Trumpism: A polarising force in politics and society, by Kayode Adebiyi

Oftentimes, our position on political issues can be strong and uncompromising, especially when it stems from an ideological principle we hold dear because of who we are, the faith we profess, or the cultural environment in which we grew up. This is particularly true regarding beliefs we consider sacrosanct to human life and existence.
In Africa, and specifically Nigeria, the issues that inform our choice of who we support as president are often shaped by our peculiar circumstances as a developing nation. These factors primarily include who is best suited to pilot the country’s affairs in areas such as the economy, infrastructural development, and the candidate’s track record in previous leadership positions. However, for some who lack a clear understanding of what leadership entails, ethnicity and religious inclination may also influence their decisions.
For countries like the United States of America—an advanced, developed, and the wealthiest nation on earth—the issues that determine presidential choices can be entirely different from those in Africa. With two distinct political parties holding starkly opposing ideologies, the nation is often deeply divided during elections over which candidate is best suited to steer the country.
The arrival of Donald Trump on the U.S. political scene in 2016 caused a major disruption to the country’s political climate. He evokes extreme emotions from both his supporters and detractors, not only within the U.S. but also globally. Any mention of Trump on social media, regardless of where one stands on Trumpism, often sparks intense reactions from both sides.Trump’s politics are entirely unconventional. He operates without restraint, saying what he wants to say in the manner he chooses. He disregards political correctness, his politics are sometimes transactional, and he places a high premium on personal loyalty. Trump appears to believe that loyalty to him equates to loyalty to the United States.As a businessman for several decades, Trump initially leaned toward the Democratic Party and financially supported many of its candidates. However, when he entered partisan politics, he chose the Republican Party because he felt its ideology aligned with his opposition to the “woke” liberal and extreme left-wing policies of the Democratic Party, particularly on issues like LGBTQ+ rights, transgender matters, and immigration.
Personally, I did not support Trump during his first bid in 2016, and I was delighted when he was voted out four years ago. While I align wholeheartedly with some of his and the Republican Party’s ideological positions, I strongly dislike his governance style and his lack of respect for democratic institutions—especially his actions during and after President Biden’s election. He desecrated these institutions and encouraged his supporters to do the same.However, Trump’s potential return to power has me reconsidering my stance. I am weary of the extreme left-wing ideological tendencies that seem determined to upend societal norms. I want someone who can challenge the absurdities circulating in the West and put up at least some resistance.
Living in the West, I am frustrated by the constant need to speak with caution to avoid trouble. For instance, someone might wake up and declare they are neither “he” nor “she” but “they,” and you are compelled to comply with their preferred pronouns. A man might suddenly identify as a woman, commit a crime, and then be placed in a women’s prison, where he proceeds to sexually assault female inmates. Is this not madness?
That said, I also believe that not all immigrants are criminals. Trump’s stance on immigration has been problematic, and his actions since 2016 have reinforced this perception. For example, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy, introduced during President Obama’s administration, was a bipartisan effort to address the plight of undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children.
DACA recipients are individuals, many of whom arrived in the U.S. under the age of five, who have grown up knowing no other country but the U.S. These individuals—now adults in their late 20s, 30s, and 40s—have lived in the U.S. for over 20 years, contributing to society by serving in the military or working in various sectors.
DACA provides these undocumented immigrants with protection from deportation, a work permit, and eventually, a pathway to citizenship. However, when Trump assumed office in 2016, he moved to terminate the program.
Where would you deport a person who was brought to the U.S. at the age of three, whose parents are now deceased? Is it the child’s fault? As of now, there are over 700,000 active DACA recipients. Deporting them is not only impractical but also unjust, and I am curious to see how Trump intends to address this issue.
In essence, Trump evokes mixed feelings and emotions among different people. Some never wants to hear anything negative said about him even when it is obvious he’s wrong. While I wholeheartedly support him in certain areas, I oppose him just as well in others. Ultimately, it is U.S. citizens who elected him, and they will bear the good and the consequences of his actions. For those of us watching from the sidelines, as we say in Nigerian parlance: na siddon look we dey.
–Adebiyi is a Media Executive based in United Kingdom