Member-only story
The Trump Effect: Disillusionment with America’s Moral Compass
We weren’t perfect — far from it — but there was a collective sense that despite our differences, most of us were striving for something better, something nobler.
The Trump Effect: Disillusionment with America’s Moral Compass
For decades, many Americans held a fundamental belief that, at their core, most Americans were good, decent people.
We cherished the ideals of fairness, equality, and compassion, believing they formed the foundation of our society. We weren’t perfect — far from it — but there was a collective sense that despite our differences, most of us were striving for something better, something nobler.
Then Donald Trump happened.
Trump’s rise to power, his presidency, and the movement he cultivated have shattered this belief for millions of Americans.
For those who once believed in the basic decency of their fellow citizens, Trump’s rhetoric, policies, and enduring popularity have been a rude awakening. His ascendancy revealed an undercurrent of bigotry, cruelty, and selfishness that many hoped was a fringe element of American society, but it’s now…