The Abstracts on The Canvas
A follow up from the prior post, diving into the details
This is a follow up from the prior post The Blank Canvas of Trump
Welcome back! In my previous piece, I introduced the idea of Trump as a “blank canvas”, a figure onto whom supporters project their own hopes and values, often disregarding where those hopes diverge from his actual policies and actions. Today, I want to dive deeper into that concept by exploring specific promises Trump has made and contrasting them with what’s really happening in his second term so far. My goal here is not just to criticize but to highlight how broad, patriotic pledges can hide (or contradict) the real-world impact of these policies. It’s also worth noting that I am not going to be criticizing any unfulfilled promises a few months into his term, we are strictly focusing on contradictions.
Economy & Inflation
Trump pledged to revive economic growth and “end inflation” from day one. He promised swift action to lower costs, vowing to slash energy prices and make goods more affordable.1
Tariffs on Imports Raise Costs
A proposed blanket 10% tariff on imports would inevitably increase consumer prices2, despite Trump’s vow to lower them. Economists warn that such tariffs drive up the cost of many goods and undermine purchasing power.Proposed Export Tariffs
Tariffs on exports3 , set to be announced next month, further complicate trade relationships and can result in retaliatory measures against U.S. goods, again raising domestic prices.Slashing Interest Rates During Inflation
Trump’s desire to lower interest rates4 while the Federal Reserve is trying to combat inflation goes against mainstream economic consensus. Keeping rates artificially low can fuel more spending and inflation, undermining his own goal of price stability.5Mass Deportations of Undocumented Workers
Trump has proposed removing millions of undocumented workers6 from sectors like agriculture7, construction8, and service industries9. Many of these sectors rely heavily on immigrant labor. Removing such a workforce on a large scale could disrupt supply chains, reduce overall productivity, and ironically push prices up, cutting against his promise to lower the cost of living.
Unite the Country
Trump campaigned on bringing America to new heights by uniting the nation through success and prosperity.10
Combative Post-Election Rhetoric
Despite calls for unity, his speeches and social media posts often target political opponents, the media, and critics in harsh or personal terms, fanning the flames of division instead of bridging them.Deriding Opponents
Trump’s verbal attacks on specific politicians, journalists, or entire segments of the public undermine any attempts at genuine reconciliation or consensus-building.State of the Union Exclusions
When members of Congress are excluded from the State of the Union, where dissent and open debate are historically encouraged, it sends a message that only certain viewpoints are welcome, fueling further polarization.11 Contrast this with Biden’s State of the Union where decent and opposition was welcomed.
Healthcare
Trump promised to lower healthcare costs, particularly drug prices and insurance premiums.12
Drug Importation vs. Tariffs
While his administration has made moves to allow drug imports from Canada, simultaneous tariffs on Canadian goods risk alienating Canadian suppliers. Many industries there are beginning to seek alternatives, which could drive up prices on everything from raw materials to prescription drugs, and work against the stated goal of lowering healthcare costs.
Law and Order
Trump often speaks of restoring “law and order” by bolstering police support and taking a hard line on crime.13
Pardons for Jan 6 Protesters
Among those he pardoned are individuals who assaulted police officers during the January 6 riots14 , directly contradicting his call for harsher penalties against those who harm law enforcement. This contradictory stance raises questions about the consistency of his “law and order” platform.Calls for the Death Penalty vs. Releasing Offenders
Trump has stated he wants the death penalty for anyone who murders a police officer15, yet he has supported the release of individuals who were willing to harm police officers in the Capitol riot. This dissonance suggests that “law and order” may sometimes be more about political loyalty than a consistent rule of law.
Representing the Working Class
Trump frequently claims to be a champion of working-class Americans.16
Farmer Struggles
By imposing tariffs on both imports and exports, he risks devastating local farmers who depend on selling crops abroad and buying necessary equipment or supplies from overseas at reasonable rates.17Rising Cost of Living
The combination of tariffs, disrupted supply chains, and inflationary pressure can lead to higher living expenses, undercutting his promise to ease financial burdens on everyday Americans. 18Healthcare Repeals
Efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act without a clear replacement plan could leave working-class people, particularly those in more precarious jobs, scrambling for affordable coverage.
Strong Foreign Leadership
He has promised a strong global posture to ensure America is respected once again.
Chaotic Negotiations
Trump’s often erratic style in negotiations can signal instability rather than resolve19, making it harder to collaborate with traditional allies on vital initiatives like addressing China’s economic rise or achieving Middle East stability.Strained Relations with Allies
Canada, France, Germany, and other partners have taken a cooler stance toward the U.S., citing combative rhetoric and sudden policy changes. This loss of goodwill hampers joint efforts on everything from trade to security.20Adaptations by Adversaries
Iran has hardened its nuclear stance21, and China is seeking out new trade partners to circumvent U.S. influence, actions that limit Trump’s leverage to enforce his foreign policy goals.22
Cutting the Deficit
Trump has frequently stated his intention to reduce the national debt and has criticized “insane” budget deficits.23
Massive Deficit Expansion
Proposed tax cuts combined with increased military spending point toward a ballooning deficit rather than a reduction. Economists warn that this will only compound national debt over time.24Unlikely to Improve
Given these spending priorities, most indicators suggest the deficit will continue to grow rather than shrink under his plan.
Congressional Action
Trump vowed to “drain the swamp” by cutting government spending and reining in bureaucracy.
Clashes with Congress
Trump has shown little willingness to collaborate with Congress on sensible budget reforms, instead claiming he has the authority to override both Congress and judicial decisions. This approach creates legal and constitutional tensions rather than promoting transparency or efficiency.25
Russia & Ukraine War
Trump criticizes U.S. policy in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, claiming he could end the war within 24 hours.26
A Reward for Putin?
By proposing to freeze aid to Ukraine without concrete concessions from Russia, Trump appears to be providing a de facto reward for Putin’s aggression. This undercuts the promise of “peace through strength” by signaling an unwillingness to stand firmly against expansionist moves.27
Gun Rights
He has portrayed himself as a staunch defender of the Second Amendment.
Temporary Gun Confiscations (see video)
Recently, the administration gave states the ability to confiscate a person’s firearms for up to 72 hours if they’re deemed a “threat,” subject to a court proceeding to determine whether the guns should be returned.28 Many conservatives see this as a policy more at home in a Democratic administration, calling into question the consistency of Trump’s pro-gun stance.
Social Security & Medicare
Breaking with some in the GOP, Trump pledged no cuts to Social Security or Medicare.29
Talk of Future Cuts
Despite his earlier vows, internal discussions already hint at the possibility of trimming these programs.30 If such cuts materialize, it will directly conflict with his commitment to protect them.
Free Speech
Trump made the preservation of free speech a central plank in his campaign.
Penalties for “Disloyal” Speech
He has called for deporting or stripping citizenship from individuals who express pro-Hamas or anti-American sentiments, a stance that clashes with the First Amendment’s protection of even unpopular opinions.31Selective “Cancel Culture”
While condemning cancel culture, Trump often calls for boycotts or firings of those who speak out against him, invoking the same tactics he criticizes.32
Use of Government Power
Trump campaigned against what he called the “politicization” of the DOJ and FBI.
Targeting Opponents
Once in office, however, he has used similar levers of power to go after rivals. For instance, issuing executive orders against specific law firms (Perkins Coie and Covington & Burling) largely associated with Democratic causes or investigations into his dealings, stripping attorneys of their security clearances and scrutinizing their federal contracts. Critics see this as a punitive move disguised as concern over DEI practices.33
Concluding Thoughts
By laying out these specific points, I hope to illustrate how the Trump “blank canvas” invites us to see whatever we want to see, but real policies and their consequences don’t lie. On issues ranging from the economy to foreign policy, from healthcare to civil liberties, there’s a noticeable gap between campaign-trail promises and the on-the-ground reality. These aren’t abstract paintings of vague decisions, they are real contradictions to the way we’ve tried to perceive Trump.
My aim is not to say Trump, or any politician, is incapable of achieving positive change. Rather, it’s to emphasize that when we paint him as a savior, we risk missing the ways his initiatives might actually be undermining the very goals we hold dear. If we care about the Constitution, about freedom, about economic stability, then we should be willing to follow these threads of policy to their real-world outcomes, not just the comforting slogans.
We want a detailed painting from someone who has put in the work to understand what is required, someone who not only envisions the way forward but also has the skill and dedication to deliver a masterpiece we can admire for years to come. But such a vision cannot be realized without leadership, bridge-building, unity, and a true desire for peace in our nation. Only by embracing these qualities can we create a future that stands as a testament to progress, resilience, and shared purpose.
As always, I encourage you to do your own digging, talk to your neighbors, listen to experts, and form your own conclusions. A healthy democracy depends on clear-eyed engagement with the facts, and the more we learn, the more capable we become of ensuring our leaders live up to the promises they so often make.
