He Got a Lot Wrong, But Donald Trump Also Did These 15 Things Right as President

Donald Trump’s presidency was undeniably controversial, but beneath the headlines and political drama, his administration achieved several notable successes.

For example, during Trump’s tenure, the United States became a net energy exporter for the first time in nearly 70 years.¹

Here are 15 things Trump did right during his time in office, highlighting the policies and decisions that left a lasting impact.

1. Economic Growth & Job Creation

One of the standout achievements of Trump’s presidency was the robust economic growth. Before the pandemic, the U.S. economy saw impressive growth rates, with GDP increasing steadily.

The administration’s tax cuts and deregulatory measures played a significant role in stimulating business investment and consumer spending.

Job creation was another highlight, with unemployment rates dropping to historic lows. By early 2020, unemployment had reached its lowest level in over 50 years, benefiting a broad spectrum of the American workforce, including African-American and Hispanic communities ^(ref).

2. Criminal Justice Reform

Trump’s signing of the First Step Act in December 2018 marked a significant step towards criminal justice reform ^(ref). This bipartisan bill aimed to reduce recidivism and reform sentencing laws, offering a second chance to those incarcerated for non-violent offenses.

The First Step Act was praised for addressing longstanding issues within the criminal justice system, including mandatory minimum sentences that disproportionately affected minorities. It provided opportunities for inmates to earn early release through good behavior and participation in rehabilitation programs.

3. Tax Reform

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, signed into law in December 2017, represented the most significant overhaul of the U.S. tax code in decades. The act lowered the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, aiming to make American businesses more competitive globally.^(ref)

The law also included various tax cuts for individuals, though these were more controversial. Proponents argued that these cuts put more money in the hands of consumers, boosting spending and economic activity.

4. Strengthening the Military

Under Trump’s administration, there was a significant increase in defense spending ^(ref). The military budget saw substantial boosts, aiming to modernize the armed forces and enhance readiness.

This investment included increases in military personnel pay, improvements in equipment, and advancements in technology. The goal was to ensure the U.S. military maintained its status as the most powerful and advanced in the world.

5. Middle East Peace Deals

Trump’s administration brokered several historic peace agreements between Israel and Arab nations. The Abraham Accords, signed in 2020, normalized relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco.

These agreements were seen as groundbreaking steps toward stability and cooperation in the Middle East, fostering economic and diplomatic ties in a region long plagued by conflict.

6. Operation Warp Speed

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Trump administration launched Operation Warp Speed. This public-private partnership aimed to accelerate the development, manufacturing, and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.

The initiative delivered vaccines in record time, a feat that was instrumental in beginning the end of the pandemic. By the end of 2020, the first vaccines were being administered, marking a significant achievement in the global fight against COVID-19.

7. Deregulation

Trump’s presidency was marked by a significant reduction in federal regulations ^(ref). The administration rolled back numerous rules it deemed burdensome to businesses, particularly in the energy sector.

This deregulation was credited with boosting economic activity and fostering a more business-friendly environment. Critics argued about environmental impacts, but supporters saw it as a necessary move to stimulate growth.

8. Judicial Appointments

During his term, Trump appointed three Supreme Court justices: Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett. These appointments shifted the court’s balance, impacting the judicial landscape for decades.

Additionally, Trump appointed numerous federal judges, reshaping the federal judiciary. These appointments were seen as significant victories for conservatives and will likely influence legal interpretations for years to come.

9. Veterans’ Affairs

Trump made improving care for veterans a priority. The administration signed the VA MISSION Act ^(ref), which expanded healthcare options for veterans, allowing them to seek private care if VA services were insufficient.

This act aimed to increase accountability within the Department of Veterans Affairs and ensure veterans received the care they deserved. It also provided additional resources for mental health care and suicide prevention among veterans.

10. Trade Deals

Renegotiating trade deals was a central focus of Trump’s economic policy. The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) replaced NAFTA, aiming to create more balanced trade and bring jobs back to America ^(ref).

The USMCA included provisions to protect workers’ rights, improve labor conditions, and ensure fairer trade practices. It was hailed as a win for American industries, particularly manufacturing and agriculture.

11. Space Force

Trump established the United States Space Force, the first new military branch in over 70 years ^(ref). This initiative aimed to enhance the nation’s capabilities in space defense and ensure U.S. dominance in this critical domain.

The Space Force focused on protecting American interests in space, including satellite communications and navigation systems, reflecting the growing importance of space in national security.

12. Right-to-Try Legislation

In 2018, Trump signed the Right-to-Try Act, giving terminally ill patients the option to try experimental treatments that had not yet received full FDA approval ^(ref). This legislation aimed to provide hope and potential relief to patients with no other options.

The act was seen as a compassionate measure, allowing patients to access cutting-edge treatments and therapies that could extend or improve their lives, even if these treatments were still under investigation.

13. Prison Reform

Beyond the First Step Act ^(ref), Trump’s administration tried to reform the prison system. Initiatives focused on reducing overcrowding and improving conditions within federal prisons.

These reforms included better access to education and job training programs for inmates, aiming to reduce recidivism rates and help former prisoners reintegrate into society more successfully.

14. Economic Opportunity Zones

The Trump administration promoted the creation of Opportunity Zones ^(pdf), aimed at spurring economic development in distressed communities. These zones provided tax incentives for businesses to invest in underdeveloped areas.

The goal was to drive economic growth and job creation in regions that had long been neglected, providing new opportunities and revitalizing local economies across the country.

15. Healthcare Price Transparency

Trump’s administration pushed for greater transparency in healthcare pricing, signing an executive order requiring hospitals to disclose prices for services and procedures ^(ref). This measure aimed to empower consumers and increase competition among providers.

The initiative sought to reduce healthcare costs by making pricing information more accessible, allowing patients to make informed decisions about their care, and encouraging providers to offer more competitive rates.

While opinions on Donald Trump’s presidency remain deeply divided, these achievements highlight areas where his administration made notable strides. From economic reforms to foreign policy breakthroughs, these accomplishments offer a glimpse into the complexities and impacts of his time in office.

Source:

1. forbes.com