LEGACY

Many will cry crocodile tears of deep sorrow, while others will shed tears of overwhelming joy when his presidency concludes or upon his death.

The only thing saving our democracy is the court system, which remains committed to the rule of law. Trump and his administration have attempted to bypass or ignore the rules that guide our nation. The installation of loyalists on the board of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts led to his name being unilaterally affixed to the center. On June 13, 2026, the 18 letters of an eyesore (his name) were removed as ordered by the court. Hopefully, this action is a symbol of much more to come.

His adoption of grievance politics, insults, and crass language makes him seem relatable to his followers. The “an eye for an eye’ motto, likely the only biblical part he favors, brings him daily joy. Americans used to soap operas thrive on the daily political drama and eagerly await the next turn in this reality show, which he rarely disappoints. When seeking sympathy, he sends his cabinet and loyal Congress members to plea his case, citing TDS (Trump Derangement Syndrome) and the horror of criticizing someone working tirelessly to put America first and restore greatness. Many fall for it, spending money on his products to show their support.

America First could be a compelling idea if it aligned with the Constitution and our nation’s cherished values. However, the Trump-era version of America First can be characterized by the following elements:

Attack the news media that criticize Trump and his administration

Build a Wall

Comedians who make jokes about him are threatened with cancellation of their shows.

Defund programs that help citizens survive, and defund education institutions deemed liberal

Erode the environment

Fire journalists, educated and competent people

Gut the Department of Education

Hate and go after anyone who criticizes the dear leader

Install loyalists to serve in the government

Justify abhorrent and immoral behavior

KKK is back in style, as are entitled Karens and Kevins

Lie, cheat, and steal

MAGA hats proudly telegraph that Muslims are banned, and Mexicans are deported

Never admit you are wrong. Only losers do that

Ostracize and oppress people you hate, especially LGBTQ+ and trans citizens

Pit citizens against each other while the wealthy loot the coffers

Questioning the administration is unpatriotic

Return to the blissful days of blatant racism and misogyny

Sue anyone and everyone

Threaten other sovereign nations with annexation

Undermine science

Vilify anyone who thinks differently and label them libtards, radicals, and losers

Wage war in the Middle East when a distraction from the Epstein files and other scandals is needed

Xenophobia (the fear, hatred, or intense dislike of people from other countries or cultures) is welcome

Yell and scream in public to voice disagreement is a strength

Zeal for diversity is okay, but only for photo opportunities to convince others we aren’t really racist

Many of these actions and behaviors could lead to a politician’s ousting or to citizens ostracizing them. However, this does not define America First; instead, it depicts America as similar to the sinful city of Sodom and Gomorrah, serving as a warning against severe moral corruption, social injustice, and breaches of hospitality, and suggesting the nation is heading toward authoritarianism.

The key concern isn’t just the existence of tyrants—they’ve always been around—but rather how much these tyrants rely on ordinary people. Often, these individuals are ready to forsake their conscience in pursuit of belonging, reassurance, or the seductive idea that someone else is to blame for their issues.

True honor for America comes not from erasing its history but from speaking the truth.