The Donald Trump Presidency

The 2016 Presidential Election

  • The 2016 election season brought significant changes to the American political landscape.

  • Donald Trump, a property tycoon and television celebrity, gained the Republican nomination for president after running against seasoned Republican politicians in the primary.

  • He was the first presidential nominee since Eisenhower without political experience.

  • The Democrats nominated Hillary Clinton, a former senator, secretary of state, and first lady.

  • Clinton was the first female presidential nominee of a major party.

  • The election led to a conservative shift.

  • Trump won the presidency.

President Trump’s National Agenda

  • Donald Trump promised dramatic changes to government policies and presidential style.

  • From domestic issues to foreign policy, Trump challenged conventional wisdom and upended long-standing practices.

  • Trump’s leadership style was a key aspect of his agenda.

  • Trump’s approach to immigration included policies such as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).

  • Trump made Supreme Court Appointments.

  • Healthcare policy was also a focus.

  • President Trump’s foreign policy was less about international cooperation and more about asserting U.S. interests in trade and economic issues.

  • Trump policies tended toward trade protectionism to shield U.S. industries from foreign competition.

International Issues

  • The U.S. GDP increased from 9.9 trillion in 2000 to 19 trillion in 2019.

  • Economic Issues were central to Trump's international approach.

  • The rise of China was a significant factor.

  • New Environmental Policies were implemented.

A Polarized Nation

  • Americans had never experienced a President who spoke to them so directly through social media.

  • The nation was divided.

  • An impeachment investigation occurred.

  • A global pandemic struck the nation.

  • The pandemic had an impact on Trump’s election campaign.

  • Tragic killings raised issues of social justice.

  • Protests and riots took place.

The 2020 Election

  • The 2020 presidential election unfolded against the backdrop of a deadly pandemic and political polarization and unrest.

  • Many commentators agreed that the election was one of the most important in recent history.

  • The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the conduct of the 2020 election.

  • Joe Biden and Kamala Harris won the election as President and Vice-President.