5 Lessons We Can’t Forget: Reflecting on Trump’s First Term
What the first four years tell us about the next four—and why this election could be a turning point for American democracy.
Hello Nerds!
If you're like me, you've probably tried to block out much of the Trump presidency. We all lived through a whirlwind of tweets, chaos, and controversy, and now, with the 2024 election approaching, it's hard not to wonder what another four years might bring. For those of you on the fence, maybe you're center-left, or perhaps you're a former Nikki Haley supporter weighing your options, this is a crucial moment. Let’s revisit some of the most memorable (or forgettable) moments from Trump’s first term to understand what’s at stake.
During my latest livestream, I covered five major themes that shaped Trump’s presidency. Let’s break them down.
1. Alternative Facts and Ego Over Governance
From day one, Trump established a pattern: facts were malleable, and the truth could be bent to fit his narrative. Remember his first press briefing? Sean Spicer stood at the podium and declared, “This was the largest audience to ever witness an inauguration, period.” This was our introduction to what Kellyanne Conway later called “alternative facts.” Trump’s presidency wasn’t about governing through reality, but about projecting an image, one where he was always the best, the biggest, and the smartest—even if the facts said otherwise.
“This kind of set the stage for how Trump was going to run his White House: look the best, look the biggest, look the strongest, even if they had to use alternative facts,” I said during the livestream.
For undecided voters, it’s worth asking: Do we want a leader more focused on personal image than governing with integrity? This tendency to prioritize ego over truth was a hallmark of Trump’s administration, and there’s no sign it would change in a second term.
2. Ultra Nationalism and Its Dangerous Consequences
Another key theme was Trump’s flirtation with isolationism and how it played out in his policies and rhetoric. From his attempts to ban travel from Muslim-majority countries to his comments after the Charlottesville protests, it was clear Trump was willing to stoke division to rally his base. After Charlottesville, where white nationalists marched with torches, Trump famously said, “There were very fine people on both sides.”
This wasn’t just a gaffe; it was part of a broader pattern.
“After white nationalist groups marched in Charlottesville, waving Confederate flags and chanting ‘Jews will not replace us,’ Trump said there were good people on both sides,” I reminded viewers.
For voters undecided on Trump, particularly those who may have supported more moderate Republicans like Nikki Haley, this should give pause. What does it mean when a president fails to fully condemn such extremism? How does this embolden hate groups and divide the country even further?
3. Weakening Institutions: The Dismantling of Guardrails
Trump’s disdain for institutional guardrails was a recurring theme, whether it was firing FBI Director James Comey while under investigation for Russian interference or appointing loyalists to key positions. The theme was simple: Trump didn’t want oversight, and he often pushed out those who tried to hold him accountable. From replacing seasoned generals with political operatives like Steve Bannon to defying intelligence warnings about foreign interference, Trump demonstrated a clear contempt for expertise and checks on his power.
“Would he put Bannon back on the National Security Council or maybe Ivanka or Jared? Who knows? Precedent is not a big thing for him,” I pointed out during the show.
This is especially concerning as we head into the 2024 election. Trump has already signaled that if reelected, he plans to surround himself only with loyalists, discarding any remnants of institutional checks and balances. For center-left voters and moderate conservatives, the question becomes: Can we afford a president who operates without regard for democratic institutions?
4. Foreign Policy: From Chaos to Concessions
One of the most unsettling aspects of Trump’s first term was his foreign policy approach. Whether it was revealing classified intelligence to Russian officials in the Oval Office or throwing long-standing alliances into turmoil, Trump’s actions consistently raised eyebrows. Perhaps the most glaring example was his affinity for autocrats, particularly Vladimir Putin. When asked directly about Russian election interference, Trump infamously said, “I don’t see any reason why it would be [Russia].”
“Imagine if Hillary Clinton or Joe Biden had said that. The right would have gone ballistic. But when Trump sides with Putin over U.S. intelligence, somehow that’s okay,” I reflected.
For voters concerned about America’s standing in the world, this pattern of deference to authoritarian leaders should be alarming. Another four years of Trump could mean further isolation of the U.S. from its allies and a continued emboldening of adversaries like Russia and North Korea.
5. Undermining Democracy: The Road to January 6
Finally, we can’t talk about Trump’s presidency without addressing its climax: the January 6 insurrection. Throughout his term, Trump flirted with authoritarian tendencies—whether it was suggesting the election was stolen before votes were even counted or telling the Proud Boys to “stand back and stand by” during a presidential debate. His refusal to accept the results of the 2020 election culminated in a violent attack on the Capitol, an event that shocked the world.
“We saw the U.S. Capitol being violently attacked by our own citizens, encouraged by the man that is running for president again. Isn’t that a red line that was crossed?” I asked during the livestream.
For those who are still undecided, the question is simple: Can we afford another four years of a leader who undermined democracy and incited violence when he didn’t get his way?
Conclusion: The Stakes Are Higher Than Ever
As we reflect on Trump’s first term, it’s clear that the next election isn’t just about policy differences or economic preferences—it’s about the future of American democracy. From his disregard for facts to his weakening of institutions, from his dangerous foreign policy to his role in the January 6 insurrection, Trump’s presidency was defined by chaos and division. And if we’re not careful, his second term could be even worse.
“The second term might actually be more cray cray. He’s been pretty clear that he doesn’t want any institutionalists. This will be all ultra-MAGA,” I warned.
So, if you’re a center-left voter or a former Nikki Haley supporter weighing your options, now is the time to make your voice heard. The stakes are too high to sit this one out.
Let’s ensure we protect our democracy and move forward, not backward.
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Nikki Haley Independent here. Thanks for the trip down memory lane of the DJT presidency.