Background Information
President Donald Trump has served as the 45th President of the United States since taking office in 2017. Throughout his election and presidency, Trump has made some heavily publicized trips to states west of the Mississippi River. Though, this time period is too short to determine if President Trump has a track record of traveling west of the Mississippi River.
What Are The Mississippi River States?
The Mississippi River, a major river in the United States, runs from north to south, with its source in Minnesota and mouth in Louisiana. Its western border marks the edge of the upper Midwest and is composed of eleven states: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Louisiana, and Kansas.
Why Is Mississippi River Travel Important?
Traveling west of the Mississippi River is important for gaining a better understanding of a president’s broader perspective and policies. When a president visits this area of the US, they may become better informed on the issues that affect its residents, better prepared to make decisions based on state-specific details, and more likely to relate to people in the region.
President Trump’s Travel West of the Mississippi River
Throughout his term, President Donald Trump has traveled to nine states west of the Mississippi River. He has visited Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota, Montana, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and Kansas. These states have varied in what kind of trip he was on, ranging from rallies to campaign events to official business such as the signing of executive orders or summit meetings.
President Trump’s Travel Frequency and Common Routes
President Donald Trump usually travels by either Air Force One or one of the helicopters used by the White House, Marine One. In regards to his frequency of travel, he has made visits to states west of the Mississippi River at least once a year since taking office. Though, he has frequently retraced the same routes and visited states more than once a year, such as Montana and North Dakota — both of which he has visited three times in the last three years.
Reactions To President Trump’s Mississippi River Travel
The response to President Trump’s travel to the Mississippi River region has been largely positive. Politically, the swing states that he has visited in this region — such as Wisconsin and Arizona — have often pushed his approval rating up in these areas. Trump has also managed to make some key allies in these states, such as Congressman Kevin McCarthy in Kansas and Senator Joni Ernst in Iowa.
Impact of President Trump’s Mississippi River Travel
President Trump’s travel to the Mississippi River region has been beneficial to both parties. By taking the time to visit this region, President Trump has been able to gain better insight into the needs of the people in the area and build better relationships with local leaders. Additionally, the trips have provided positive exposure to the region and have encouraged new investments in the area.
Economic Benefits Of President Trump’s Mississippi River Travel
When President Trump travels to states west of the Mississippi River, it regularly creates an economic boost. The events and visits in this area often bring in large crowds and provide an opportunity for businesses to showcase their services in the region. This stimulation to the economy can take various forms, from sales of products and services, to increases in job opportunities, and even to temporary bumps in the stock market.
Regional Challenges Facing President Trump
Though President Trump’s trips and visits to the states west of the Mississippi River have been successful and beneficial, there are still several challenges facing the region. The area has suffered from economic stagnation and population decline, leaving many communities struggling with poverty and inadequate health care systems. Additionally, this part of the country is still dealing with the effects of climate change, with floods and droughts damaging crops and communities.
President Trump’s Environmental Policy Impact
President Trump’s environmental policies, such as rolling back the Environmental Protection Agency regulations, have had a tremendous impact on the Mississippi River region and its inhabitants. These policies have degraded the quality of the air, poisoned the water, and contributed to species extinction and habitat loss. In addition, President Trump’s efforts to strip away environmental protections have increased the risk of extreme weather events such as floods and fires, further damaging the region.
President Trump’s Education Policy Impacts
President Trump’s education policies have also had a broad impact on the Mississippi River region. His focus on for-profit colleges has left many students in the area burdened with debt. Furthermore, his support of laws that restrict immigration from certain parts of the world has harmed education within the region by creating a shortage of skilled workers and making it more difficult for universities to attract international students.
President Trump’s Trade Policy Impacts
President Trump’s America-first trade policies have had both positive and negative effects on the Mississippi River region. His tariffs on China, for example, have increased the cost of imported goods, making it more expensive for local businesses to operate. On the other hand, his support of free trade agreements with other countries has provided improved access to markets, allowing businesses in the region to expand and create more jobs.
