Summary
In "Crippled America: How to Make America Great Again," Donald J. Trump lays out his vision for revitalizing the United States across a spectrum of critical areas. He begins by diagnosing the nation's ills, asserting that America has lost its winning edge due to weak leadership and flawed policies, particularly in immigration, foreign policy, and trade. Trump advocates for a proactive, strength-based approach, emphasizing the need for a powerful military and a willingness to use economic leverage to protect American interests.
On immigration, Trump defends his controversial stance on border security, calling for the construction of a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, paid for by Mexico, to curb illegal immigration. He stresses that while he values legal immigration, the current system is broken and allows criminals and other undesirable elements to enter the country. He proposes stricter enforcement of existing laws, ending sanctuary cities, and reforming visa regulations.
In foreign policy, Trump criticizes the Obama administration's handling of international relations, particularly the Iran nuclear deal and the approach to ISIS. He argues for a more assertive foreign policy, where the United States is not afraid to use its military and economic power to protect its interests and allies. He also calls for allies to bear a greater share of the financial burden for their defense.
Regarding the economy, Trump outlines plans for tax reform, aiming to simplify the tax code, reduce taxes for the middle class, and incentivize businesses to create jobs in America. He proposes lowering the corporate tax rate to encourage companies to bring back trillions of dollars held overseas. He also addresses education, advocating for school choice, local control, and an end to Common Core standards. Additionally, Trump highlights the importance of rebuilding America's infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and airports, to stimulate economic growth and improve the quality of life for all Americans.
Throughout the book, Trump champions a business-oriented approach to governance, emphasizing the need for strong leadership, negotiation skills, and a commitment to achieving results. He frames his outsider status as an advantage, arguing that he is not beholden to special interests or political correctness, and can therefore make the tough decisions necessary to restore America's greatness. He emphasizes the importance of traditional values, hard work, and self-reliance, calling for a return to policies that prioritize the interests of American citizens.
"Crippled America" serves as both a manifesto and a personal narrative, offering readers insight into Trump's worldview and policy proposals, as well as his personal values and leadership style. Ultimately, the book is a call to action, urging Americans to embrace a new vision for the country under his leadership.