KT edit: Trump might win again, but at what cost to America?

The economic recovery continues, unemployment numbers are at a record low, and inflation is at manageable levels.

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Published: Wed 19 Jun 2019, 8:00 PM

Last updated: Wed 19 Jun 2019, 10:04 PM

Few expected Donald Trump to win the 2016 presidential elections in the US. Yet his win was a sign of the times we live in where 'outsiders' are increasingly being chosen to govern the countries and seasoned politicians are shown the door. Trump, an outsider, promised solutions, or at least highlighted the right issues that plague everyday lives of Americans. It was music to the ears of many, who were tired of being the torchbearers of liberal values and principles, and wanted a leader who empathised with them, secured their rights in their own country. Migrants, jobs, terrorism, economy, corruption - Trump highlighted these issues, and more, and won. On Tuesday, he launched his campaign for re-election in 2020. Besides soliciting advice of the crowd on what should be the new war cry for his campaign ('Make America great again', or 'Keep America great'), his spiel largely remained the same.
Yes, a few things are certainly in Trump's favour. The economic recovery continues, unemployment numbers are at a record low, and inflation is at manageable levels. More jobs are being created in the manufacturing sector, too. But how long will it continue at this pace is something to worry about. Trump's trade wars have started hitting home. American farmers are suffering since China imposed retaliatory tariffs on agricultural exports from the US. Trump administration announced $16-billion trade aid programme for farmers to ease their stress. More fault lines will appear in the coming months as the economy factors in the changes. Sound judgements and policies will help then, not knee-jerk reactions and strong-arm tactics. A number of surveys gauging the popularity of prospective presidential candidates suggest Trump might be losing to several Democratic challengers. It is of little relevance now when the elections are still more than a year away. But they are suggestive of changes Trump should make. Since 1900, only five of the 20 presidents seeking re-election have lost. Going by the numbers, odds are in the favour of Trump. But whether that'll 'Keep America great' is debatable.


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