Historically, judgements and protests by American citizens have also occurred regarding other controversial American presidents with respect to their initial effectiveness, especially early in their terms. Yet, their leadership ended up in victory.

For example, here are a few U.S. presidents who initially were met with subjective criticism and skepticism regarding their leadership upon ascending to the office of president of the United States of America. As a caveat, I have also included some of the dangers and causations prior to some of the presidents’ victories. The first is Abraham Lincoln. A president whom Trump consistently alluded to, as well as likened himself to on his campaign trail to the White House. 

After Lincoln was elected, many of his detractors were doubtful of his leadership abilities to lead the nation or address the issue of slavery. In particular, it was assumed that Lincoln would not effectively handle slavery and was possibly on the wrong side of it because of his anti-slavery views.

But, it was through President Lincoln’s handling of Slavery, the Civil War, the Emancipation Proclamation, and the preservation of the Union, is where Lincoln solidified his legacy as one of the greatest presidents of the United States. 

Secondly, there was Andrew Jackson, who had a highly controversial and turbulent presidency. (Trump somewhat mirror Jackson’s presidency of disregarding of non-whites, seeing the original owners of America—the Native Americans—as inferior and foreigners in their own land.) Jackson, was criticized for his forced removal of Native Americans though the “Trail of Tears.” 

(The Trail of Tears was the inappropriate and violent Native American Indian removal Act of 1830 to relocate “Five Civilized Indian Tribes” from their homeland east of the Mississippi River to unsettled land in the west.)

Jackson had established himself as the leader of [white] settlers, which was in total opposition to the interest of Native Americans. A move which resembles Trump’s modus operandi today as he legislates from the Oval Office through his highly radical and discriminatory executive orders. History always repeats itself, as it currently appears with the comings and trappings of Trump and his MAGA and white Christian national supporters. One must be reminded, although the individual focus and people may have changed, the end result remains the same.

In the end, it is the minorities who seem to always get the worst outcome from the ruling party. That being the autocrats who turn governments into plutocracies: an elite ruling class whose innate power comes from privilege, exclusivity, and wealth. (Of note, is Trump’s assemblage of technology billionaires and others with the combined wealth of more than a trillion dollars. As you may have already surmised, I am speaking about the elites who have currently aligned themselves with President Trump’s ruthless takeover of the U.S. government.)  

The Trail of Tears Act signed into law by President Andrew Jackson in 1830, as well as the populist policies he brought to bear on the citizens of America, to this day, is a stain on his presidency. However, it was through Jackson’s leadership of the “American democracy” coupled with his creation of the “Democratic Party,” that led to a reassessment of his presidency as being the most impactful toward shaping the nation’s political system. 

To add some additional commentary: Yes, Andrew Jackson is credited for the Democratic Party so many African Americans today blindly align themselves with faithfully and without judgement. However, we must remember that although the Republican Party has treated African Americans horribly in the past, as well as currently, it was Southern “Democrats” who unleashed and sicked their police dogs and racist cops on peaceful and law-abiding Black marchers in the South. 

“The marchers were protesting the systematic racist structure of the Jim Crow South and the blocking of Black Americans rights to cast their vote in elections.”

It was also the “Dixiecrats” who turned powerful fire water hoses on the innocent nonviolent protestors in the South because of the color of their skin—Black. Their racist and separatist actions caused great pain and long-lasting psychological issues among the Black population, i.e. mental health issues like post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD), high-anxiety, depression and murders of innocent Blacks at the hands of white nationals and pan-national white racist. 

The mission of these self-established bigoted power brokers was and still is designed to ensure the beliefs and identity of white people and their culture of historically dominating white states by controlling African Americans and ethnic minorities. This group of white nationals did not believe in the concept of diversity or adapting to a more diverse and economically friendly and shared society. They where separatist who only saw people of color as a stepping stone for their own success.  

Ultimately, the verbal and physical attacks on African Americans/ethnic minorities as a result of defending their constitutional rights, led to the past and current emotional instability, behavioral and relationship problems and more in today’s society. In many cases, the historical psychological ramification from these unwarranted and unprovoked attacks by racist whites negatively transformed African Americans behavior across generations as a direct result of the inhumane treatment they had to undergo at that time. 

Furthermore, the lack of a quality education, economic empowerment, and social/financial opportunities due to systemic racism as well as whites erecting barriers to employment, and created a feeling of despondency—resulting in social enigmas among many in the Black community. A dilemma which has been caused by both political parties.

“It was individuals like Theophilus Eugene Connor ‘aka’ Bull Connors (An American politician and the Commissioner of Public Safety for Birmingham, Alabama) and his Dixiecrats who pushed for separatism and desired to retain Jim Crow laws as well as being inclined to retain other aspects of de jure and de facto racial discrimination. They despised all who were not white/Caucasian. The current Trump administration appears to be following suit.” 

“All things considered, I have come to the conclusion that it’s not just the Republican Party or Trump that has failed African Americans, ethnic minorties, and poor whites in this country—it’s both political entities. This is evident in the issues raised above. I personally believe that it’s not about ‘White power’ or ‘Black power’—Republicans or Democrats—but rather that of a “United People Power”: Locking arms together to rewrite history and make the world a better place for everyone to live in harmony. 

Consequently, when deciding on a national leader for this nation and in local elections, the people must refrain from focusing on a candidates race, gender, or its “political affiliation.” Collectively, we must take in consideration the person’s/candidate’s benevolence towards one’s fellow human being, their experience and track record for fairness, their noteworthy accomplishments, and most important—the candidate’s “documented” record of getting things done.   

The leadership in America is and has been (for years) corrupt from the top-down and bottom-up. It makes no difference as to the individuals color, gender, age, sex, etc. Many of our elected officials who win their seat of power by the people, whether locally or nationally, having limited financial resources—end up with exorbitant personal power and elevated bank accounts. Those who are wealthy, like the current president, end up with more.

The masses of people who voted for these crafty, yet devious and criminally inept politicians to make life better for themselves, their families, and the communities where they live, end up with nothing. Unfortunately, they seem to always receive the short end of the stick. They are treated unfairly and get the worse deal on an array of items vital to the uplift of their communities. It is why so many gave pause in the 2024 election and voted Trump back into office. 

It was an aberration: a complete departure from the norms in hopes for better returns. The catch phrase, “Your better off with the devil you know than the one you don’t” is no longer applicable or an option for many disgruntled citizens as they seek remedy, truth, and equality. For a better solution to meaningful political reforms and a just society for all, the people must do the work of vetting candidates, and informing them of your collective needs and getting assurance from the selected candidate that they understand and will fight for those requirements vigorously prior to voting them into office.