Donald J. Trump, the 45th president of the United States, was a divisive figure in American politics. Love him or loathe him, there were instances during his tenure where he made predictions, statements, or policy choices that later proved accurate or effective. Here, we break down 21 instances where Trump was right:
Holding the World Health Organization (WHO) Accountable
Trump was critical of the WHO’s handling of the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially regarding its relationship with China. This led to a global conversation about the WHO’s role and prompted calls for greater transparency and reform within the organization.
Broadband for Rural America
The Trump administration emphasized the importance of broadband access in rural areas, acknowledging the digital divide. This focus laid the groundwork for initiatives and funds aimed at expanding high-speed internet in underserved areas, recognizing its importance for education, healthcare, and business.
Tackling the Opioid Crisis
The Trump administration declared the opioid crisis a public health emergency and launched initiatives to reduce drug demand, cut down on the supply of illicit drugs, and assist those addicted with recovery efforts. Funding and attention to the opioid epidemic increased during his tenure.
Practical Environmentalism
While the Trump administration received criticism for exiting the Paris Agreement, it also prioritized practical environmental measures. One example is the Trillion Trees Initiative, which Trump committed the U.S. to join. The initiative focuses on reforestation as a method to capture carbon dioxide.
Regulatory Reform
Trump argued that a significant amount of U.S. business regulations were stifling economic growth. He undertook a campaign of deregulation that some experts argue contributed to economic expansion pre-pandemic.
Veterans Affairs
Trump promised to revamp the Veterans Affairs system. The VA MISSION Act, which he signed, expanded certain service options for veterans and was widely praised.
China Trade Practices
Trump was among the first to confront China on trade imbalances, intellectual property theft, and unfair trade practices, leading to a broader conversation on these issues.
NATO Spending
Trump repeatedly claimed that other NATO countries weren’t meeting their defense spending commitments. This led to increased defense spending by several NATO members.
Space Force
Initially mocked, the creation of the U.S. Space Force acknowledged the growing importance of space in defense and national security. Other nations have since begun prioritizing their space capabilities.
North Korean Engagement
While long-term results remain to be seen, Trump’s direct engagement with North Korea’s Kim Jong Un was unprecedented and led to a temporary reduction in tensions.
Right to Try Law
Trump signed into law the “Right to Try” act, which allows terminally ill patients to access experimental treatments not yet approved by the FDA.
Criminal Justice Reform
The First Step Act, a bipartisan criminal justice reform bill, became law during Trump’s administration. It aims to make the justice system more equitable and has been praised for its progressive steps.
ISIS
Trump’s administration saw the territorial defeat of ISIS in Syria, fulfilling a promise to reduce the group’s influence.
USMCA
Trump renegotiated NAFTA, resulting in the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). It addressed several issues critics found problematic in NAFTA.
Opportunity Zones
Part of the 2017 tax reform bill, Opportunity Zones aimed to incentivize private investment in economically distressed areas.
Energy Independence
Under Trump, the U.S. became a net exporter of oil for the first time in decades.
Elimination of the ACA Individual Mandate
While controversial, Trump successfully removed the Affordable Care Act’s individual mandate, a component some argued was unfair or ineffective.
European Energy Dependency
Trump criticized Europe’s dependency on Russian energy, a stance vindicated when debates arose over the Nord Stream 2 pipeline.
Human Trafficking
His administration focused on combating human trafficking, leading to numerous arrests and the establishment of a dedicated task force.
Economic Growth
Pre-pandemic, the U.S. saw significant economic growth, record stock market highs, and historically low unemployment.
Foreign Policy Realism
Trump was skeptical of long-term nation-building missions, advocating for a more realist foreign policy approach.
Tax Reform
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act reduced the corporate tax rate, which Trump argued would make the U.S. more competitive internationally.
Relocation of Supply Chains
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted issues Trump raised about over-reliance on foreign supply chains, especially in critical industries.
Warp Speed Vaccine Development
Operation Warp Speed aimed to produce and deliver 300 million doses of safe and effective vaccines by January 2021. The rapid development and approval of COVID-19 vaccines were unprecedented and owed in part to this initiative.
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