It is a simple question, really. Why does Trump do what he does? Why?
In the nonstop stream of statements, tweets, bizarre actions, rallies, scandals, lies, and outrage, it is tempting to react and be gobsmacked and to forget to ask the most fundamental question. Why?
This week, we focus on three policies and ask why does he take the positions he takes.
Why does Trump intend to do away with DACA? Why is it even under consideration? The 800,000 DACA recipients are required to do everything right when they are here. They must not commit crimes. They must work or be in school. They must register every two years and they must not leave the country. They all speak English. They pay their taxes and Social Security and they help solve the problem with labor force renewal. They are here and deeply integrated into their communities and our society as teachers, police officers, medical students, and lawyers. A whopping 91% are employed.
So, why did Trump campaign on the promise to end DACA? How could it be in the interest of the country to end it? Why is it the stuff of a policy promoted by Jeff Sessions and championed by the likes of white nationalist supporters Steve Bannon and Stephen Miller? What would motivate him to subject nearly one million families and their communities to such a crippling concern?
Our 2nd question involves the border wall. Prior to Hurricane Harvey, we witnessed Trump threaten a shutdown of the government if he didn’t get funding for the border wall. Why would it be an idea even suggested by him? Why would the border wall take precedence over the operation of the entire government, especially when Trump touts reduced illegal immigration and more effective control of the southern border with Mexico as an accomplishment? Why would the President inject that fear and uncertainty into the national bloodstream? And it literally took a force of nature to divert him from following through with his threat.
Third, why is it that we witness the continued attempt to sabotage Obamacare and the intentional stripping of the advertising budget? Why would Trump cut that budget by 90% and imperil the flow of information for enrollment in a program that millions of citizens rely on and want to have access to for health care? Knowing that Congress returns this week from recess, knowing that all efforts to repeal failed, and will fail, why is the only idea floated by Trump the strangulation of it to the detriment of millions?
Such a simple question, why? Such a simple answer: Taking these positions pleases the minority of people who constitute the often referred to “base”. Pleasing his base solidifies his hold on the office and so there is a single beneficiary: Trump. There is no explanation on the merits. There is no argument for the greater good. There is no foundation in good governance. The “why” of it all is pure selfishness. All roads lead to him.
But, there is one speed bump in that road to him getting what he wants. As John McCain wrote in his op-ed in The Washington Post, Congress does not answer to him. It must answer to us, and what is best for us. All of us. And, it must start doing that right now.
Why? Because the survival of the country depends on it.