Trump Transition Support & Dismantling Federal DEI | 11.26.24
The latest Morning Wire episode explores the public's reaction to President Trump's second term transition process. According to polling data, Trump is enjoying significant approval, including surprising support from younger voters. The episode also delves into the challenges surrounding illegal immigration and the massive backlog of deportation orders.
Additionally, the podcast examines plans to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives across the federal government, including higher education. The episode touches on the shifting public sentiment toward DEI programs and the growing momentum behind legislation aimed at abolishing them.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Nov 26, 2024 episode of the Morning Wire
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1-Page Summary
Public Support for Trump's Second Term
According to recent polling from CBS, Trump is enjoying significant public support as he begins his second term as President. The data shows that 59% of Americans approve of his handling of the transition so far, including a surprising 57% of voters under 30 who feel happy or satisfied with his election victory.
Trump's Cabinet Picks and Immigration Policies
Americans are also broadly supporting Trump's cabinet nominations like Marco Rubio for Secretary of State (44% approval), as well as his pledge to crack down on illegal immigration. Notably, 57% favor Trump's plan to identify and deport all immigrants residing illegally in the U.S., reflecting an overarching approval of his immigration enforcement strategies.
Immigration and Deportation Challenges
The U.S. currently faces a massive backlog of over 1 million illegal immigrants who have received formal deportation orders but have not been removed from the country. As highlighted by the New York City ICE director, policies like sanctuary city laws are contributing to the difficulty of carrying out deportations. Despite this backlog, illegal immigrants are still able to remain in the country and access government-funded resources and services. Steven Cammarata of the Center of Immigration Studies expresses that the Biden administration has not taken a significant stance to address these immigration issues.
Plans to Dismantle DEI Initiatives
The Trump administration aims to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs across the federal government, including in hiring, promotions, grant-making, and higher education funding. This plan, which Chris Rufo is helping formulate strategies for, includes potentially withholding federal funding from colleges and universities that maintain DEI practices. Public opinion appears to be shifting against DEI, with a Pew poll showing a drop in worker support and growing agreement with ending race-based college admissions. Legislation like the "Dismantle DEI Act" is gaining momentum to abolish DEI offices in federal agencies and end race-based preferences.
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Counterarguments
- While 59% approval for Trump's handling of the transition is significant, it also means that 41% of Americans may disapprove or be indifferent, indicating a divided opinion.
- The happiness or satisfaction of voters under 30 with Trump's election victory does not capture the full spectrum of youth opinion, which can be diverse and multifaceted.
- A 44% approval rating for Marco Rubio as Secretary of State suggests that a majority of Americans, 56%, may not support the nomination or are undecided.
- Favoring the plan to identify and deport all immigrants residing illegally in the U.S. does not consider the complexities of immigration issues, including humanitarian concerns and the economic contributions of immigrants.
- The backlog of over 1 million illegal immigrants with formal deportation orders highlights a systemic issue that may require comprehensive immigration reform rather than solely increased enforcement.
- Sanctuary city laws are designed to protect the rights of immigrants and may promote trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement; the challenge in carrying out deportations may also stem from legal and logistical issues.
- Access to government-funded resources and services by illegal immigrants can be seen as a support for basic human rights and the well-being of all residents.
- The absence of a significant stance on immigration issues by the Biden administration could be interpreted as a need for a more nuanced approach or the result of political constraints.
- The plan to eliminate DEI programs does not consider the potential benefits of such initiatives in promoting a more inclusive and equitable society.
- Chris Rufo's involvement in formulating strategies to dismantle DEI initiatives may not reflect the views of all stakeholders, including those who support DEI efforts.
- A shift in public opinion against DEI and the growing agreement with ending race-based college admissions does not account for the perspectives of those who believe these practices address historical and systemic inequalities.
- The "Dismantle DEI Act" and similar legislation may overlook the positive impacts of DEI offices in federal agencies and the role of race-based preferences in creating opportunities for underrepresented groups.
Actionables
- You can educate yourself on the immigration process to better understand the complexities involved. Start by reading up on the current laws and regulations, and then compare them with the proposed changes mentioned. This will give you a clearer picture of the potential impacts of policy shifts and help you form your own informed opinions.
- Engage in community discussions to gauge and share perspectives on DEI initiatives. Find local forums or online groups where these topics are being discussed, and participate by asking questions and sharing your thoughts. This can help you understand the broader implications of such policies on your community and workplace.
- Analyze the voting patterns and political engagement of younger demographics to anticipate future political trends. By looking at the data on how voters under 30 are responding to political events, you can predict which issues may become more significant in the coming years and how this could affect your own community and personal life.
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Public support for Trump's transition and policies
As he begins his second term, President Trump is enjoying significant public support, as indicated by recent polling data. His victory in the popular vote and in battleground states is considered a mandate from the American people.
Trump's second term is starting with a clear and decisive mandate from the American people, as evidenced by his popular vote win and strong approval ratings.
Polling shows that a majority of Americans, including a surprisingly high percentage of young voters, approve of Trump's handling of the presidential transition so far and are optimistic about his upcoming presidency.
New polling from CBS reveals that 59% of Americans approve of Trump's handling of the transition, with 41% disapproving. The data also shows that a surprising 57% of voters under 30 feel happy or satisfied with Trump’s election victory, with 56% of the same demographic remaining optimistic about what Trump will accomplish during his presidency. Particularly, young voters believe that the cost of living will decline under Trump's leadership. Among voters under 30, 65% approve of Trump's transition, a higher approval rating than any other age group, and only 16% of young Americans say they are motivated to oppose Trump’s presidency.
Trump's cabinet picks and policy proposals, such as his border control and immigration enforcement plans, are viewed positively by a majority of the public.
Voters, including those under 30, broadly support Trump's cabinet nominations like Marco Rubio for Secretary of State, as well as his pledge to crack down on illegal immigration.
Americans are also showing broad support for Trump's cabine ...
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Public support for Trump's transition and policies
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- While the text states that Trump has a clear mandate, it's important to consider that a significant portion of the population—41%—disapprove of his transition, indicating that the mandate may not be as clear-cut as suggested.
- Approval ratings can fluctuate significantly over time, and early optimism does not always translate into long-term approval or successful policy implementation.
- The approval of young voters at 65% for Trump's transition might not reflect the full spectrum of youth political engagement and could change as policies are enacted.
- The 44% approval rating for Marco Rubio as Secretary of State suggests that a majority of those polled either disapprove or are indifferent, which could indicate less than robust support.
- Low opposition rates for cabinet picks like Tulsi Gabbard and Pete Hegseth do not necessarily equate to active support; it could also indicate a lack of strong opinion or awareness of these candidates among the public.
- The positive reception of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. among young voters as mentioned mig ...
Actionables
- You can enhance your political literacy by tracking policy outcomes related to the cost of living to see if they align with your expectations. Start by setting up a personal budget tracker that monitors changes in your expenses over time, noting any fluctuations that might be tied to new policies. For example, if you anticipate a decrease in the cost of living, compare your monthly spending on essentials before and after new economic policies are implemented.
- Engage in constructive dialogue with peers who have differing views to broaden your understanding of diverse political perspectives. Organize informal, small group discussions where you and your friends share thoughts on cabinet appointments and their potential impact on national and international policies. This could be as simple as a monthly coffee meet-up where each person brings a news article or piece of information about a cabinet member's actions and discusses it.
- Develop a personal metric system ...
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Immigration and deportation policies
The United States is currently grappling with extensive immigration and deportation policy challenges, particularly regarding a large backlog of individuals awaiting deportation.
Deportation Backlog and Federal Government Stance
There is a massive backlog of over 1 million illegal immigrants in the US who have received formal deportation orders but have not been removed from the country.
The U.S. faces a significant deportation backlog, with approximately 1.4 million migrants in possession of formal deportation orders but still remaining in the country. This issue is compounded by the presence of thousands of empty Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) beds, which are funded by taxpayers, and a government tendency to release rather than detain and deport these individuals. The sheer size of this backlog has created a situation where the New York City ICE director revealed it could take decades to remove all criminal illegal aliens from the city at the current rate of deportation.
Sanctuary city laws are cited as an example of policies contributing to the backlog of deportations.
The lack of action in addressing the backlog may, in part, stem from policies such as sanctuary city laws. These laws aim to protect illegal immigrants by restricting local cooperation with federal immigration authorities, and they contribute to the complicated task of carrying out deportations. The existence of these laws reflects a lack of willingness by the federal government to enforce deportation orders.
Impact on Resources and Services
Illegal immigrants are able to remain in the country and access government-funded resources and services.
Aside from the significant backlog, illegal immigrants with deportation orders are able to remain in the country and make use of various government-funded resources and services. Taxpayer-provided shelter and transportation are among the resources ...
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Immigration and deportation policies
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The backlog of deportations may be due to legal and logistical challenges rather than a simple reluctance by the government to enforce immigration laws.
- The presence of empty ICE beds could be a result of policy changes, court rulings, or shifts in immigration patterns, not necessarily mismanagement or lack of enforcement.
- Sanctuary city laws are often enacted based on the belief that they promote trust between immigrant communities and local law enforcement, which can be crucial for public safety.
- The use of government-funded resources and services by illegal immigrants may be seen as a humanitarian response to individuals who are often fleeing violence or extreme poverty.
- The rate of deportation is not solely a measure of policy effectiveness; it must also consider due process, human rights, and the impact on communities and families.
- The Trump administration's approach to deportation was criticized for being overly aggressive and not prioritizing criminals, which c ...
Actionables
- Educate yourself on immigration policies to make informed decisions at the ballot box. By understanding the complexities of immigration law and the impact of local and federal policies, you can vote for representatives who align with your perspective on how to address the backlog and enforcement of deportation orders. For example, before elections, research candidates' stances on immigration, participate in town halls, and read non-partisan analyses of proposed immigration policies.
- Support community organizations that provide legal aid to immigrants. By donating to or volunteering with groups that offer legal assistance, you can help individuals navigate the immigration system, potentially reducing the backlog by resolving cases more efficiently. Look for local nonprofits that work with immigrants and see how you can contribute, whether through financial support or offering your time.
- Engage in constructive dialogue with your commu ...
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Plans to roll back DEI initiatives
The Trump administration has plans to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs across the federal government, focusing on hiring, promotions, grant-making, and higher education funding.
The Trump administration plans to make dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs a priority across the federal government, including in hiring, promotions, grant-making, and funding for colleges and universities.
Trump has declared the aim to eliminate DEI programs throughout the federal government. The team plans to restructure DEI initiatives to be merit-based, focusing on changes to training and ending gender and race-based hiring and promotions decisions, as well as grant-making practices.
This plan includes ending race-based preferences, quotas, and training, as well as potentially withholding federal funding from schools that engage in DEI practices.
A significant part of these plans is to possibly withhold federal funding from colleges and universities that maintain DEI practices. Chris Rufo, who has opposed DEI, is reported to be in talks with Trump's team to formulate strategies for these rollbacks.
Public opinion appears to be shifting against DEI, with fewer workers viewing it positively and growing support for ending race-based college admissions.
A Pew poll indicates a decrease in support for workplace DEI initiatives, with only 52% of American workers viewing it favorably – a four-point drop since February 2023. Additionally, another poll reflects that 68% of adults agree with the Supreme Cou ...
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Plans to roll back DEI initiatives
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- DEI programs are designed to address systemic inequalities and create a more inclusive and fair work environment, which can lead to a more diverse and innovative workforce.
- Merit-based systems, while ideal in theory, may not account for historical and systemic barriers that affect certain groups' ability to compete on an equal footing.
- Ending race-based preferences and quotas could potentially reverse progress made towards diversity in education and the workplace.
- Public opinion polls may not fully capture the nuanced views of all demographic groups, especially those who benefit from or support DEI initiatives.
- The effectiveness of DEI programs should be evaluated based on comprehensive data and research rather than solely on public opinion or political agendas.
- The "Dismantle DEI Act" could lead to legal challenges and concerns about federal overreach into private business pr ...
Actionables
- You can educate yourself on the principles of meritocracy to better understand the potential shift in hiring and promotion practices. Start by reading books or articles that discuss merit-based systems and their impact on workplace dynamics. This will help you form your own opinion on the subject and prepare you for changes in your work environment or in discussions about federal employment policies.
- Enhance your professional qualifications by focusing on skill development and performance metrics. Take online courses, seek certifications relevant to your field, and document your achievements. This proactive approach ensures you're well-positioned in a merit-based evaluation system, regardless of changes in DEI policies.
- Engage in community discussions to gauge and under ...
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