Trump’s Rocky Start: A Harsh Week on Fox Business
Donald Trump’s presidency got off to a rocky start, with his first week in office marked by controversy, conflict, and confrontation. The stark departure from the traditional decorum of a presidential transition has left many wondering if the fiery businessman-turned-politician is ready to lead the free world.
On his first day in office, Trump faced backlash for signing an executive order reinstating the Dakota Access PipeLIne (DAPL), a project that sparked widespread protests and environmental concerns during the Obama administration. The move sparked condemnation from Native American communities, civil rights groups, and environmental advocates, who accused Trump of ignoring the rights and interests of indigenous peoples.
The next day, Trump’s handling of a press conference yielded more controversy. Despite promising to "stop covering" the media, Trump seemed hell-bent on doing just the opposite, taking pointed shots at the press corps, including CNN, The New York Times, and CNN’s Chuck Todd. The tense exchange left many wondering if the new President was more interested in promoting himself than facilitating effective communication.
The following days did little to calm the storm: a reported plan to create a "voter fraud" commission, which many saw as an attempt to legitimize baseless claims of widespread electoral fraud, sparked widespread outrage among civil rights groups, historians, and legal scholars. The proposal has been criticized as "ghetto" and "divisive," and some have gone as far as to call it a "fascist" step towards authoritarianism.
The weekend saw more drama when word leaked that Trump had removed the White House website, a symbolic move reflecting a more inward focus on his own interests, rather than serving the American people. Critics argue this move mirrors his lack of transparency and accountability during his 2016 campaign, which has only continued in his presidency.
"As a businessman, Trump is used to getting things done quickly and efficiently – but leading a country involves more than just being a CEO," said Dr. Ruth Mandel, a professor at Rutgers University. "A president must listen to the people, engage with the press, and communicate effectively to unify the nation. Trump’s early decisions suggest a worrying lack of commitment to these basic principles."
Despite these early stumbles, the Trump presidency still has four years to go – and many are holding their breath, waiting to see if the 45th President will find his footing, adopt a more conciliatory approach, and put the interests of the American people first.
As things stand now, it’s clear that Trump’s administration is shaping up to be a contentious, confrontational, and potentially divisive era in American politics. The question on everyone’s mind is: can Trump adapt and grow into the role, or will his nation- and world- spanning influence continue to be marked by controversy and conflict? Only time will tell.
