MAGA: Promise of Greatness or Political Illusion?
Since Donald Trump first launched his presidential campaign with the slogan “Make America Great Again” (MAGA), Americans—and the world—have been presented with grand promises that seem more like a Hollywood script than a realistic action plan.
Supposedly, by returning to a golden era, all of America’s problems would vanish, the economy would soar, and the nation’s enemies would cower in fear. But behind all the grand rhetoric, what really happened?
A ‘Booming’ or ‘Doomed’ Economy?
Trump often boasted that his economy was the best in American history. In reality, the economic growth he championed relied heavily on policies set by the previous administration. His corporate tax cuts mainly benefited the wealthy and large corporations, while ordinary citizens continued struggling with rising living costs. Wealth inequality widened, but it was all neatly packaged as a “great success.”
The Border Wall: A Symbol of Strength or Just Political Gimmickry?
One of Trump’s most sensational promises was the construction of a wall along the Mexico border to stop illegal immigration. Not only did Mexico not pay for the wall (as he claimed it would), but much of its construction remained stalled or failed to produce any significant impact.
In reality, most immigrants entered through legal checkpoints with visas that eventually expired—something a wall could never prevent. But as long as images of the grand wall circulated in the media, MAGA supporters remained thrilled.
Foreign Policy: Strong on X, Chaotic in Reality
Trump took pride in his “America First” approach, claiming it earned the country more respect on the world stage. In reality, his foreign policies often made America the laughingstock of the world. Relations with long-time allies became strained, crucial agreements like the Paris Climate Accord were abandoned, and North Korea? After a few rounds of “selfie diplomacy,” Kim Jong-un continued his nuclear program as usual.
“Drain the Swamp” or Fill It with Cronies?
Trump promised to cleanse Washington of corrupt elites, yet his own administration was riddled with scandals, firings, and legal battles. Many of his close associates were eventually convicted of crimes, while he himself spent much of his time defending against numerous investigations. It seems that instead of draining the swamp, Washington became even murkier with more cunning and opportunistic figures.
Great Again or a Nation in Chaos?
From escalating racial tensions and a pandemic handled with “magical” solutions to an attempt to overturn the 2020 election results, America under Trump often looked more like a reality TV show than a nation striving for greatness. If this is what “great again” means, perhaps the definition of greatness needs to be reevaluated.
The Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza and Palestine: America’s Hypocrisy
Despite Trump’s rhetoric about “peace and global security,” his administration worsened conflicts in the Middle East, particularly in Gaza and Palestine. His decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and move the U.S. embassy there sparked outrage and prolonged suffering for Palestinians.
Humanitarian aid to Palestine was cut while support for the Zionist regime was strengthened, despite blatant human rights violations. Trump and his allies proudly spoke of “peace,” yet allowed massacres to continue without decisive action. Is this what “Make America Great Again” truly means—turning a blind eye to oppression without accountability?
In conclusion, the MAGA campaign was never a roadmap to rebuilding the country but rather an exploitation of nostalgia to gain political support. In reality, America did not become greater—it became more divided and full of drama, while the world continued to witness its ongoing hypocrisy in global humanitarian issues.