# Trump haters only: what were his accomplishments? **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [December 10, 2020, 8:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-haters-only-what-were-his-accomplishments/927735 "2020-12-10T08:19:01Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2020, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-haters-only-what-were-his-accomplishments/927735/41 "2020-12-10T16:20:48Z")
> [@El\_Kabong](#): > > He replaced some fencing on the Mexican border. Mexico, so far as I can tell, did not pay for any of it. I’m out of the loop. Who paid for it? ---
**Author:** ![snowthx](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowthx/32/10660_2.png) [@snowthx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snowthx)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2020, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-haters-only-what-were-his-accomplishments/927735/42 "2020-12-10T16:48:37Z")
He has finally [done something WRT drug prices](https://www.politico.com/news/2020/11/17/trump-seeks-final-stamp-on-drug-prices-with-sweeping-rule-437191), or at least he’s trying: _The plan, known as the most-favored nations rule, would link government payments for medicines to lower prices paid abroad. It could cut Medicare drug payments by as much as 30 percent, lopping off a chunk of pharmaceutical companies’ profits in one of their largest customer pools._ Altho, as the article states, his hand was forced by a personal vendetta against Pfizer for not announcing the 90%+ effectiveness of their COVID vaccine until after the election. It’s all about him, of course. This change may not come to pass, but at least it was a shot across the bow of the drug companies’ predatory pricing tactics. ---
**Author:** ![robby](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robby/32/11048_2.png) [@robby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robby)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2020, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-haters-only-what-were-his-accomplishments/927735/43 "2020-12-10T17:06:10Z")
Assuming we survive the next month with our democracy intact, Trump has succeeded in stress-testing our political system and exposing all of the fault lines and weaknesses that need to be shored up before a less incompetent would-be autocrat shows up on the political scene. It turns out that a lot of our political stability since the nation’s founding was more dependent on politicians obeying norms, rules, and traditions (such as conceding a lost election) than we knew. A lot of good-governance reforms were instituted after Watergate. We are [over]due for more reforms after Trump. ---
**Author:** ![El\_Kabong](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/el_kabong/32/496_2.png) [@El\_Kabong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/El_Kabong)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2020, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-haters-only-what-were-his-accomplishments/927735/44 "2020-12-10T17:16:22Z")
> [@ZipperJJ](#): > > I’m out of the loop. Who paid for it? Why, you did, of course. [Trump wall - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trump_wall) > [@](#): > > In January 2017, Trump signed [Executive Order 13767](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Executive_Order_13767), which formally directed the U.S. government to begin wall construction along the [U.S.–Mexico border](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S.%E2%80%93Mexico_border) using existing federal funding.[[5]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trump_wall#cite_note-Davis2017-5) Construction was delayed due to the lack of clarity on how it would be funded. After a political struggle for funding, including a [government shutdown for 35 days](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018%E2%80%9319_United_States_federal_government_shutdown) and the [declaration of a national emergency](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Emergency_Concerning_the_Southern_Border_of_the_United_States), construction started in 2019. ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2020, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-haters-only-what-were-his-accomplishments/927735/45 "2020-12-10T17:17:17Z")
> [@El\_Kabong](#): > > Why, you did, of course. Savage 😁 ---
**Author:** ![k9bfriender](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/k9bfriender/32/3283_2.png) [@k9bfriender](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/k9bfriender)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2020, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-haters-only-what-were-his-accomplishments/927735/46 "2020-12-10T17:24:59Z")
That’s a positive if we learn what needs to be shored up and do so. It’s not a positive if it simply points out the weak points for the next wannabe dictator to attack. Time will tell. ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2020, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-haters-only-what-were-his-accomplishments/927735/47 "2020-12-10T18:03:03Z")
> [@El\_Kabong](#): > > Why, you did, of course. And as an added BONUS, your tax dollars also paid for [armed Mexican citizens](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/07/us/politics/border-wall-mexico.html) to come in illegally and guard the wall construction. So technically, you paid Mexico for part of the wall. ---
**Author:** ![Railer13](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/railer13/32/9742_2.png) [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2020, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-haters-only-what-were-his-accomplishments/927735/48 "2020-12-10T18:30:35Z")
He moved our embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. At least, I thought he did, until I read this in [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Embassy_of_the_United_States,_Jerusalem). > **However, despite the move of the Embassy to Jerusalem, President Trump signed on June 4, 2018 an executive order postponing the move of the Embassy to Jerusalem, although it already moved to that city.** He was required to sign the order since the Jerusalem Embassy Act requires the US Ambassador to have a permanent residence in Jerusalem, a condition not yet fulfilled. Sounds about right for the Trump administration. ---
**Author:** ![phs3](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/8491ac/32.png) [@phs3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phs3)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2020, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-haters-only-what-were-his-accomplishments/927735/49 "2020-12-10T18:41:40Z")
Indeed. Took a disheartened, broke, destroyed country and _almost_ made it an empire that would last a thousand years. Plus, you know, no Jews, Gypsys, or homosexuals. A paradise. /s But it is a legitimate question. Look at Nixon: I never liked him, but aside from being a crook, he did open up relations with China, mostly end the war in Vietnam, and some other things. Plus he gets to sit wherever he is now and go, “They forced ME to resign, and this yutz got a full four years?! WTF!” ---
**Author:** ![Sam\_Stone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@Sam\_Stone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sam_Stone)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2020, 6:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-haters-only-what-were-his-accomplishments/927735/50 "2020-12-10T18:53:45Z")
- Didn’t start any wars. - Ended the horrible Iran deal, leading to: - The Abraham Accords, pushed by Jared Kushner (to much mocking by the foreign policy crowd). Just today it was announced that Morocco has joined, formally recognizing Israel and normalizing relations with them. So that’s now the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, Sudan, and Oman, with Saudi Arabia approving and allowing overflights to these countries to and from Israel. They are all opening embassies in Jerusalem, and it’s likely that Saudi Arabia will join. You can now get Kosher food at airports and hotels in these countries - ordered by their governments. An amazing change. - deregulation in many areas. - revitalized the space program by giving NASA a hard target with a hard deadline, increasing funding, and accelerating the adoption of private space contractors atarted under Obama. - finally called out and stood up to Chinese economic imperialism and espionage. - managed to do all this while being a horse’s ass, which I guess is an accomplishment of sorts. ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2020, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-haters-only-what-were-his-accomplishments/927735/51 "2020-12-10T18:55:12Z")
> [@Sam\_Stone](#): > > Didn’t start any wars. Well I, for one, am glad you have joined the ranks of “Trump Haters.” We welcome you. ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2020, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-haters-only-what-were-his-accomplishments/927735/52 "2020-12-10T18:57:25Z")
> [@Sam\_Stone](#): > > deregulation in many areas. Whether or not this is a good thing is a HIGHLY subjective stance… You might want to break down which deregulations were done and how they were beneficial to Americans. ---
**Author:** ![Sam\_Stone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@Sam\_Stone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sam_Stone)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2020, 6:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-haters-only-what-were-his-accomplishments/927735/53 "2020-12-10T18:59:24Z")
Dude, I’ve been a ‘Trump hater’ from the beginning. But why are you making this about me? Shouldn’t you either be addressing the points I made or be keeping your mouth shut when you aren’t in the pit? ---
**Author:** ![stuccosuperstar2020](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9de0a6/32.png) [@stuccosuperstar2020](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stuccosuperstar2020)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2020, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-haters-only-what-were-his-accomplishments/927735/54 "2020-12-10T19:23:38Z")
To me that still makes him a “politician” but the point is no President was more of an outsider than Trump. ---
**Author:** ![BobLibDem](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/boblibdem/32/3149_2.png) [@BobLibDem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobLibDem)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2020, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-haters-only-what-were-his-accomplishments/927735/55 "2020-12-10T19:30:12Z")
I don’t see breaking the Iran deal as a positive. Our EU allies were fine with it, the Iranians were in compliance, and all Dumb Donald did was ruin the US’s reputation for honoring treaties that it signs. Gutting regulations may be wonderful for corporate bottom lines, not so much for worker safety and the environment. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2020, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-haters-only-what-were-his-accomplishments/927735/56 "2020-12-10T19:32:40Z")
> [@stuccosuperstar2020](#): > > –IIRC he issued orders to stop the hunting of endangered elephants, and wolves. Well, first of all, trump cant do anything about hunting elephants as we dont have any in the USA. Not since about 10000 years ago anyway. And just the opposite for wolves: > **[Trump administration drops gray wolf from endangered species list](https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2020-10-29/trump-administration-drops-gray-wolf-from-endangered-list-ending-all-federal-protection)** > > Federal officials say the gray wolf no longer needs protection. But conservationists disagree and are preparing to challenge the decision in court. > [@stuccosuperstar2020](#): > > The first non-politician or military member in American history to be elected President. I dont know how that is a 'accomplishment" in any way shape or form. ---
**Author:** ![k9bfriender](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/k9bfriender/32/3283_2.png) [@k9bfriender](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/k9bfriender)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2020, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-haters-only-what-were-his-accomplishments/927735/57 "2020-12-10T19:36:39Z")
Yeah, I always hear about “deregulation” being a good thing, but no one can ever point to a specific regulation that they want to get rid of. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2020, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-haters-only-what-were-his-accomplishments/927735/58 "2020-12-10T19:36:45Z")
A tiny baby step, as the UAE and Bahrain are small nations and not big players. But yes, it is a step, even if a small one. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2020, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-haters-only-what-were-his-accomplishments/927735/59 "2020-12-10T19:40:50Z")
Ok, yes- the US foreign policy of insisting upon nuclear dominance _is_ unrealistic . But _nobody_ wants nutcase unstable regimes like NK or Iran with nukes. Eight nations with nukes is enuf, we dont need NK and Iran also. ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2020, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-haters-only-what-were-his-accomplishments/927735/60 "2020-12-10T19:45:56Z")
They didn’t find any: > **[Donald Trump Labelled 'Loser of the Year' by Europe's Biggest News Magazine](https://www.newsweek.com/der-spiegel-donald-trump-election-loser-year-germany-1553807?piano_t=1)** > > The German magazine Der Spiegel published a 3,300-word piece which assessed Trump's eventful 2020. It wasn't complimentary. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-haters-only-what-were-his-accomplishments/927735.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-haters-only-what-were-his-accomplishments/927735.md?page=4)