After Trump's Victory: His First Acts and the Implications

When Donald Trump beat Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election, many voters hoped that his campaign rhetoric would be a mere strategy, and that he would evolve into a more mature and responsible leader. However, the reality of his presidency quickly proved otherwise. Within minutes of taking the oath of office, it became evident who he truly was.

The Reality Behind the Rhetoric

Having worked in New York City during the 1980s, I witnessed firsthand the consequences of Donald Trump's actions on the business and community levels. Families were left devastated as Trump failed to pay contractors for work on his casinos. Workers faced hardship when he declared bankruptcy on the casinos that were under his control. Additionally, as a long-time media observer, I knew about his penchant for boasting about his intelligence and success.

Yet, even with these past experiences, Donald Trump consistently and thoroughly surpassed our worst expectations. A significant turning point came during his presidency, particularly when he disclosed Israeli secrets to the Russians in the Oval Office. This display of carelessness and recklessness highlighted the unfiltered, uncontrolled personality that surrounded him. His casual bragging to Vladimir Putin and Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov utterly shattered any notions of presidential responsibility and dignity.

International Perception and Legal Disputes

It is crucial to note that Donald Trump's victory over Hillary Clinton was primarily recognized by the American populace. Internationally, Clinton took the majority of the popular vote, a result that should have been decisive. The United States, however, continues to adhere to its outdated and controversial electoral college system, which gives significant weight to the votes of state electors over the national popular vote. As a result, Clinton's victory was seen as invalid by many Trump supporters, leading to an immediate escalation in election fraud rhetoric.

Moral Disengagement

After losing the popular vote, Donald Trump intensified his claims of election fraud, consistently dismissing the legitimacy of the democratic process. This behavior can be explained through the concept of moral disengagement, a psychological phenomenon where individuals justify their unethical actions by minimizing, normalizing, or externalizing blame. Trump's moral disengagement became more pronounced, particularly during his first term and throughout his 2020 re-election campaign, when he persistently denied the integrity of the election process.

Trump's rhetoric often centered on the idea that anyone who disagreed with him was corrupt or evil, leading to the vilification of political opponents. This narrative created a cult-like environment among his followers, effectively solidifying his base and increasing his support. Overall, moral disengagement has been a consistent theme in Trump's actions and communication throughout his presidency, serving as a key mechanism for maintaining his power and control.