As I strolled along Republic Street in Valletta, the heart of Malta’s capital, I couldn’t help but overhear snippets of conversations. The topic? Donald Trump’s presidency. Locals, tourists, everyone had an opinion. It’s clear that Trump’s impact extends far beyond the shores of the United States. So, let’s look five reasons why many, including Maltese, view the Trump regime as evil, and one reason for hope.

Trump’s signature policy, the border wall with Mexico, is more than just a physical barrier. It’s a symbol of division, fueling anti-immigrant sentiment worldwide. In Malta, a country that’s no stranger to migration, this resonates. The wall sends a chilling message to the world’s most vulnerable, many of whom find refuge on our shores. It’s a stark reminder of the global refugee crisis and the need for compassion, not walls.

Malta, an archipelago, is on the frontline of climate change. Rising sea levels threaten our very existence. Yet, Trump’s administration has rolled back environmental protections and withdrawn from the Paris Agreement. Locally, this has sparked outrage. The Maltese government has been forced to step up its climate action, but the international community’s inaction under Trump is alarming.

Malta’s lowest-lying point, St. Paul’s Bay, is just 2.4 meters above sea level. Every inch of sea-level rise puts our homes and heritage at risk.

Trump’s presidency has been marked by a rollback of women’s rights. From attempts to defund Planned Parenthood to appointing judges who threaten Roe v. Wade, women’s reproductive rights are under siege. In Malta, where abortion is still illegal, this sends a worrying message. Locals are fighting for change, but Trump’s stance is a setback in the global struggle for women’s rights.

Trump’s “Muslim ban,” family separations at the U.S.-Mexico border, and support for authoritarian regimes have tarnished America’s human rights record. Locally, this has sparked protests and calls for Malta to strengthen its human rights commitments. After all, Malta, too, has a history of migration and must stand for human rights.

Trump’s constant attacks on the media, his falsehoods, and his refusal to accept election results have undermined democratic norms. In Malta, where press freedom is under threat, this is worrying. Locals are fighting to protect democracy and truth, but Trump’s actions have emboldened authoritarian tendencies worldwide.

From the Women’s Marches to Black Lives Matter protests, people power has been a constant throughout Trump’s presidency. Locally, this has inspired Maltese to take to the streets, from climate protests to anti-corruption demonstrations. Despite the challenges, there’s hope in collective action. As Maltese activist and MP Jason Azzopardi told me, “We must stand united, locally and globally, to fight for justice and democracy.”