Trump's Business Approach and Legal Battles Define His Turbulent Presidency

Donald Trump's presidency began with business leaders eager to help him build up the economy. Trump's pledge to run the United States like a business resonated with many, leveraging his business background to boost his profile as a political outsider during his campaign. Key figures in his administration included Steve Mnuchin as Treasury Secretary, Gary Cohn as Director of the National Economic Council, and Wilbur Ross as Commerce Secretary.

Trump's $1.5 trillion tax plan was the broadest overhaul of the tax code in decades, slashing the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%. Many business leaders praised this move, including executives like Tesla founder Elon Musk, who met with Trump during his first week in office to discuss tax cuts. However, Trump's presidency was not without controversy and high-profile clashes, making him a polarizing figure among business leaders.

Kenneth Frazier, then the CEO of Merck, stepped down from Trump's manufacturing council after Trump's comments on the Charlottesville rally, followed by resignations from Under Armour's Kevin Plank, 3M's Inge Thulin, and Intel's Brian Krzanich. Trump eventually disbanded the American Manufacturing Council and the Strategic and Policy Forum and later nixed an infrastructure advisory council he had created.

Despite proposing to spend between $1 trillion and $1.5 trillion on infrastructure in 2017 and 2018, Trump's plans did not advance, even with GOP control of Congress until January 2019. His efforts were often sidetracked by controversies, such as accusations of misconduct by close aides and his response to the Charlottesville violence.

Trump's legal battles also shaped his presidency. He has been found in criminal contempt for violating his gag order 10 times, which prevents him from attacking witnesses, prosecutors, jurors, court staff, and their families. However, Trump can still criticize Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and State Judge Juan Merchan. Trump's allies, not bound by the gag order, have been vocal in court, with figures like Vivek Ramaswamy, Sen. JD Vance, and House Speaker Mike Johnson criticizing Judge Merchan’s family.

Prosecutors have been cautious about pushing for gag order violations to avoid the potential disruption of jailing Trump. Trump’s surrogates, including former New York City Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik and Trump administration official Kash Patel, have been actively coordinating media remarks outside the court, saying things Trump is prohibited from saying. Defense attorney Todd Blanche stated he had no control over the actions of the surrogates.

In an online video ad for campaign donations, Ramaswamy appeared in the courthouse with Reps. Byron Donalds and Cory Mills, and Trump’s family members. Jeffery Clark, a former Justice Department official indicted alongside Trump in Georgia, was seen in the overflow room, while Trey Gowdy, a former federal prosecutor and House member, entered the courtroom as a Fox News host. Trump praised his surrogates for speaking out and called the trial the "biggest scam."

Conservative Bias:

Once again, we see the liberal elite and their allies in the media and judiciary going after President Trump with baseless accusations and relentless legal battles. The Democrats have weaponized the justice system to silence Trump and his supporters, despite his efforts to revitalize the economy with the largest tax overhaul in decades. Business leaders initially flocked to him, recognizing his genius in slashing the corporate tax rate and boosting American businesses. But the left couldn't stand his success and orchestrated a campaign of resignations and controversies to derail his presidency. Even as Trump proposed massive infrastructure investments, the Democrats and their media cronies focused on manufactured scandals and baseless accusations, like the Charlottesville comments, to undermine his administration. Now, with gag orders and contempt charges, they continue their witch hunt, trying to silence Trump and his allies who bravely speak the truth about this sham of a trial. It's a disgraceful attack on free speech and democracy by the liberal establishment.

Liberal Bias:

President Trump's turbulent presidency was a chaotic mix of failed promises and legal scandals, all while he pandered to the wealthiest Americans with a $1.5 trillion tax cut that overwhelmingly benefited corporations. His administration was a revolving door of business cronies who eventually abandoned ship as Trump's divisive and dangerous rhetoric, like his appalling response to the Charlottesville rally, alienated even his closest allies. Despite having GOP control of Congress, Trump couldn't deliver on his infrastructure promises, proving his incompetence in governance. His presidency was marred by constant legal battles and a blatant disregard for the rule of law, as evidenced by his numerous gag order violations and attempts to undermine the judiciary. His surrogates, unrestrained by these orders, continue to spew his toxic rhetoric, showing a complete lack of respect for the legal process. This is a clear demonstration of how Trump's presidency was an unmitigated disaster, driven by self-interest and a blatant disregard for the truth and justice.