Why Didn't Donald Trump Push for a Border Wall When Republicans Controlled Both Houses?

The question of why President Donald Trump didn't push for a border wall when his party controlled both houses of Congress has been a topic of significant debate. While some insist that Trump was too preoccupied with other matters, the truth is more nuanced. This article delves into the political, strategic, and personal reasons behind this inaction.

Political Challenges and Constraints

On the surface, it seems surprising that Donald Trump didn't push for a wall when his party held such substantial power. However, there were several political challenges that prevented this from happening:

Internal Party Dynamics: Trump's attempt to get a border wall built faced opposition within his own Republican Party. Even when he did have some support, it wasn't enough to overcome the resistance. Strategic Decisions: As the article suggests, Trump may have chosen to focus on other targets for political gain. For instance, he pursued other campaigns that he believed would resonate more with his voters, such as trade wars and tribal politics. Government Shutdowns: One notable event was when Trump put a gun to Congress's head and shut down the government for 70 days, presumably hoping for a better deal on the wall. However, this tactic did not yield the results he desired.

Strategic Inaptitude

The presidential campaign that followed Trump's presidency is marked by accusations of incompetence and strategic blunders. Here are a few examples that support this claim:

Commander-in-Chief Misunderstandings

Trump’s lack of understanding regarding his role as commander-in-chief is evident from his actions. When faced with a literal invasion what he perceived to be of millions of illegal immigrants, he failed to act decisively. Instead of relying on established military protocols like the Army Corps of Engineers, he inexplicably sought legislative permission and funding, effectively placing the nation in a vulnerable position.

Ignoring Established Protocols

Trump's failure to recognize the existence of the Army Corps of Engineers and the fact that our military could handle such issues internally, highlights a lack of strategic acumen. His actions were costly, both in terms of government operations and public sentiment.

Political Self-Interest

The Republican Party’s reluctance to pass meaningful border legislation could be attributed to several self-interested motivations:

No New Legislation Passed

Despite holding a majority, Republican leaders failed to pass any new border legislation. One hypothesis is that this inaction was a deliberate strategy to avoid being associated with the wall's failure during the 2020 election. If the wall were to fail or become politically divisive, the blame would rest with the Democrats.

Economic Considerations

The article suggests a complex economic calculus. If illegal immigrants were reduced, it would force Republican voters (who are predominantly white and often opposed to immigration) to pay for services they previously took for granted. This dynamic explains the reluctance to pass comprehensive immigration reform.

Conclusion

The reasons behind Trump's failure to push for a border wall when his party controlled both houses are multifaceted. From strategic missteps and political self-interest to deep-seated Republican viewpoints, the issue reveals a broader political narrative. Understanding these complexities is crucial for comprehending the dynamics of modern American politics.