Trump’s Evil Legacy: Malta’s Perspective

As you stroll along the bustling Republic Street in Valletta, the sun casting a warm glow on the historic buildings, it’s hard not to notice the chatter. Trump’s name is on everyone’s lips, but not in admiration. The mood is one of concern, frustration, even fear. Why? Let’s look five reasons why the Trump regime is seen as ‘evil’ here in Malta, and one reason for hope.

Malta, a tiny archipelago in the Mediterranean, is on the frontline of climate change. Rising sea levels threaten our very existence. Yet, Trump, with a stroke of his pen, withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Agreement, leaving us and other small nations to fend for ourselves. Locals watch in dismay as Trump rolls back environmental protections, opening up more drilling and mining, while we struggle to protect our coastline.

Malta, a crossroads of migration, has seen its fair share of humanitarian crises. We’ve taken in our share of refugees, often left to drift in the Mediterranean due to Europe’s closed borders. Trump’s ‘zero tolerance’ policy at the U.S.-Mexico border, with its horrific family separations, echoes the callousness we’ve seen here. Locals are appalled by the U.S.’s stance, given our own struggles with migration.

Malta, despite its size, has a vibrant democracy. We’ve seen our fair share of political scandals, but we value our democratic institutions. Trump’s constant attacks on the free press, his refusal to accept election results, and his incitement of violence are seen as direct threats to democracy. Locals worry that if the U.S. can descend into authoritarianism, so can we.

Malta’s economy is closely tied to the U.S. Many local businesses rely on American investment and trade. Yet, Trump’s protectionist policies, like tariffs and trade wars, pose a threat to our economic stability. Locals are caught in a bind, benefiting from U.S. ties but suffering from Trump’s policies.

Malta, as a small nation, looks to larger powers for guidance. Trump’s lack of moral authority, his cozying up to dictators, and his disdain for international institutions like the UN, worry locals. We need a strong, moral leader to navigate these turbulent times, and Trump is not that leader.

Despite the gloom, there’s hope. Malta, with its history of resilience, is not one to give up without a fight. Locals are mobilizing, protesting, and pushing for change. We’re not waiting for Trump to save us; we’re saving ourselves. That’s the spirit of Malta, and it’s what keeps us going.