You’re going to see the words I would have never pictured myself writing: I am impressed with Donald Trump.
Don’t get me wrong; there are many issues in our country, and personally, I believe that President Trump lacks the eloquence or the mindset to be the leader of the free world. However, I think the only way to progress as a nation is to give credit where credit is due — and Donald Trump deserves credit.
When it comes to North Korea, I truly believe that President Trump has the situation under control. From February 2017, when we had North Korea conducting missile tests in an attempt to taunt our president, to the country releasing three Americans in early May this year, our diplomatic relations with Kim Jong Un have vastly improved. I am aware that over a week ago the North Korean summit was called off, but, does it count if press secretary Sarah Sanders announced that “The United States continues to actively prepare for President Trump’s expected summit with leader Kim in Singapore” the next morning?
Whether it be the aggressive approach applied by both leaders or North Korea’s newfound desire to join the rest of society, President Trump has gotten further with the regime than any of his predecessors. While Trump’s actions may be volatile and the road ahead is going to be a bumpy one (filled with fights over burger joints and presidential suites), I think the nation needs to appreciate a win when we get one.
The theme of my article is one that lies above a simple headline of the progress we are making with North Korea. The point is, in times as divisive as they are now, it is important to not let our political alignments get in the way of what’s best for the country. If Donald Trump is performing well, it shouldn’t matter if we are Republican, Democrat or neither to celebrate that victory. And if his actions aren’t good for the country, it is our civic duty as Americans to call him and his administration out on that too, regardless of which party we associate with.
We are a country with many varied interests and very limited resources. But at the end of the day, we are still one nation.
Photo: Sophie Potyka
