Latest news with #AmericaGreatAgain
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Vance rode Middletown pride to the White House. Will he help its schools?
The U.S. Department of Education is recalling millions of promised federal dollars from 18 Ohio school districts, including $5.6 million from Middletown City Schools. I wonder if Vice President J.D. Vance will step up and save the day for his hometown school district, considering that 62% of Middletown voters cast their ballots for him and Donald Trump in the 2024 election. It remains to be seen if Vance is as committed to Middletown. As a Middletown native, count me among the skeptics. Unlike so many of my Middletown brethren, I never fully bought into Vance's pretense about his love for our town. I always felt Middletown was nothing more than a prop Vance used to further his personal and political goals. He trashed Middletown in the selling of his book "Hillbilly Elegy," something many proud residents took exception to. He played up his Appalachian roots and connection to the Butler County steel-mill town during the presidential campaign to make himself seem more Middle America, despite more recently being a Silicon Valley tech guy. More: JD Vance's Middletown: What really went wrong In the end, I saw Vance as little more than an opportunist preying on Middletown's sense of community pride. That's the thing about my hometown; the people there are very proud of their own. Middletonians who achieve great success are celebrated, revered, and, most of all, strongly supported and promoted. So, I wasn't surprised when Middletown went all out backing the Trump-Vance ticket. I won't say politics wasn't the main decider, but Middie pride was a big factor in how people there voted, too. Heck, the city put up road signs honoring Vance just a couple of weeks after he was sworn in as vice president. Middletonians stand up for each other that way. More: JD Vance blames local deputy's death on leaders who make police officers 'to be enemies' Now, Vance has the chance to do the same − a chance to show that I'm wrong about him. At least on this one thing. Deliver for all those Middletonians who believed in you enough to give you their votes. Who believed that you could help fix the town's "bad rap." Who believed that not only could you and Trump "Make America Great Again," but that, together, you might also help bring about the resurgence of a once All-American City. Make sure Middletown schools — the district you attended — get to keep that $5.6 million, Mr. Vice President. Pull whatever levers you need to; talk to Trump directly if you have to. Selecting Middletown High School's marching band to perform at the Inaugural Parade in Washington, D.C. was nice for those students, but securing nearly $6 million for a new transportation center would benefit Middletown students districtwide. The community is counting on that money, and it is counting on you. You've certainly profited from our hometown. Now it's time to return the favor. Opinion and Engagement Editor Kevin S. Aldridge can be reached at kaldridge@ On X: @kevaldrid. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Middletown's loyalty to Vance meets federal abandonment | Opinion
Indian Express
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
In a world with Trump's isolationist America and two high-profile wars, does soft power still matter?
The recent demise of Joseph Nye, renowned for coining the term 'soft power,' has prompted me to reflect on its relevance today. He introduced the term in the late 1980s, and it gained prominence in foreign policy analysis during the 1990s. In his 2004 book, Soft Power: The Means To Success In World Politics, Nye argues that soft power is about getting others to want the outcomes you want — through persuasion, not coercion. In contrast to hard power (which takes a carrot-and-stick approach), soft power employs cultural exchanges and public diplomacy initiatives to shape behaviour and outcomes. The rise of globalisation is a testament to the efficacy of soft power. Globalisation led to porous borders not only for people but also for ideas and technologies. It has enabled states to interact with one another at multiple levels. But has the recent surge in anti-globalisation sentiment, with Donald Trump at the forefront of an isolationist America, at least judging by his rhetoric and now-revoked tariffs, diminished the appeal of soft power as a tool of persuasion? Conflicts between Ukraine and Russia, Israel's military operations in Gaza, and civil wars in Africa, among other global crises, cast doubt on the credibility of soft power. The persuasive influence of cultural factors and economic incentives is increasingly being questioned. There will always be significant debate over how to quantify soft power. Rooted in the strength of ideas, it cannot be measured in the same way as hard power. Still, some states possess more of it than others. The Soft Power 30, for example, ranked France number one in 2019, stating it is 'unrivalled in its memberships to multilateral and international organisations, and has the highest number of diplomatic cultural missions via its extensive Alliance Française network.' Nations invested in soft power to gain influence even before the term existed. Hollywood has contributed significantly to shaping the idea of the American dream and way of life, playing a pivotal role in making the United States one of the most coveted destinations for those seeking a better life. Following Trump's 2016 election victory, however, Nye argued that the US's soft power would decline, a trend that has continued in his current term. Trump's quest to 'Make America Great Again' has eroded much of the appeal the US once held for the world. His Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), cuts to USAID funding, and raids on the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) are just some examples of this administration's disregard for soft power. Beijing has long been aware of the allure of American soft power. Many Chinese students and citizens still prefer to move to the US. Despite decades of development and growth under the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), China's global appeal still trails behind that of the US. In response, Beijing has invested heavily in promoting its own soft power through initiatives such as Confucius Institutes and social media platforms. Yet, despite its impressive economic growth, much of the world still struggles to understand and relate to Chinese society. In contrast, soft power is what fosters global trust in Japanese and South Korean products, rather than Chinese ones. In an increasingly fragmented and conflict-ridden world, Nye's concept of soft power remains both relevant and contested. While its intangible nature makes it difficult to quantify, its influence is visible in the enduring appeal of cultural narratives, values, and diplomacy. Despite the renewed dominance of hard power politics, soft power will continue to shape global perceptions and aspirations to some extent. The question is not whether soft power matters, but how to wield it effectively in an era where trust, credibility, and cultural resonance are in short supply. While it is hard power that safeguards state sovereignty and security, it is soft power that shapes narratives of growth, security, and international stature. The writer is Associate Professor, O P Jindal University
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Trump's first 100 days: the reshaping of America
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Donald Trump wasn't kidding when he promised "the most extraordinary first 100 days of any presidency in American history", said Jonathan Chait in The Atlantic. Since his 20 January inauguration, Trump has passed an avalanche of executive orders (139 and counting) designed to dismantle traditional constraints on presidential power, and to advance his agenda: threatening law firms, universities and media owners into compliance; authorising Elon Musk's Doge to "cripple" the federal bureaucracy; firing the heads of 18 federal watchdogs; "disappearing" innocent migrant workers; and deporting foreign students who have written anti-Israel articles. It's "less a new administration", said Andrew Sullivan in The Times, and more a "vengeful monarchy". The "trappings of a republic remain", but they are increasingly mere "facades". And for what, asked Andrew Rawnsley in The Observer. King Donald's assault on US universities has triggered a brain drain. His attack on the global order has been "ruinous" for the reputation of the US. He promised Americans he would bring down costs, but his trade war is set to fuel inflation and perhaps trigger a recession. "Make America Great Again? Trumpism doesn't do what it says on the baseball cap." Tell that to Trump's supporters, said Kimberley A. Strassel in The Wall Street Journal. "Creative destruction" is exactly what they wanted: they're fed up of the waste and "indolence" of Washington elites, and they voted for Trump to tear it all up. Besides, said Harry Cole in The Sun, who says his "manic" approach isn't working? "Woke and trans sacred cows have been slaughtered" by presidential decree; wasteful spending has "gone up in smoke". Countries are begging for new trade deals, and illegal border crossings, according to the administration, are down by 95%. I've "detested" almost all of Trump 2.0, said David Brooks in The New York Times, but even I have to admire his team's "energy". It's like "a supercar with 1,000 horsepower", while his Democratic opponents coast around on "mopeds". If they want to win back power, they'll need to whip up some of that élan vital. The resistance is already building, albeit not yet in Congress, said the FT. The bond markets have forced Trump to rein in his tariffs. The Supreme Court has taken a stand against illegal deportations. American voters, fretting about their wallets and retirement plans, are starting to abandon him too: Trump has one of the lowest approval ratings of any president after 100 days, at 40%. If Democrats win next year's midterm elections, said Katie Stallard in The New Statesman, he could spend his last two years in office fighting off investigations and impeachments, ensuring his authoritarian agenda is derailed. But that's assuming, of course, the midterms actually happen. On the current trajectory, we may not get "free and fair elections in 2026, let alone a peaceful transfer of power in 2028".
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Republican US Rep. Ashley Hinson rules out running for Iowa governor in 2026
U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson has ruled out a run for Iowa governor, saying she is instead committed to her work in Washington, D.C., amid a "once-in-a-generation" opportunity for Republicans. "I have been humbled by the outpouring of support and encouragement from people all across Iowa asking me to run for governor," she said in a statement provided exclusively to the Des Moines Register. "After much prayer and conversation with family and friends, I have decided to stay focused on my mission in Washington, working with President Trump to Make America Great Again. We have a unique, once-in-a-generation opportunity to make real, lasting change in our country right now, and I'm committed to the fight to make Washington run more like Iowa." The decision comes as Republicans across the state weigh whether to enter an open primary to succeed Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds. Reynolds surprised Iowa's political community by announcing she would not seek a third full term as governor. More: Rep. Ashley Hinson defends Donald Trump's agenda despite heckling at fiery Iowa town hall Even though she won't run, Hinson said she plans to help ensure Reynolds' successor is a Republican. "I am also committed to electing a conservative governor in Iowa — I'll be out on the campaign trail doing everything I can to help keep Iowa the best place in the world to call home," she said in the statement. "It is a tremendous honor to serve Iowans every day, and I will always work as hard as I can for you." A handful of Republicans have publicly expressed interest in running. More: Will they run for Iowa governor in 2026? Our early handicap of 10 potential GOP candidates They include 4th District U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra, who told the Register he is keeping his options open. A trio of state representatives — Pat Grassley, Bobby Kaufmann and Mike Bousselot — have said they're interested in exploring the opportunity. Bousselot recently launched an exploratory committee to more formally consider the possibility. And two statewide officials — Attorney General Brenna Bird and Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig — have said they are thinking and praying about the decision. More: Will they run for Iowa governor in 2026? Our early handicap of 10 potential GOP candidates Former state Rep. Brad Sherman has already launched a campaign. On the Democratic side, Auditor Rob Sand is expected to launch a campaign, although he has not made a formal announcement. Brianne Pfannenstiel is the chief politics reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach her at bpfann@ or 515-284-8244. Follow her on X at @brianneDMR. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: US Rep. Ashley Hinson won't run to replace Gov. Kim Reynolds in 2026
New York Post
29-04-2025
- Politics
- New York Post
Trump's stunning first 100 days: The highs, the lows and the road ahead
When Donald Trump headed back to the White House on Jan. 20, most folks knew him fairly well. They knew his priorities: He'd secure the border, jumpstart US energy, push to end the wars in Ukraine and Middle East and curb lefty cultural excesses. He'd put the interests of America, and its workers, over those of other countries. He'd Make America Great Again. Even so, few could've imagined how the returning prez would manage to transform the nation as dramatically as he has in a matter of weeks, not only via his executive orders, but by shifting the debate, restoring common-sense views and saying and doing what his predecessors haven't. Trump rolled in like a tornado, signing 26 executive orders on his first day — more than any other president. He also holds the record for first-100-days EOs. Heck, even before taking office, Trump managed to secure a deal for the return of more than 30 hostages from Gaza, with the first released the day before his inauguration. And practically overnight, he ended the border crisis, with the numbers of migrants plummeting more than 90%. Yet another top Trump priority — making the world economy fairer to the United States — has sparked major economic shifts, though not necessarily good ones. His tariffs have helped drive down his approval ratings, with one poll showing him with the lowest rating of any president since World War II. Still, for better or worse, Trump's actions have been nothing short of stunning. He's moved the Overton Window — shown what's possible and put the lie to Democrats' claims that some things are just not fixable. And if he can get his act together, there are strong grounds to hope for amazing developments over the next four years. Let's look at all the issues more closely: 6 The White House erected posters of criminal illegal aliens on the front lawn ahead of Trump's first 100 days. REUTERS Migrants: Of all Trump's 100-day accomplishments, fixing the border mess is, hands-down, his biggest. In just his first full month in office, 'southwest land border encounters' averaged a mere 418 per day, down from a peak of 9,741 under Biden, per Customs and Border Protection data. That's a mind-blowing 96% plunge. How'd Trump do it? By rescinding Biden's invitación to would-be migrants: He ended his predecessor's parole program and CPB One app, flipped catch-and-release to catch-and-detain (or -deport) and began hunting, prosecuting and booting illegal migrants in the country, particularly violent-criminal ones. Sure enough, as Todd Bensman puts it, 'aspiring border-crossers' no longer wanted to 'pay the smuggling money on a lost cause.' 6 The case of illegal immigrant Kilmar Abrego Garcia's case has become a rallying cry for Democrats. President Nayib Bukele/UPI/Shutterstock The left, meanwhile, wants the illegal migrant waves to keep coming. It hypes the case of alleged MS-13 gangbanger Kilmar Abrego Garcia, hoping to derail all of Trump's deportations. Yet the courts clearly OK'd Garcia's deportation — just not to El Salvador, citing his (now-outdated) claim gangs would target him. Due to an administrative error, he was sent there anyway. But that's hardly reason to end all deportations, which are a key part of dissuading newcomers. The economy: Trump's performance here merits lower marks. While his intent of rebalancing trade with the rest of the world, and especially China, is admirable, his execution of the strategy has been blundering. His steep, on-again, off-again tariffs have sown chaos, fear and uncertainty and damaged America's reputation around the world. Since Jan. 20, the markets have ridden a roller coaster. The Federal Reserve projects negative growth for the first quarter of the year. 6 Trump's steep tariffs have put the stock market on a roller coaster. Getty Images Indeed, the turmoil has been so massive that Trump had to backtrack on his country-by-country trade-deficit tariffs, and has signaled a coming rollback of his massive 145% surcharge on Chinese goods. Trump could turn things around by delivering a series of quick tariff deals that improve the economics for US exporters, boost investment and jobs here at home and stave off imminent price shocks and supply shortages. Cutting needless regulations and unleashing American businesses will help mitigate some of the lasting tariff damage. Energy: This is another clear area of triumph for the prez. His moves to boost energy production will surely charge up economic activity. Already, he's ditched Biden's irrational ban on liquid-natural-gas exports, moved to shed burdensome regulations, scrapped the EV mandate, pushed pipeline projects and more. As Dan Turner reports, Trump has 'ushered in a change in the nation's mindset on energy,' viewing production as beneficial, rather than harmful. And he's silenced the climate-alarmist lobby intent on taking the nation back to the Dark Ages. All that will encourage investment, boost energy supplies and reliability and lower prices. Taxes and spending: Trump's Department of Government Efficiency didn't produce the $2 trillion promised, but it has reaped some savings and, notably, it's exposed outrageous waste and woke-fueled abuse ($1.5 million for DEI in Serbia; millions for nonexistent unemployment claims). DOGE can actually be a valuable tool in reining in runaway spending. But it needs to focus more on the nitty-gritty — follow the money rather than chase sexy headlines. Trump and Congress also need to tackle the bigger spending issues — like entitlements and defense procurement. Those are certainly tougher nuts to crack, but the overall growth in federal outlays, and in the monster national debt in particular, is simply unsustainable. 6 DOGE is exposing government fraud, waste and abuse – but has come nowhere close to the $2T promised. AP Meanwhile, it's absolutely imperative that Trump push through his 'big, beautiful' budget bill quickly, preserving the economically vital tax cuts of his first term, and perhaps producing a few more, such as scrapping taxes on tips. Republicans in Congress have made gains on that front, but Trump himself has been distracted by his tariff plans. He needs to switch gears and get this done. ASAP. Culture: On his very first day, Trump closed every DEI office in the government. Bravo! He then went to sign numerous executive orders to level the playing field for people of every race, sex and sexual orientation — including one making it US policy 'to only recognize two genders: male and female' and another to keep men out of women's sports. He's also pushed back against the noxious doctrine of 'disparate impact' — which defines racism as based on outcomes rather than opportunities. Trump has also fought the surge in Jew-hatred, canceling billions for universities like Columbia and Harvard that refuse to take stronger steps against it on their campuses. Ukraine: You can't fault Trump for wanting to end the bloodshed in Vladimir Putin's horrendous war against Ukraine. Yet Trump and/or his advisers seem to think selling out Ukraine and appeasing Mad Vlad will do that. It won't. Putin is already proving that by rejecting even cease-fire proposals that are outrageously favorable to Russia, even as he steps up his bombing of civilians. Trump & Co. need to understand that Putin, not Zelensky, is the villain. And that appeasement will ultimately come back to haunt. 6 Trump's first 100 days in numbers. Donna Grace/NY Post Design Israel: The Jewish state and its US supporters have breathed a sigh of relief that Trump has replaced the Janus-faced Biden and backed Israel beyond its wildest dreams. Trump has not only given Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu free rein to pursue Oct. 7's Hamas perpetrators and rescue hostages; he's also voiced out loud a solution that can actually lead to long-lasting peace: removing Gaza's radicalized population, at least until the Strip can be rebuilt. True, that's likely to prove a fantasy: Much of the world would resist it, and no one's offering to host 2 million Gazans. But it certainly changed the conversation. Trump has also vowed not to let Iran — the biggest threat to Israel and the region — get nukes, hinting he may take military action if he can't stop Tehran diplomatically. The risk for Trump: being tempted to sign on to a bad deal (a la President Barack Obama) just to get any deal. 6 Trump signed numerous EOs to fight back against DEI and wokeness. AFP via Getty Images The president has made progress on other issues as well. And he's managed to control his mouth far better than during his first term. No, he hasn't yet made good on all his promises; no president could've, in the short time he's been back. And he seems unlikely to ever keep some of his promises (see: New York's congestion pricing). In that sense, Trump's hurt his own credibility: He vowed 'all hell will break out' if all Hamas' hostages aren't released. That he'll impose tougher sanctions on Moscow if it resists a cease-fire. That the tariffs will make America rich. The world's still wondering what's the hold-up. We know: It's not like Trump to acknowledge his limitations, at least not publicly. But if he can refrain from threats and promises he can't deliver on, and focus on what's realistic and achievable, there's a world of good he can do over the next four years. He's already made some stunning progress. Work out the kinks, Mr. President. Stay focused.
