View – The Economics of Making America Great Again: Trump’s economics involve flexing American muscle for the greater benefit of the country. He, for example, plans to impose heavy trade tariffs on Chinese goods in response to allegations that they manipulate their currency, as well as penalize companies that offshore jobs to foreign countries. This would, according to Trump, boost American manufacturing, cause China to step in line with American interests and keep—or bring—jobs in the U.S. Also, many supporters feel that Trump can’t be bought as he is already very wealthy. It’s a shield against lobbyists and corporate influencers.

View – Trump’s Lack of Foresight: Opponents feel that the ramifications of Trump’s economic policies would actually be bad for the economy. For example, imposing tariffs on Chinese (or any foreign) goods would cause a rise in prices, hurting American consumers. Also, many of his policies violate current trade agreements.

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View – Walk Loudly and Carry a Big Stick: Trump’s foreign policy is pro-interventionist. He supports the liberal use of troops and foreign occupations. To combat IS in the Middle East, for example, Trump suggests a full-out occupation of the region at which point, American companies would drill for and seize oil assets to cripple insurgents both militarily and economically. He fully supports the interests of Israel, calling it “our unsinkable aircraft carrier in the Middle East.”

View – Big Words Don’t Align with Reality: Opponents criticize Trump’s foreign policy as naïve, citing the lack of success with similar operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Energy experts have criticized it for being unrealistic as well, saying that no oil company would voluntarily operate in an active war zone.

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View – Immigrants are the Problem: Trump’s comments on Mexican immigrants to the U.S. were very controversial. He proposes that all illegal Mexicans and their U.S. citizen children be deported while building an impenetrable walli along the nearly 2000-mile border between the U.S. and Mexico—and sending the bill to Mexico. Trump believes illegal immigrants are a significant economic and social problem to the prosperity and culture of the United States.

View – A Logistical Nightmare: Opponents, even Republican anti-illegal immigration policy wonks, see it as inconceivable that Mexico would pay for such a wall, nor is it logistically feasible to deport the 12 million+ illegal Mexican immigrants residing in the U.S., and their children. Furthermore, many feel that immigrants (legal or illegal) are invaluable to the U.S. economy and culture, performing services few others are willing to perform and for lower wages while bringing diverse outlooks and traditions.

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View – A Hardnosed Advocate for American Greatness: Supporters often cite Trump’s arrogance and stubbornness as a strength that will allow him to deftly navigate the difficult world of politics. Some believe his attitude is actually an act, a psychological game designed to throw opponents off guard and tip the scales in his favor, often citing his book, “The Art of Negotiation.” Furthermore, Trump’s dislike for political correctness allows him to say what many Americans are already thinking.

View – A Loose Cannon with Too Much Power: Opponents feel that Trump is over-confident and too one-dimensional to reasonably and intelligently run a country. They worry he would be a hothead with access to the world’s largest and most advanced military as well as to a stockpile of nuclear weapons.

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