Lecture Notes: The Worst Aspects of the Trump Presidency

Introduction

• Discussion on the negative aspects of Donald Trump's presidency.
• Trump's presidency ended with a historically low approval rating.

Key Points

Social and Political Division

• Increased Hate Crimes: Trump's presidency saw a surge in hate crimes.
• Charlottesville Incident: Trump claimed there were "very fine people" among neo-Nazis.

Gun Policies

• Gun Sales: Record gun sales occurred, with Trump claiming inaction on gun restrictions.

Violence and Crime

• Homicide Rates: Largest single-year increase in homicides in 2020.
• Mass Shootings: Over 1,700 mass shootings during Trump's term.

Judicial and Social Impact

• Roe v. Wade: Overturning linked to Trump’s judicial appointments, affecting abortion laws.
• Brett Kavanaugh: Appointed despite multiple sexual assault allegations.

Legal and Ethical Issues

• Convictions: Trump convicted of 34 felonies related to false business filings.

Pandemic Response

• COVID-19 Mismanagement: Discarded previous pandemic playbooks and disbanded response teams.
• Misinformation: Downplayed COVID-19 severity, promoted fake cures, resulting in increased deaths.

Economic Impact

• Job Loss: Net loss of 2.9 million jobs, worst in US history for a presidential term.
• Profiting from Presidency: Trump made significant money from foreign countries and charged the Secret Service for accommodations.

Immigration and International Relations

• Family Separation: Separated children from parents at borders.
• Muslim Ban: Attempted to ban Muslims from entering the US.
• Diplomatic Moves: Controversial moves such as the US embassy to Jerusalem.

Impeachments and Election Claims

• First Impeachment: Linked to withholding aid to Ukraine for political gain.
• Second Impeachment: Related to inciting the January 6th Capitol riot.
• Election Fraud Claims: Persistent false claims of a stolen election despite evidence to the contrary.

Additional Controversies and Policies

• Russia and Obstruction of Justice: Denial of Russian interference and attempts to halt investigations.
• Administration and Appointments: Allegations of corruption and poor appointments.
• Environmental and Healthcare Policies: Rolled back protections, attempted to repeal the Affordable Care Act, and made cuts to social programs.
• Misleading Information: An extensive record of false or misleading statements.

Conclusion

• Reminder of the extensive controversies and issues during Trump's presidency.
• Emphasis on the importance of remembering these events to avoid repeating them in the future.