How did Trump perform in his first term?
Sources:
Former President Donald Trump's performance in his first term received varied assessments:
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Foreign Policy: Trump's foreign policy was seen as unpredictable but effective in keeping other countries on their toes. Jared Kushner noted this unpredictability led to successful deals like the USMCA 1. Ben Shapiro claimed Trump's foreign policy record was stronger than Biden's, citing a lower global conflict level during his tenure 2.
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Economy: Both Ben Shapiro and Bill Ackman praised Trump’s economic performance. Shapiro highlighted Trump's success in job creation and income growth for lower-income Americans, as well as low unemployment rates before the COVID-19 pandemic 2. Ackman emphasized the historically low unemployment rates among Black Americans and other minority groups 3.
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Challenges of COVID-19: Trump's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic was seen as a significant event that defined his presidency, creating a dividing line between his pre-COVID and during-COVID performance 2.
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Leadership and Civility: Ackman criticized Trump's leadership style, particularly his handling of his administration staff and the divisiveness he fostered in American politics. He pointed to the January 6th riot as an instance where Trump failed to act decisively 3.
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Insurrection Controversy: Discussions about Trump's role in the January 6th events highlight the debate on whether his actions constituted an insurrection. Although some, like Ben Shapiro, argue that Trump's actions were inappropriate but not illegal, others view them as attempts to undermine the peaceful transfer of power 4 5.
Overall, Trump's first term was marked by strong economic indicators and bold foreign policy moves, but also by significant controversy in his leadership approach and the handling of key national issues.
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