The legacy of the Trump administration continues to spark debate and influence global affairs. From North Korea's nuclear ambitions to affordable broadband access in the US and aid programs in Africa, policies enacted during Donald Trump's presidency are still making waves.
North Korea's Nuclear Stance
Tensions remain high between North Korea and the United States. Kim Jong-un's sister recently accused Washington of escalating political and military provocations since Trump took office. This, she argued, justifies North Korea's pursuit of a nuclear arsenal. "Their hostile policy leaves us no choice," she stated, implying a direct link between Trump-era actions and North Korea's current stance.
This accusation highlights the lasting impact of Trump's foreign policy on the Korean Peninsula and suggests that the current administration faces an uphill battle in de-escalating tensions.
Broadband Access Under Scrutiny
Meanwhile, within the United States, a legal battle is brewing over affordable broadband access. Fifteen Republican Attorneys General are urging the Supreme Court to rule against the FCC's Universal Service Fund, an $8 billion program designed to bring phone and broadband services to lower-income households and schools. They argue that the program, once enjoying bipartisan support, became "extremist" under the Trump administration and was unduly influenced by groups like "Consumers' Research."
This case raises questions about the role of government in ensuring equal access to essential services and the long-term consequences of policy shifts during the Trump years.
Aid Cuts and Global Impact
The effects of Trump-era policies extend beyond US borders. The World Food Programme (WFP) is closing its southern Africa office in Johannesburg, citing funding cuts imposed by the Trump administration. The agency, which previously received half its budget from the US, is consolidating its operations, merging its southern and east Africa offices into a single regional hub in Nairobi, Kenya.
A WFP spokesperson stated that the closure was a direct result of decreased funding from the United States, forcing the organization to streamline its operations. This decision highlights the tangible consequences of policy changes on international aid and the lives of vulnerable populations.
Internal Directives at HHS
Even internal agency directives are reflecting the lingering impact. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reversed its earlier position and required employees to respond to an email from the Trump administration requesting summaries of their recent accomplishments. This directive, issued on March 3rd, underscores the enduring influence of past administrations on current practices and priorities within government agencies.
These examples demonstrate that the policies and decisions made during the Trump administration continue to shape the political landscape, both domestically and internationally, raising important questions about their long-term effects.