I don’t know where to start when it comes to assessing the current administration, its policies, and its impact. Is it the many contradictions? Is it the grotesque departure from civility and decorum? Maybe it’s the brazen fleecing of America, or the many people who were swayed by rhetoric and voted against their own interests, blinded by identity politics. And then the culminating question to anyone bearing the red mark of MAGA: Is America great again yet?
Beyond the rhetoric, let’s examine where America stands statistically and categorically compared to the last four years. It’s imperative to break through the partisan barrier and the rejection of any assessment that calls into question this administration and its policies by Republicans and liberal or Democratic sympathizers. I am neither; I am a self-styled Issuecrat, with no blind loyalty to either party but to principles that serve the interests of our people, more pointedly African-American people who, despite our longstanding struggles, oppression, and fight to ascertain human and constitutionally guaranteed liberties, are still lagging behind in many areas, while beneficiaries of our struggles and efforts advance.
There are many lessons that are being taught and learned. We, African-Americans, could or should become more cautious of our alignments and efforts as many people, including Latinos, white women, those in the immigrant communities, and government and military veterans, aligned themselves with a president and administration whose policies are seeking to further marginalize them.
For instance, veterans, who have historically been a significant support base for conservative candidates, continued this trend in the 2024 election. According to exit polls, veterans overwhelmingly supported Trump, with 65% casting their vote for him. However, the administration’s proposed cuts to social programs, including veterans’ benefits, raise questions about the alignment between campaign promises and policy actions.
Similarly, the Hispanic community saw a notable shift in voting patterns. Approximately 46% of Latino voters supported Trump in 2024, a significant increase from previous elections. Yet, the administration’s stringent immigration policies and derogatory remarks about regions like Puerto Rico, referring to it as a “dump,” have had adverse effects on these communities.
Rural voters, comprising 19% of the electorate, predominantly supported Trump, with 64% casting their votes for him. However, the administration’s aggressive tariff policies have negatively impacted the agricultural sector, leading to increased costs for farmers and reduced access to international markets.
The Muslim community’s support for Trump was relatively low, with only 34% voting for him. This is unsurprising, given the administration’s policies, such as recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and overlooking aggressive actions in Gaza, which have been detrimental to Muslim-majority regions and the displacement and murder of thousands of Palestinian families, many women and children.
Government workers have also felt the administration’s impact. Efforts to reduce the federal workforce by over 9,500 employees, primarily targeting probationary staff, have raised concerns about the potential disruption of vital services and employee rights.
The totality of the administration’s social and economic policies, including tariffs and proposed voter suppression laws, has had negative impacts on various communities. For instance, the proposed law requiring women to vote under their maiden names, as listed on their birth certificates, could disproportionately affect married women, leading to potential voter suppression.
One can hide behind any explanation they like to justify the aims of not just the policies put forth thus far but the “caucasification” of the cabinet, the courts, and America. This consolidation of power seems to be an active scheme that mirrors the power dynamics of a white minority ruling over a majority population, reminiscent of apartheid-era South Africa. Speaking of South Africa, how do we justify an immigration policy and mantra of “America First” with South African-born Elon Musk at the decision-making helm of America’s institutions? By the way, we’re still waiting on the Anti-Defamation League and other Jewish groups to express their concerns about Musk’s controversial actions, such as his alleged Nazi salute with the backdrop of the American flag.
The hypocrisy of those who fear the “liberal” Democrats wanting to take guns away is evident. President Trump agreed with Attorney General Pam Bondi, who, in 2018, suggested advocating a policy that would take guns away from people upon arrest—a gun violence restraining order—during a roundtable with Trump.
The United States is increasingly isolating itself on the world stage. The economy, within the first few months of 2025, shows signs of strain compared to the previous four years. Economic indicators suggest the U.S. economy is at risk of a significant slowdown in 2025, with challenges in the job market, a sluggish housing market, and narrowing growth sources indicating a more sluggish economic outlook.
The list of hypocrisies, unkept promises, and lies is too long for one article. The onus is on supporters to open themselves to objective engagement with facts because many of them are now suffering the most, from their pocketbooks to feelings of betrayal. Not long ago, conservatives were saying Obama was too soft on Russia, claiming diplomacy doesn’t work. Now, look at the administration’s posture with Putin—it’s complete acquiescence to Russia in relation to Ukraine. Now Secretary of Defense Peter Hegseth and other Republicans now tout diplomacy in its engagement of Russia.
Then ask yourself, without partisan lenses or loyalty, are we as a country better yet? I guess once one studies personalities like Hitler and Rev. Jim Jones (Guyana Tragedy), and the methodologies, strategies, language, and demonization, marginalization and ultimate extermination of a people, one could understand how such individuals become brainwashed and just how they did it with the collusion, complicity and cowardness. NEXT: What The Hell Yall Dems Doing?
These are just the Ramblings of an Issuecrat.
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