By John Q. Hosedrinker Amid a diplomatic dispute with Colombia over the deportation of Colombian migrants, former President Trump imposed retaliatory tariffs on Colombian goods after President Petro refused to accept two U.S. military deportation flights. This decision, announced while Trump played golf at his Doral resort, sparked online debate. Following a brief escalation, the crisis resolved with Colombia agreeing to accept the migrants. Trump’s use of golf courses for diplomatic engagements is highlighted, showcasing his history of conducting business and political discussions in such settings.
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Trump puts lowering the price of eggs on hold – plays golf on Day 8 instead. It’s a familiar pattern, really. The expectation that a president, any president, could directly control the price of groceries like eggs seems almost naive, especially considering the complex interplay of supply, demand, and global events that impact the cost of food. But the notion that he *would* even attempt it is where the real story lies.
This isn’t the first time this sort of thing has happened. There’s a long history of campaign promises fading into the background once the election is won. This isn’t to say that everything is always deliberate deception; sometimes, the complexities of governing simply overtake the simplistic pronouncements of a campaign. But in this case, the suggestion that the price of eggs, a seemingly trivial detail in the larger scheme of things, somehow became a pivotal election issue feels rather cynical.
The fact that Trump is prioritizing golf over addressing the cost of living, a matter of considerable concern to many, underscores a larger disconnect between his priorities and the concerns of many Americans. While the allure of the golf course is undeniable, his decision to spend his eighth day in office on the greens instead of working on supposedly pressing issues raises valid questions about his commitment to his constituents. The implicit message seems clear: his personal enjoyment comes before the daily struggles of those who voted for him.
The argument that he’s essentially harmless while playing golf is tempting, a way to reconcile the frustration with his actions. But this view, while appealing on the surface, overlooks some important details. The time spent golfing could instead be used to address actual policy issues, engage with his administration, or perhaps attempt some damage control of the myriad issues he faces. The implicit cost of his golf game is that it represents lost opportunity for serious governance.
Moreover, the sheer amount of taxpayer money used for his security detail and other associated expenses during these golf outings is a considerable factor. The perception of such lavish spending while ordinary citizens struggle with escalating costs is bound to be frustrating and highlights the substantial ethical questions regarding the use of public funds for personal enjoyment. And this isn’t just about golf; his entire presidential tenure has been marked by similar, if not bigger, ethical concerns.
The frequent references to his golf outings being a sort of “Sabbath,” a time of rest and relaxation, seem to ironically highlight the contrast between his privileged life and the struggles of his constituents. Such comments, far from being humorous, amplify the sense of detachment and frustration among those who don’t share this elevated viewpoint. It also feels like a way to deflect and excuse his lack of direct action on issues like inflation.
The idea that he’s letting others, namely “the crazies,” run the show is a disturbing thought. If he truly is delegating such important decisions to individuals with potentially questionable judgment, it raises further concerns about competence and good governance. The lack of accountability becomes a significant problem.
This whole situation boils down to a failure of expectations. Many voters may have hoped for more direct action and a greater sense of leadership, particularly in addressing economic issues that affect their daily lives. Instead, they are left with the optics of a president prioritizing leisure over addressing their pressing concerns, continuing a pattern established in previous terms. And whether or not the egg prices are actually under his direct control is almost beside the point; the perception of negligence and apathy is the real issue here. It’s a perfect storm of broken promises and the continued erosion of public trust.