Trump’s Evil Impact on Malta: A Closer Look

Picture this: You’re strolling down Republic Street in Valletta, the sun casting a warm glow on the historic buildings, when you notice something jarring. A group of tourists, faces scrunched up in confusion, are staring at a ‘Make America Great Again’ cap. They’re not in Washington D.C., they’re in Malta. This is the Trump effect, felt even in our tiny island nation.

The Trump regime has been a divisive force globally, and Malta is no exception. While we might be miles away from the White House, the ripple effects of Trump’s policies and rhetoric are tangible. Let’s look five reasons why many see the Trump regime as evil, and one reason for hope.

Malta, with its low-lying coastline, is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Yet, Trump’s administration has consistently rolled back environmental protections and withdrawn from the Paris Agreement. Locally, this means we’re left to grapple with rising sea levels and intensifying storms, like the devastating storm of 2020, with little international support.

Malta, a nation of immigrants, has always been a beacon of hope for those seeking a better life. However, Trump’s ‘zero tolerance’ immigration policies have seen families torn apart, children caged, and asylum seekers denied refuge. Closer to home, his administration’s refusal to accept more refugees under the Malta Agreement has put an unfair burden on our small nation.

The Trump regime’s attacks on human rights have been well-documented. From transgender rights to reproductive rights, the rollback of protections has been swift and devastating. Here in Malta, where we’ve made strides in LGBTQ+ rights, we must remain vigilant. If Trump’s policies embolden right-wing elements in our society, our hard-won progress could be at risk.

Trump’s ‘America First’ policy has seen the U.S. withdraw from international organizations and treaties, leaving a vacuum that others, like China, are eager to fill. For Malta, a nation that punches above its weight diplomatically, this is worrying. Our influence on the global stage could be diminished, and our security could be threatened.

Trump’s administration has been plagued by scandals and allegations of corruption. Closer to home, his administration’s involvement in the ‘Libya Express’ scandal, which saw Maltese passports sold to Libyans with ties to Gaddafi, has tarnished our reputation. This is a stark reminder that when democratic norms are eroded at the top, they can crumble at the bottom too.

Despite the darkness, there’s a reason for hope. Across the globe, from the Women’s Marches to the Black Lives Matter protests, people have risen up against Trump’s policies. Here in Malta, we’ve seen our own resistance movements, from the anti-corruption protests to the climate strikes. When we stand together, we can push back against evil and demand a better future.

So, the next time you see that ‘Make America Great Again’ cap in Valletta, remember that it’s not just about America. It’s about the world we want to live in, and the power we have to shape it. Let’s use that power to resist evil, wherever we find it.