On June 4th, 2009, President Obama gave a historic speech at Cairo University where he declared a "New Beginning" to America's relationship with the Middle East. Although the speech was well-received by countries as a sign of renewed hope, Republicans accused President Obama of partaking in an apology tour. On right-wing media platforms, Republicans accused President Obama of enacting policies of "Sharia Law" and "Socialism" to destabilize America. The notable claims made by Republicans against President Obama were that he ruined America's standing around the world, his policies hurt the American people, and that his decisions left America bankrupt. The very things Republicans accused President Obama of have come true under President Trump.
When Donald Trump pulled the United States out of the Paris Accord, it sent a signal to the world that the United States could no longer be trusted in any global agreements. German Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed concern about America's leadership to the European Union. Whereas President Obama was criticized for lowering his head to the Saudi King, Republicans remained silent when President Trump undercut our allies and praised ruthless dictators. Donald Trump praised Chinese President Xi Jinping after he consolidated his powers and handling of the Coronavirus. After being explicitly told not to do so by his staff, President Trump praised Putin on his election win, an election that was rigged by the Russian Government itself. President Trump has proven to be an embarrassment to our country, and Republicans enabled him to be so.
Republicans claimed that Obama's economic policies would hurt Americans yet remain silent as Trump supports economic policies that are detrimental to communities of color. President Trump's policies weakened the economic foundations of our country thus making it easier for the bottom to fallout from the pressure of the Coronavirus pandemic. President Trump's budget eliminated programs designed to help rural America. These programs supported jobs, housing, infrastructure, health care, and economic development. His budget eliminated housing for tens of thousands of struggling rural families. Today, millions of Americans are unemployed, uninsured, and have only been given a one-time payment of $1200 to survive during this pandemic. Giant corporations were given billions in financial incentives, which were used by CEOs to pay themselves in bonuses. President Trump's economic policies were designed to benefit the rich over the poor and Republicans in office ensured it as such.
There was a time when Republicans coveted fiscal conservatism. For eight years, right-wing media informed us that President Obama sold our future to China. President Trump's tax plan is expected to add $1.5 trillion to the National Debt. Yet the so-called "fiscally conservative" Republicans supported this disastrous tax plan. President Trump's golfing expenses cost American taxpayers over $136,000,000 yet the Republican budget hawks remain silent. Since his inauguration, President Trump has added $2 trillion to the national debt, breaking his campaign promise of limiting government expenses.
The hypocrisy is clear. What Republicans criticized President Obama against, they support Donald Trump. As America's presence around the world continues to deteriorate, as our people feel the effects of disastrous economic policies and as we continue to borrow from our future; historians will look back in disappointment at an American President who sowed the seeds of his country's downfall to stroke his ego.
