Donald J. Trump Returns as 47th President: A Look Back at Economic Disparities from His Last Tenure

By, WPS News Staff
Baybay City | January 26, 2025

As Donald J. Trump begins his second term as the 47th President of the United States, all eyes are on the potential policies and changes he might bring. Reflecting on his previous presidency from 2017 to 2021, when he served as the 45th President, offers the only concrete clues about what might lie ahead. During his earlier tenure, President Trump’s economic policies were a significant focal point, widely discussed and often contentious. This analysis examines the economic disparities that marked Trump’s last presidency, a period characterized by both claimed economic successes and notable criticisms.

Trump championed his economic achievements, often highlighting tax cuts as a monumental success. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 was a signature policy meant to stimulate growth, spur business investment, and boost the disposable incomes of Americans. While supporters hailed it for lowering corporate taxes and promoting economic expansion, critics argued it disproportionately benefited the wealthy and increased economic inequalities. The act provided considerable tax relief to corporations and higher-income earners, while many middle- and lower-income families saw only modest benefits.

Compounding these disparities, the broader economy during Trump’s presidency experienced fluctuating fortunes that varied across different sectors and demographics. While unemployment rates pre-pandemic reached historic lows, critics pointed out that wage growth did not keep pace with rising costs of living, affecting millions of average workers. Furthermore, economic gains were not evenly distributed across the country. Regions experiencing industrial decline, such as parts of the Midwest, often continued to struggle despite overall economic growth.

The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically altered the economic landscape during Trump’s presidency, exacerbating existing inequalities and highlighting systemic vulnerabilities. As businesses shuttered and unemployment surged, the economic fallout was felt most acutely by low-income workers, who were often in jobs that could not transition to remote work. The administration’s response, including stimulus checks and small business loans, faced criticism for being insufficiently targeted and inadequate in addressing long-standing inequities.

Trump’s environmental and deregulation policies also drew attention due to their long-term economic implications. Rollbacks on regulations were intended to stimulate business activity, but environmentalists and economists warned that such moves could disproportionately affect low-income communities, often located near industrial sites, by increasing exposure to pollution and health risks.

In education, the Trump administration pushed for school choice and the expansion of charter schools, advocating for policies they claimed would increase competition and improve quality. However, critics argued these policies further deepened educational disparities by channeling funds away from public schools, which predominantly served underprivileged communities.

Looking ahead, Donald Trump’s history suggests a continuation of policies focused on tax cuts and deregulation, with the potential for similar criticisms regarding economic inequality. The pressing question remains: how will his administration address these disparities and support the economically vulnerable, especially in a post-pandemic era?

As America navigates this new chapter, the economic strategies adopted will likely reflect both the successes and lessons from Trump’s first term. Close attention will be paid to the administration’s approach to balancing immediate economic recovery with long-term equitable growth.