Daily Times

After succeeding Barack Obama as the 45th President of the United States, Donald Trump has been a target for severe criticism due to the controversies surrounding him, that stem from his puzzling decisions and unrelenting policies on complicated national as well as international issues. While part of this criticism has come locally from his political peers, opponents, analysts, and debaters, a much severe part comes from across the US borders. As the policies adopted by the US are generally not limited to its own boundaries alone, they play a key role in shaping global scenarios.

Neither the controversies, nor the criticism, however, have been able to either hold the man back from his stated objectives, or compromise on his ideologies. He has not only continued down his chosen path, but has not been afraid of responding to his opponents and critics in an equally acerbic manner. But in wake of all these issues, does it really mean that Trump is in trouble? In light of the next US elections, this question could have two answers; either that he gets impeached for his actions or he is re-elected to the office of President once again. Whether Trump’s impeachment or re-election is a possibility or not, is a matter that interests the World. Since whatever the answer, the result could change the face of global politics.

An answer to this question (with both dimensions covered), however, calls for a neutral insight into the unseen side of Trump’s Presidential tenure thus far i.e. his achievements; as it has remained overwhelmingly overshadowed by controversies that surround him. Nevertheless, what Trump achieves or has achieved as President, till date, will play a key role in shaping his political future.

Subject to an insight from US perspective, one finds that the very controversial decisions, and policies Trump is criticized for also account for his achievements. His commitment to, and the ability to act upon the promises he made during his electoral campaign, despite fears of drawing severe criticism from certain sectors, are certainly a political aberration welcomed by his voters, and acknowledged by his critics.

The first and the foremost achievement of Trump as of now are the judicial appointments. Besides Neil Gorsuch as the Supreme Court Justice, the appointment of 75 other credible judges, 30 of which are already serving, will apparently be the most enduring element of Trump’s political legacy. Even the conservatives cite this initiative as his most prominent accomplishment so far. His crack down on illegal immigrants, and his promise to build a Wall along the US-Mexican border, has also been lauded by his supporters.

Tax reforms have made a significantly positive impact on the President’s agenda to revive the American economy by giving tax relief to local investors. The Tax Cuts and Job Act Bill passed by the Congress features the largest tax cuts in the country’s history, slashing the corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent. This step has also resulted in the creation of millions of jobs, 3 million to be precise

Tax reforms have made a significantly positive impact on the President’s agenda to revive the American economy by giving tax relief to local investors. The Tax Cuts and Job Act Bill passed by the Congress features the largest tax cuts in the country’s history, slashing the corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent. This step has also resulted in the creation of millions of jobs, 3 million to be precise as per the White House claims, decreasing the unemployment rate to 3.9 percent. The unemployment rate in the US has never been this low since 2000.

Re-negotiating the trade ties with partner countries has been another step that has been lauded in the US. Putting an end to the unfair trade deals, as have been termed by Trump all along, the President has already applied trade tariffs on steel and aluminium in search of better terms. Bringing North Korea to the negotiating table and signing an agreement for cooperation with them is another accomplishment for Trump, considering the fact that previous governments had failed to do so, despite the vocal threats of Kim Jong Un.

Although criticized severely across the World in general and the Muslim World in particular, Trump’s move to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital has received overwhelming acknowledgement. Despite all odds, Trump has gone down in history as the first US President to have the courage to put into action what his predecessors could only talk about, even though the move left US diplomatically isolated on the issue in the international community.

Withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement, the Iranian nuclear deal, defeating ISIS (as claimed), widening the door of civic engagement, and more to follow are all steps by Trump that have been lauded as his accomplishments, in wake of criticism from the world at large. Significantly however, it all comes down to the American people who ultimately have the power to vote for him or not. The midterm elections are essential, and the Democrats are waiting to initiate the impeachment process, based on the culmination of Michael Cohen’s investigation in to illegal campaign finances.

Responding to the rumours of impeachment, Trump warned of financial consequences, and falling stock markets, that, at the present, are at an all time high. Yet, there remains a visible divide among the democrats over impeachment, with the senior tier apparently silent on the matter. If impeachment is off the table, then the chances of Trump’s re-election rise tenfold. Whether Trump’s accomplishments outweigh the criticism, or vice versa will determine the scale of the trouble he is in. For now, Trump hangs in the balance.

The writer is an Islamabad based freelance opinion writer and columnist

Published in Daily Times, September 21^st 2018.