Donald Trump’s First Year in Office
Donald Trump’s first year in office as the 45th President of the United States of America has been a whirlwind of activity. Trump has pushed an ambitious agenda and made some bold decisions that have been both praised and criticized. This article will provide an overview of the first year of the Trump presidency, including a look at the major policy accomplishments, controversies, and his approval ratings.
Major Policy Accomplishments
One of the major accomplishments of President Trump’s first year in office was the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. This legislation significantly reduced the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, and included numerous other tax cuts for individuals. It is estimated that these tax cuts will add $1.5 trillion to the federal deficit over the next decade.
In addition to the tax bill, Trump also signed an executive order that rolled back the Obama-era Clean Power Plan, which was designed to combat climate change. The order replaces the plan with a weaker version that allows states to set their own regulations on emissions.
Trump also repealed the Affordable Care Act’s individual mandate, which required people to have health insurance or pay a penalty. This repeal could result in 13 million fewer people having health insurance by 2027. Trump has also made progress in renegotiating NAFTA, the trade deal between the US, Canada, and Mexico.
Controversies
President Trump’s first year in office was also marked by numerous controversies. One of the most notable was the revelation that he had paid hush money to two women who had accused him of extramarital affairs. Trump denied these allegations, but admitted to reimbursing his lawyer for the payments, which prosecutors say could constitute a violation of campaign finance laws.
Trump also faced criticism for his administration’s hardline immigration policies, including the separation of families at the US-Mexico border and the proposed travel ban on citizens from several predominantly Muslim countries. These policies have been widely condemned by human rights organizations and have sparked protests across the country.
Trump’s foreign policy has also been the subject of much scrutiny. He has continued to express his support for Russian President Vladimir Putin, despite the US intelligence community’s conclusion that Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential election. He has also engaged in a war of words with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un, heightening tensions between the two countries.
Approval Ratings
President Trump’s approval ratings have fluctuated throughout his first year in office. According to Gallup, Trump’s approval rating has been consistently below the historical average for presidents, hovering around 40%. This is significantly lower than the approval ratings of his predecessors, Barack Obama and George W. Bush.
Trump’s approval ratings also vary significantly by party. Among Republicans, Trump’s approval ratings are consistently in the high 80s, while among Democrats and Independents it is in the low teens. This stark divide indicates that Trump’s presidency has been marked by a significant amount of partisan polarization.
Conclusion
Donald Trump’s first year in office has been marked by both accomplishments and controversies. While Trump has made some progress in enacting his agenda, his approval ratings remain low, particularly among Democrats and Independents. As the 2020 election approaches, it will be interesting to see how Trump’s presidency evolves and how his approval ratings change.