Since Donald Trump’s election as president in 2016, the United States has experienced a dramatic shift in its political landscape, with the influence of businessmen and corporate interests growing substantially. This change has had far-reaching consequences for ordinary American citizens, particularly in key areas such as healthcare, poverty, and economic inequality. What challenges will the American people face under a system that increasingly favors corporate power? How will the influence of big business on government policies affect their daily lives and future prospects?

1. Healthcare: The Erosion of Public Health Systems

One of the most significant concerns during Trump’s presidency was his administration’s efforts to dismantle the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare. Despite the fact that millions of Americans gained health coverage through the ACA, Trump made repeated attempts to repeal it, which created significant uncertainty and fear for those who rely on it for their healthcare needs.

• Cuts to Medicaid and Public Healthcare Funding: Trump’s budget proposals included significant cuts to Medicaid, which provides healthcare coverage for low-income Americans. This would have left millions of people without access to necessary medical care, deepening the divide between the wealthy, who can afford private insurance, and the poor, who depend on public programs.
• Rising Healthcare Costs: The Trump administration’s efforts to eliminate ACA protections for people with pre-existing conditions and to allow states to implement more restrictive insurance policies led to higher premiums for many Americans, especially those in lower income brackets. For many families, healthcare became an increasingly unaffordable burden.
• Health Inequality Between Classes: As large corporations and the wealthy benefited from deregulation and tax cuts, the gap in access to quality healthcare between rich and poor Americans only widened. The wealthiest individuals and corporations enjoyed tax cuts and exemptions, while millions of low-income Americans struggled to afford basic health coverage.

2. Poverty: The Growing Economic Divide

Under Trump’s administration, poverty became an even more pressing issue for many Americans, particularly in the working and lower-income classes. The policies enacted during this period often disproportionately benefited the wealthy and large corporations, while leaving those in need with fewer opportunities and less support.

• Tax Cuts for the Rich and Corporations: Trump’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 dramatically reduced corporate tax rates from 35% to 21%, giving massive benefits to the wealthiest individuals and corporations. While the tax cuts were presented as a way to stimulate economic growth, they largely benefited the richest Americans, deepening economic inequality. The expected “trickle-down” benefits for working-class Americans did not materialize, and wages for the majority of workers remained stagnant, while the rich got richer.
• Cuts to Social Safety Nets: The Trump administration proposed severe cuts to social welfare programs, such as food assistance (SNAP), unemployment benefits, and housing support, which directly impacted millions of low-income Americans. These cuts have exacerbated poverty and made it harder for vulnerable populations to access essential services.
• The Decline in Wage Growth and Job Security: While unemployment rates did drop for some groups, particularly in the short term, many Americans remained stuck in low-wage, precarious jobs with little opportunity for upward mobility. In addition, the rise of gig economy jobs, which offer minimal benefits and security, compounded the difficulties faced by workers.

3. Economic Inequality: The Widening Gap Between Rich and Poor

The divide between the wealthy and the poor in America reached new heights during Trump’s presidency. His administration’s policies overwhelmingly favored businesses and the rich, leaving the working and middle classes with fewer opportunities and resources to improve their financial standing.

• The Rich Get Richer: Under Trump, the wealthiest Americans saw their fortunes grow significantly. The reduction in corporate taxes and the deregulation of industries allowed companies to expand, often at the expense of environmental protections and workers’ rights. Meanwhile, the poor and middle class saw few benefits from the administration’s economic policies. Income inequality in the U.S. has been widening for decades, and Trump’s tax cuts and deregulation only accelerated this trend.
• The Decline of the Middle Class: While the U.S. has long been considered a land of opportunity, for many, the dream of upward mobility is becoming increasingly difficult to attain. The middle class faced rising costs of living, particularly in areas like healthcare, housing, and education, while their incomes remained stagnant. Student loan debt has also become a major burden for many young Americans, further hindering their ability to accumulate wealth.
• Access to Education and Social Mobility: Education is often considered a key pathway out of poverty, but during Trump’s administration, funding for public education and college assistance was consistently threatened. With rising student debt and cuts to public universities, many young Americans from working-class backgrounds were left with fewer opportunities to improve their economic standing.

4. The Struggles of the Middle Class: Shrinking Economic Opportunities

The American middle class, often seen as the backbone of the country’s economic and social stability, faced immense pressure during Trump’s presidency. Despite claims of a booming economy, the benefits of this growth did not reach the average worker in a meaningful way.

• Rising Costs of Living: The cost of living in major U.S. cities continued to rise, particularly in areas such as housing and healthcare, making it difficult for middle-class families to maintain their standard of living. Many were forced to take on additional debt or cut back on essential services to make ends meet.
• Stagnating Wages: While the unemployment rate dropped in some sectors, wage growth remained sluggish, especially for workers without specialized skills or higher education. This left many in the middle class struggling to keep up with rising costs and unable to save for retirement or invest in their future.
• The Housing Crisis: Housing affordability became a major issue for many Americans during Trump’s presidency. While home prices in major metropolitan areas soared, wages failed to keep pace. Young people entering the job market were unable to afford homes, leading to rising rent prices and a growing number of individuals and families living in precarious housing situations.

5. Environmental Consequences: New Struggles for Vulnerable Communities

Trump’s environmental policies also had a disproportionate impact on vulnerable communities, especially those already struggling with poverty and inequality. By rolling back environmental protections and leaving crucial environmental issues like climate change largely unaddressed, Trump’s administration put the health and safety of many communities at risk.

• Climate Change and Public Health: Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement and roll back environmental regulations meant that poorer communities, often located near industrial sites, were exposed to higher levels of pollution. This contributed to an increase in health issues, including respiratory problems, cancers, and other diseases that disproportionately affected low-income groups.
• Natural Disasters and Inequality: As climate change exacerbates the frequency and severity of natural disasters, such as hurricanes, wildfires, and floods, the communities most at risk are often those with the fewest resources to recover. Under Trump’s leadership, there was limited federal support for rebuilding efforts in disaster-stricken areas, especially for the most vulnerable populations.

6. Conclusion: A Challenging Future for the American People

If the policies of Trump’s administration continue to shape the future of America, the country faces a difficult road ahead. With growing inequality, deteriorating public services, and a government increasingly aligned with corporate interests, the American people—especially those in the middle and lower classes—will face significant challenges.

The rich and powerful will continue to thrive under a system that favors them, while the rest of the population struggles to keep up with rising costs and shrinking opportunities. The future of healthcare, poverty alleviation, and economic fairness in the United States hinges on the ability of ordinary citizens to push back against these trends, demanding policies that put the interests of people over profits.

In the years to come, it will be essential for the American people to demand stronger protections, fairer tax policies, better access to healthcare, and more equitable economic opportunities to ensure a more just and sustainable future for all.