On the other hand, as President Trump takes office, he has no shortage of problems to deal with, especially as he tries to unite our nation. According to recent polling from Gallup, in August 2024, 18% of Americans believed that we were united, down from a high of 74% after the tragic events of 9/11.
“President-elect Trump has already made efforts to address the existing deep political divide during his victory speech last month, promising to ‘help our country heal,’” AP History instructor Kevin Guay said. “This is a notably less divisive tone than previous statements and one that opens a door for unity.”
These comments came at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort right after Trump declared victory in the 2024 Presidential election.
However, Trump’s attempt to unite the country also comes during a time when there are multiple ongoing foreign conflicts.
According to the US Congress Archives, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine has resulted in hundreds of thousands of casualties, and the Israel-Hamas War has resulted in hundreds of thousands of displaced people.
“The most significant foreign policy issue President Trump will face is the ongoing war in Ukraine,” said Guay. “Maintaining a delicate balance between deterring Russian aggression and avoiding further escalation, especially with nuclear action, will be critical.”
Trump has already picked Keith Kellogg, a retired US general, as his special envoy for the ongoing conflict. The incoming administration hopes to reach a peaceful resolution.
Kellogg is quiet regarding his specific plans, but he is seeking a “ceasefire and negotiation settlement.”
Trump’s domestic agenda also promises change through unprecedented action.
In a video shared on social media platforms, Trump called for abolishing the Department of Education and returning the department’s funding proportionally to the states.
The proposal would have serious implications on federal loans and federal grants for those attaining an undergraduate degree.
The President also aims to eradicate veteran homelessness, lower the cost of energy, and bring back manufacturing jobs through tariffs (i.e. taxes on imported goods).
Trump recently proposed a broadband 25% tariff on all goods coming in from Canada and Mexico, moving the US away from neoliberal economic policies.
“I’m not sure if tariffs are the best thing for the economy,” senior Rio Valle said.
“They are a really powerful negotiation tool, but they’re obviously gonna raise the price levels of some goods we can’t make efficiently domestically.”
In a recent Truth Social post, Trump said “This tariff will remain in effect until such time as drugs, in particular fentanyl, and all illegal aliens stop this invasion of our country!”
But maybe there’s some room for common ground, especially if moderate Republicans break with Trump on certain bills.
The Republican Party also holds control of both houses in the Legislature, but they have a very slim majority in each house.
“If Trump can support bipartisan initiatives, I think Democrats and Republicans can work together to produce solutions,” said Rio.
