Minimum morals for Trump

After an immersion in US politics due to circumstances and curiosity, am glad to be back in the Philippines’ also chaotic politics and governance. The surprising/exciting political developments in the US with less than 100 days to their presidential election have dominated all US media and highlighted critical issues for Americans. The survival of their democracy, human rights issues for minorities and immigrants, limits of judicial power, and the global role of the US in international affairs, the ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, the civil strife in Sudan, Haiti, Venezuela, Bangladesh, and the territorial problems in the South China Sea, Taiwan, Japan, and North Korea, make the US November election almost existential with global implications.

The Trump appeal that made him win against Hillary Clinton in 2016 but lose to Biden in 2020 was due to the rise of populist politics at that time, and the resurgent conservatism of Americans in some states. This phenomenon waned in 2020, so Biden won both the popular and electoral college votes. Trump’s candidacy in 2024 is his way of reviving this sentiment, even with his efforts to thwart the 2020 election results, and his conviction on moral and ethical charges in business, politics, and personal life. The results of the 2024 election will tell if Trump’s kind of politics and governance will prevail, even with his immoral/amoral behavior and personality.

World and US news have always detailed Trump’s unethical business and political actions. His questionable business practices have been exposed, and fines, suspensions, and civil liabilities have been imposed. His pressuring/bullying to alter election results in 2020, his illegal campaign funds violations are also in litigation. His sexual dalliances, while forgivable to many, have convicted him of coercion. The insults, bullying, lies about his actions and against opponents are so flagrant, that 80% of his allegations/assertions have been fact checked to be false. He bends the facts to suit his arguments. He even invented an emergency helicopter incident that never happened at all.

Trump also has autocratic tendencies. He once boasted that he can shoot someone in Times Square and nothing will happen to him. He recently also said that after he wins the 2024 elections, the American voters will not vote anymore. Then, there is his pressuring the FBI, the CIA, state department officials, and the judiciary to favor his intentions during his presidency.

Trump’s core group of supporters which may be some 30%, may dismiss/forgive his lack of morals and stick with him, but his 2020 defeat shows that there is another 20% of his supporters that are bothered by his immorality/amorality. This includes the evangelical Christians who had supported him before, and many young voters from Gen X to Gen Z who believe in morality and accountability.

To win the 2024 election and survive after the election, win or lose, Trump needs a minimum of moral and ethical values. Even if he does not have a religion, the basic tenets of truth and justice are needed for orderly governance and society and demonstrated by successful leaders.

The parallel of this political unraveling in the US is what is happening now in the Philippines, in Venezuela, in Bangladesh, and in Haiti. Eventually, the people will come to their senses and oust immoral/amoral political leaders peacefully and/or violently.