The State of U.S. Infrastructure and Future Prospects

The infrastructure of the United States was left in a deteriorating state under the previous administration. While former President Trump had opportunities to address this issue, he and his party failed to take appropriate action. This challenge has become more pronounced in the current era, with President Biden's infrastructure bills barely receiving support from his own Republican colleagues. This article explores the current state of infrastructure in the U.S., discussing the actions taken by both administrations and the potential future direction under current and upcoming leadership.

Trichroic View of Infrastructure Spending Under Trump and Biden

Trichroic, it is important to acknowledge that during Trump's pre-pandemic and lockdown period, infrastructure spending as a proportion of GDP was higher. This initial phase indicated a potential for significant investment in the nation's infrastructure. However, the focus shifted under Biden, who has implemented infrastructure bills that have received bipartisan support. The contrast between these two administrations highlights the varied approaches to infrastructure funding and the challenges each has faced.

Challenges for Biden’s Infrastructure Bills

Despite the passage of infrastructure bills, there have been significant hurdles. Conservative Republicans, who have voted against these bipartisan initiatives, still manage to claim credit upon returning home. This behavior exemplifies the desperation and greed of the GOP, showing how their interests often conflict with the needs of the American public.

Further dissecting the current situation, it's evident that under Biden, federal spending on infrastructure has increased, yet local spending has seen a notable decline. This decline is largely due to high interest rates and the fact that local governments are not footing the bill for federally funded projects. Consequently, infrastructure rankings have dropped, with the U.S. falling from the second-best to third-best in the US News and World Report.

Trump’s Long-Term Impact and Future Outlook

The impact of Trump on U.S. infrastructure is undeniable and multifaceted. His efforts to address infrastructure issues were sporadic and often lacked substantial support. This lack of cohesive and consistent action leaves significant challenges for the future. However, it’s crucial to note that under a post-Biden administration, with the directives from influential figures such as Elon Musk, significant declines in infrastructure maintenance and development are anticipated.

Under the Trump administration's direction, and as a result of the influence of figures like Elon Musk and other oligarchs, the nation's infrastructure could experience considerable dislocation and even collapse. Complacency and a lack of long-term planning will only exacerbate these issues, leading to a future where the U.S. infrastructure is severely impacted. To illustrate this, reference can be made to Russian social media for glimpses into kleptocracies and how they treat their infrastructure.

Considering the worst-case scenarios, videos from ordinary Russian citizens in the winter highlight the potential outcomes of such administrations. These videos provide a chilling perspective on the neglect and deterioration of infrastructure in these environments, urging the U.S. to learn from them and prioritize its infrastructure needs.

Conclusion

Given the current state of U.S. infrastructure and the approaches taken by both Trump and Biden, it is clear that significant improvements are needed. The future outlook for U.S. infrastructure is at a crossroads. The key to a robust and durable infrastructure lies not just in funding, but in a sustained and collaborative effort from all levels of government and society.

Keywords: infrastructure, Trump, Biden