An Analysis of Donald Trump’s Promises: Understanding What Was Promised and Delivered

The 2020 US Presidential election was highly charged with rhetoric and promises made by both candidates. For Donald Trump, the election hinged largely on the promises made during his campaign. However, the discrepancies between promises and actions have been a subject of considerable debate. This article aims to analyze some of these promises and evaluate their fulfillment.

Promises and Their Fulfillment

One of the most prominent promises made by Donald Trump during his campaign in 2016 was the construction of a border wall between the United States and Mexico. The wall was projected to be a physical barrier that would secure the southern border and prevent illegal immigration. Trump claimed that this wall would cost $25 billion, and he threatened that Mexico would pay for it. However, as we look back at his time in office, the wall did see some progress but not in the way or to the extent Trump had promised.

The wall's construction began and continued, though it did not fully match Trump’s original vision. The official cost has risen to over $21 billion by 2023, but it remains unfinished in many sections. Moreover, it is unclear how much Mexico has contributed financially to this project, as the claim of a Mexican payment has been widely disputed. This discrepancy highlights a significant gap between promise and reality.

Healthcare Reforms

Another key promise during Trump's campaign was to overthrow the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) and replace it with a better system. The plan was ambitious, with the intention to stabilize and improve health insurance markets. However, the healthcare landscape during Trump's term saw the introduction of the American Health Care Act (AHCA), also known as Trumpcare, which aimed to repeal and replace Obamacare. Despite initial efforts, the AHCA did not gain the necessary support to become law.

The AHCA faced numerous challenges, including significant opposition from key Republicans, the public, and interest groups. Additionally, after the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in 2017, the federal budget for Medicaid was cut via the Graham-Cassidy bill. This backtracked on Trump’s earlier campaign promise to protect and fund Medicaid programs. These developments illustrate a failure in delivering on his healthcare reform promises.

Faith in Facts and Fact-Checking

While Trump did make several promises that did not come to fruition, it is important to evaluate the accuracy of these claims. Claims such as the promise of federal funding for Medicaid under the Graham-Cassidy bill are verifiable through official U.S. government documents and reports. In the realm of presidential politics, it is crucial to rely on reputable sources like and Politifact to separate fact from fiction and evaluate the credibility of claims.

Justifications for Voting

Whether to vote for or against Donald Trump in future elections depends on the voters' individual values and priorities. Some might argue that Trump's handling of national defense and economic policies, albeit controversial, showed commitment and results. However, for others, the failure to deliver on major promises and the contentious nature of his administration might be decisive factors.

The 2020 US election saw a unique political climate, with many voters questioning the fulfillment of campaign promises. While some claim that Trump was steadfast in his political objectives, others believe he was inconsistent and misled the public. This article aims to provide a balanced view of his promises and their outcomes, encouraging voters to make informed decisions based on fact-checking and personal values.

Key Takeaways:

Trump's promise to build a border wall with Mexico saw partial fulfillment but not in the way promised. Healthcare reforms, including the replacement of Obamacare, did not fully materialize as anticipated. Verifying claims through reputable fact-checking sources is crucial in evaluating political promises.

Ultimately, the voter's choice should be driven by a well-informed analysis of the promises made and the realities of their fulfillment. By engaging in critical thinking and fact-checking, voters can make more informed decisions in their next electoral choices.