but economic projections did not align with the stated goals. The lack of positive economic outcomes and missed revenue estimates indicate a failure to accurately forecast and manage economic policy.
Infrastructure - No
A robust infrastructure bill was not realized. The delay in passing necessary legislation resulted in continued neglect of critical infrastructure projects, affecting transportation, energy, and public services.
Denuclearization of NK - No
Efforts to denuclearize North Korea were unsuccessful. Instead, the situation worsened, indicating a failure to achieve the stated goal of non-proliferation.
New Jobs - No
The promise of new jobs through initiatives like the Foxconn debacle and factory closures failed to materialize. This reflects poorly on the administration's ability to attract investment and create meaningful employment opportunities.
Government Shutdown - Lost Face
The longest government shutdown in US history ended without any tangible gains for the administration, further damaging its credibility and public image.
Border Wall - Wasted Resources
The attempt to build a border wall with a leaky design that could be bought at Home Depot wasted resources and mockingly demonstrated a lack of foresight and planning.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Trump presidency's grandiose promises and failed attempts in core areas indicate a systemic failure to deliver on its key agenda items. A failing grade is therefore a well-deserved assessment, save for a few executive orders that any president might have signed anyway.