A Historical Look at Donald Trump’s Visits West of the Mississippi
Donald Trump has visited 18 of the 19 states that make up the western United States throughout his lifetime – but never as a president. It is known that Trump has been to California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and Montana back in the ’80s and ’90s, but how does his record stack up against those of other recent presidents?
In total, Trump has visited nine states west of the Mississippi in his lifetime, and he has touted his success in business in some of them. For example, in 1986, he visited Montana for the first time and announced plans to open a casino resort in the city of Butte. Trump claimed the project would generate up to 7,000 jobs in the state. Trump also discussed his visits with politicians, such as Texas Governor George W. Bush, and attended political rallies in some cities.
However, Trump has only visited the western states one time each during his personal visits, and he has not made any official visits as the President. By comparison, President Barack Obama visited eight states and held ten official visits in his eight years as president. He also made two additional trips to Hawaii and two trips to his home state of Illinois.
Trump’s predecessor George W. Bush also made several visits to the West Coast during his presidency, spending a total of 154 days of his 8-year term in that region. Of those days, he spent 15 in California, 13 in Texas and 3 in Arizona. He also held high-profile events such as speaking before the UN General Assembly in Montana, and made political speeches in California.
The lack of Trump’s large-scale visits to the western states can be attributed in part to his focus on winning the White House in 2016. However, the president’s disdain for the left coast could also be a factor. Trump has made disparaging comments about California, including a tweet in which he said, “California is in big trouble” and “many sanctuary areas want OUT of this ridiculous, crime infested & breeding concept.” He has also referred to California as “out of control” and criticized its decision to become a sanctuary state for immigrants.
The Impact on American Politics
The lack of travel to the West by Donald Trump has had implications both politically and economically. His unwillingness to visit the left coast and engage in its politics has been a significant factor in maintaining the region’s hostility towards the federal government’s policies. This has led to increased calls to secede from the union by some political activists in the region.
Additionally, the lack of engagement with western states has also had an impact on the economy. Most notably, it has hurt the tourism industry that relies on presidential visits and money spent by federal agencies. Additionally, the lack of investment in infrastructure and industry in the West has slowed overall economic growth in the region.
Western states have also been subject to increased tariffs because of the president’s trade policies and have been left out of the conversation on climate change. The lack of investment in renewable energy and green jobs has also hurt economic growth in the West. These factors have all impacted the region’s economic growth, but also created a rift between western states and the federal government.
Isolationism of West from Congress
The lack of engagement by the president with western states, coupled with the region’s isolationism from the rest of the country, has created an atmosphere of distrust between the government and western states. This has led to increased calls for states to take matters into their own hands and pass legislation without approval from the federal government. Examples of such legislation include the passage of net neutrality laws in California and the passage of recreational cannabis legislation in Colorado.
The lack of engagement has also put western states at odds with other states in the union, making it difficult for interstate policy to be passed. This has made it harder for the federal government to address regional concerns, such as water shortages and environmental degradation.
Furthermore, the lack of engagement has made it difficult for federal agencies to address pressing issues, including the border crisis and the opioid crisis. The lack of federal presence and oversight has led to an increase in crime and violence, which further complicates the situation.
The Case for Trump Visiting West
While Donald Trump’s lack of visits to the West Coast may be defended by some as a means of avoiding attention and criticism, a visit could actually be beneficial. Such a visit could be an opportunity for the president to convey his policies and have a dialogue with those on the left coast that have been long neglected by his administration.
A presidential visit could also open up the channels of communication and help bridge the gap between east and west. This could lead to more meaningful policy discussions, as well as more localized decision-making, and aid in the implementation of laws and policies.
Creating Bridges for Change
Donald Trump’s lack of visits to the western states is reflective of the current administration’s attitude towards the West Coast. His disdain for the region’s politics and its economic position has resulted in a lack of genuine engagement and investment in the region. Such an attitude has had a detrimental impact on the economic growth of the region and its ability to self-govern.
Trump’s visits to the western states can be an opportunity to bridge the gaps between the East and West. It could be a way to bring the region back into the fold of the United States and create a healthier, more unified country. Whether or not Trump will make such a visit is still uncertain, but it could be beneficial to all parties involved.
Negative Outcome for Economy
In the absence of Trump’s visits and federal investment, the West Coast has been left to fend for itself economically. The lack of funds and resources from the federal government has made it difficult for the region to fund its own initiatives, such as infrastructure and renewable energy projects. This has caused an overall slump in the region’s economy.
The lack of investment has also led to a stagnation in job growth, as new projects and investments fail to materialize. This has resulted in higher rates of poverty and unemployment, as well as lower wages in the region. Such economic factors have also had an indirect effect on the region’s public safety and quality of life, exacerbating existing problems.
Different Impact on Politics
Donald Trump’s avoidance of the West has also had an indirect impact on the region’s politics. His refusal to visit or engage the region has made it harder for western states to be heard and their issues addressed at the federal level. This has led to a sense of neglect and alienation, which has made it more difficult to create meaningful policy discussions on regional issues.
At the same time, his lack of engagement has excluded the West from many of the debates and decisions taken at the federal level. This has provided a platform for hardline activists to push for secession and other extreme measures, as they feel their voices are not being heard.
Social Implications of Lack of Visits
The lack of visits to the west by the current president has led to an overall climate of fear and vulnerability in the region. This has made it more difficult for residents to speak out or pursue their political or social agendas, as they may fear potential retribution from the administration. Such fear has further alienated western states from the rest of the country.
In addition, the lack of visits by Trump has created a general atmosphere of mistrust and uncertainty in the region. This has resulted in an increased sense of loneliness, as people feel isolated from the rest of the country, and an overall sense of hopelessness.
Donald Trump’s lack of visits to the western states has had a profound impact on people, politics and the economy of the region. His disdain for the region and lack of engagement has further alienated the west from the rest of the country, impacting economic growth and regional politics. His visits, if any, could go a long way in bridging the gap between east and west, and creating a more unified United States.
