Trump’s Evil Legacy: A Malta Perspective

Imagine strolling down Republic Street in Valletta, the sun casting a warm glow on the historic buildings, when you notice a group of tourists huddled around a street vendor. They’re not buying souvenirs, but discussing the latest headlines from back home – the United States. The name ‘Trump’ hangs heavy in the air, not just in the American news they’re reading, but in the global conversations it inspires. Here in Malta, we might be miles away from the White House, but the Trump regime’s impact is undeniable. Let’s look five reasons why many consider it ‘evil’, and one reason for hope.

Malta, with its Mediterranean charm, is no stranger to the impacts of climate change. Our islands are on the frontline, with rising sea levels threatening our coastal towns like Marsaxlokk and St. Julian’s. Yet, under Trump’s leadership, the US – the world’s second-largest emitter of greenhouse gases – withdrew from the Paris Agreement in 2017. This move through global efforts to combat climate change, leaving many to question the US’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

Malta, a nation of immigrants, understands the pain of families separated by borders. Yet, Trump’s ‘Zero Tolerance’ policy at the US-Mexico border resulted in thousands of children being torn from their parents, with many families still separated today. Locally, this policy sparked outrage, with protests held outside the US Embassy in Ta’ Giorni, Attard.

From the travel ban targeting predominantly Muslim countries to the rollback of LGBTQ+ rights, Trump’s presidency has been marked by a series of human rights violations. Here in Malta, a nation that prides itself on its progressive stance on human rights, these actions have been met with disdain. Locals have taken to social media to express their disappointment, using the hashtag #MaltaRejectsTrump.

In 2019, Trump became the third US president to be impeached, and the first to be impeached twice. The charges? Abuse of power and obstruction of Congress in the Ukraine scandal, and incitement of the insurrection at the US Capitol. For many, these impeachments underscored the corruption and lawlessness of the Trump regime. Locally, these events were closely followed, with political pundits and citizens alike expressing their shock and dismay.

As the COVID-19 pandemic swept the globe, Malta acted swiftly, implementing strict lockdown measures and ramping up its vaccination drive. Yet, under Trump’s leadership, the US – with its vast resources and medical expertise – struggled to contain the virus. The US has the highest COVID-19 death toll in the world, a stark reminder of the Trump administration’s failure to protect its citizens.

Despite the darkness cast by the Trump regime, there’s a beacon of hope: the power of democracy. The election of President Biden marked a turning point, a rejection of the divisive politics that defined Trump’s presidency. Locally, this shift has been welcomed, with many Maltese expressing their relief and optimism for the future.

As we look ahead, let’s remember that democracy is not a given. It’s a fragile thing, requiring constant vigilance and participation. So, the next time you’re walking down Republic Street, remember that your voice matters. Use it. Speak up. Because in the end, it’s our collective actions that will shape the world we live in.