expert insight

As Donald Trump prepares to make another bid for the presidency, it is crucial to remember the numerous reasons why he is unfit for office. From his extensive history of sexual misconduct allegations to his repeated attempts to undermine American democracy, Trump has consistently demonstrated behavior that disqualifies him from holding the nation’s highest office. His two impeachments, criminal conviction, and divisive rhetoric only add to the litany of reasons why voters should reject his candidacy. This article outlines 10 compelling reasons why Donald Trump should never be elected again. Each of these reasons, both individually and collectively, highlights the significant dangers he poses to the United States and its democratic foundations. 

1. Impeachment for Political Corruption

Donald Trump faced his first impeachment in December 2019, centered on charges of political corruption for allegedly abusing his power as President. The core of the impeachment case revolved around a July 2019 phone call in which Trump pressured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to investigate Joe Biden and his son Hunter. At the time, Biden was seen as a leading contender in the 2020 presidential election. It was revealed that Trump had withheld nearly $400 million in military aid to Ukraine, which was desperately needed in its ongoing conflict with Russia, as leverage to coerce Zelensky into launching the investigation. This act was seen as a clear attempt to use U.S. foreign policy for personal political gain, undermining national security and the integrity of American democracy.

The House of Representatives charged Trump with abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, making him the third U.S. president to be impeached. The impeachment trial in the Senate, however, resulted in an acquittal, as the Republican-controlled chamber did not reach the necessary two-thirds majority for conviction. Despite the acquittal, the impeachment highlighted deep concerns about Trump's willingness to exploit his office for personal advantage, setting a dangerous precedent for presidential conduct. The Ukraine scandal and subsequent impeachment proceedings further polarized the nation and solidified Trump’s controversial legacy as a leader who repeatedly blurred the lines between personal interest and public duty.

2. Refusing The Peaceful Transfer Of Power, Inciting An Insurrection, Second Impeachment, and Threat To Democracy

Donald Trump’s refusal to accept the results of the 2020 presidential election culminated in one of the most alarming challenges to American democracy in modern history. After losing the election to Joe Biden, Trump repeatedly made baseless claims of widespread voter fraud, despite multiple courts, state election officials, and his own Department of Justice affirming the integrity of the election. Trump’s relentless rhetoric fueled his supporters' anger and distrust, leading to the infamous January 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. On that day, as Congress convened to certify the Electoral College results, Trump incited a violent mob to storm the Capitol in a desperate attempt to overturn the election. The attack resulted in deaths, numerous injuries, and widespread destruction, marking a dark day in American history and revealing the depths of Trump's disregard for the peaceful transfer of power—a cornerstone of democracy.

In response to the insurrection, Trump was impeached for a second time, making him the only U.S. president to be impeached twice. The House of Representatives charged him with incitement of insurrection, accusing him of encouraging the violent attempt to subvert the democratic process. Although the Senate trial resulted in acquittal, largely due to partisan divisions, the events of January 6th and Trump’s role in them underscored the existential threat he posed to democratic norms and institutions. His actions not only undermined faith in the electoral process but also emboldened extremist groups, leaving a legacy of division and violence. Trump's refusal to honor the peaceful transfer of power and his incitement of an insurrection exemplify why he remains a profound threat to the principles of democracy.

3. 40 of 44 Of His Former Cabinet and Advisors Don't Endorse Him For Presidency

A striking 40 out of 44 of Donald Trump's former Cabinet members and senior advisors have opted not to endorse his presidential bid, marking a substantial rebuke from those who once held pivotal roles in his administration. This overwhelming lack of support from his inner circle underscores profound concerns about Trump's leadership style, decision-making, and the potential repercussions of his return to power. These officials, having worked closely with Trump and witnessed his approach to governance firsthand, have largely distanced themselves, signaling serious doubts about his suitability for the presidency. Their refusal to back him reflects a lack of confidence in his ability to lead the country effectively and responsibly. Notably, Trump's own former Secretary of Defense Mark Esper has branded him a ‘threat to democracy,’ while his former National Security Adviser John Bolton has deemed him ‘unfit to be president.’ Former Vice President Mike Pence has also refrained from endorsing Trump, citing ‘profound differences,’ highlighting the significant concerns raised by his former colleagues.

The decision of so many former top officials to withhold their endorsement is unprecedented and reveals a growing divide within the Republican Party regarding Trump's candidacy. This near-universal rejection from his former Cabinet and advisors mirrors broader anxieties about the potential consequences of a second Trump term, particularly regarding his disregard for democratic norms and the rule of law. These concerns are not minor but rather significant warning signs that demand attention. The absence of support from those who know him best serves as a stark indication of the risks associated with his leadership, suggesting that a return to the Oval Office would be fraught with serious challenges and uncertainties.

4. Mishandling Of COVID-19 Pandemic

Donald Trump’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic is widely regarded as one of the most significant failures of his presidency, leading to a healthcare crisis that could have been mitigated with better leadership. From the outset, Trump downplayed the severity of the virus, repeatedly dismissing the recommendations of public health experts and spreading misinformation. His reluctance to promote mask-wearing, social distancing, and later, his inconsistent messaging on vaccines, contributed to widespread confusion and resistance to essential public health measures. As a result, the U.S. experienced one of the highest infection and death rates in the world, with over a million lives lost and countless others suffering from long-term health complications. The strain on the healthcare system was immense, with hospitals overwhelmed and healthcare workers stretched to their limits, all of which might have been less severe if Trump had taken a more proactive and science-based approach.

The economic impact of Trump's mishandling of the pandemic was equally devastating. The delayed and inconsistent federal response exacerbated the economic fallout, leading to prolonged lockdowns, business closures, and job losses that could have been less severe with a more coordinated national strategy. Many experts believe that if Trump had followed the advice of public health professionals and implemented early, consistent measures, the economic damage could have been significantly reduced. Instead, the pandemic led to a deep recession, with millions of Americans losing their jobs and businesses, and many sectors of the economy suffering long-term damage. The combination of a poorly managed public health crisis and the resulting economic downturn has left a lasting scar on the nation, highlighting the critical importance of competent leadership in times of crisis.

5. Shutting Down The Border Deal For Personal Political Gain

Donald Trump played a pivotal role in derailing a bipartisan border deal that had the potential to address the urgent migrant crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border. Despite widespread support from both Republican and Democratic senators, and President Biden's readiness to sign the bill into law, Trump, motivated by personal political gain, vowed to kill the agreement. His opposition was not based on the deal's merits but rather on the strategic desire to prevent Democrats from achieving a victory on an issue that is central to his political platform. This maneuver was aimed at keeping the border crisis in the spotlight, allowing Trump to continue leveraging it as a key issue in his campaign. However, in doing so, Trump went against the wishes of many in his own party and constituents, who prioritize border security and had supported the proposed measures as a necessary step forward.

Trump's influence over House Republicans, who followed his lead in opposing the deal, highlighted his dominance within the GOP, even as it came at the cost of national interest and party unity. By rejecting the agreement, Trump and his allies effectively shut down a plan that could have provided much-needed relief to the border crisis, opting instead to maintain the status quo for political advantage. This decision underscores Trump's willingness to prioritize his personal and political goals over the broader needs of the country, even when it directly contradicts the desires of his own supporters who are concerned about border security. The result is a missed opportunity for a bipartisan solution, leaving the nation to continue grappling with a border crisis that could have been more effectively managed.

6. Convicted Felon

Former President Donald Trump was found guilty on 34 counts of falsifying business records to influence the outcome of the 2016 presidential election. This marked the first time a former or sitting U.S. president has been convicted of criminal charges. The charges stemmed from a $130,000 hush money payment to adult-film star Stormy Daniels to suppress her story of an alleged affair with Trump during the 2016 campaign. After about a day and a half of deliberations, a New York jury unanimously agreed that Trump falsified business records to conceal the payment, leading to the historic conviction.

As the verdicts were read, Trump remained silent but later criticized the trial as "rigged" and vowed to appeal. Trump faces up to four years in prison, though as a first-time, white-collar offender, he could receive probation instead. The trial included testimony from 22 witnesses and focused on whether Trump falsified records to further a crime, specifically violating New York election law. Despite the conviction, Trump's legal team plans to challenge the verdict, and the outcome may impact his 2024 presidential campaign.

7. Sexual Misconduct, Rape Allegations and Sentencing

Donald Trump’s history of sexual misconduct allegations is extensive, with over 25 women accusing him of behavior ranging from harassment to assault. These allegations span decades and include claims from former employees, models, and a former spouse. A particularly notable case is that of E. Jean Carroll, who accused Trump of raping her in a department store dressing room in the 1990s. Trump denied the allegations, but in 2023, a jury found him liable for sexual abuse and defamation in Carroll's civil case, resulting in a multi-million dollar damages award. This verdict marked a significant moment, as it was the first time Trump was legally held accountable for such behavior, underscoring the seriousness of the allegations against him.

Adding to the controversy is the infamous "Grab Them By The Pussy" incident, in which a 2005 recording surfaced during the 2016 presidential campaign, capturing Trump boasting about his ability to sexually assault women due to his celebrity status. In the recording, Trump is heard saying, "When you're a star, they let you do it. You can do anything... Grab them by the pussy." The release of this tape caused widespread outrage and further fueled the accusations of sexual misconduct against him. Despite this and the numerous allegations, Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing, often attacking his accusers and dismissing the claims as politically motivated. However, the legal and public scrutiny surrounding these incidents continues to cast a long shadow over his legacy, especially as he remains a significant figure in American politics.

8. Xenophobia and Racism

Donald Trump's presidency has been marked by numerous instances of xenophobic and racist rhetoric, which have drawn widespread criticism and concern. His administration's policies, such as the travel ban targeting predominantly Muslim countries, and his inflammatory remarks about immigrants from Latin America and Africa, have been viewed as stoking racial and ethnic divisions. Trump's use of derogatory language and generalizations about certain groups, including calling Mexican immigrants "rapists" and "criminals," has been perceived as fostering an environment of intolerance and discrimination.

Trump's rhetoric has not only polarized public opinion but also influenced national debates on immigration and race relations. His statements have been linked to a rise in hate crimes and have emboldened far-right extremist groups. Critics argue that his comments and policies have eroded civil discourse and exacerbated divisions within American society, reflecting a broader trend of normalized xenophobia and racism during his tenure.

9. Divisive Rhetoric and Deplorable Actions

Donald Trump's presidency has been marked by a series of divisive and deplorable actions that have deepened political and social divides in the United States. His mockery of a disabled reporter during a rally in 2016 drew widespread condemnation, highlighting his disregard for the dignity of individuals with disabilities. Additionally, Trump's promotion of inflammatory content, including sharing a video featuring the disturbing slogan "the only good Democrat is a dead Democrat," further exemplifies his propensity to incite hatred and violence. These actions have been criticized for normalizing aggressive and dehumanizing rhetoric in American politics.

Trump's behavior has extended to endorsing harmful ideologies and stoking extremist sentiments among his supporters. Notably, he shared a video on Twitter where his followers were heard chanting "White Power," a phrase associated with white supremacist groups. This incident, along with his repeated belittling of political opponents and marginalized communities, has been seen as contributing to a climate of intolerance and aggression. Critics argue that Trump's divisive rhetoric has undermined democratic norms and exacerbated divisions within American society, reflecting a troubling trend of escalating hostility and exclusion.

10. Constantly Spreading Misinformation and Making Outlandish and Verifiably False Claims

Donald Trump's tenure has been marked by a relentless stream of outlandish and false claims, which have contributed to a climate of misinformation and distrust. From his unfounded assertions of widespread voter fraud in the 2020 election to his erroneous predictions about the COVID-19 pandemic being "under control," Trump's rhetoric has often been at odds with verified facts. His repeated falsehoods, including claims that he had the largest inauguration crowd in history or that his administration achieved the greatest economic growth, have been thoroughly debunked by journalists, fact-checkers, and independent analyses, yet they continue to resonate with his base and shape public discourse.

These frequent falsehoods have had significant repercussions, affecting public trust and the integrity of democratic institutions. Trump's disregard for accuracy and his promotion of conspiracy theories have fueled polarization and undermined confidence in essential democratic processes, such as elections and public health measures. By consistently making misleading or false statements, Trump has not only distorted public understanding but also contributed to a broader erosion of trust in political and media institutions, highlighting the challenges of combating misinformation in a polarized society.

As an example, in a social media post, former President Donald Trump falsely accused Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign of using artificial intelligence to fabricate crowds at a rally in Michigan. Trump referenced a photo showing a large crowd at Detroit Metropolitan Airport on August 7, claiming it was digitally altered. However, a Harris campaign official confirmed the image was taken by a staffer on an iPhone 12 Pro and was not modified by AI. ABC News obtained the original photo, verifying its metadata matched the timing of the event. The Harris campaign, disputing Trump’s accusations, emphasized that over 15,000 people attended the rally. In contrast, Trump's campaign claimed 12,000 spectators at a recent event in Michigan. Trump, known for boasting about crowd sizes, dismissed comparisons to Harris' rally, asserting his crowds are significantly larger and citing his speech on January 6, 2021, in Washington, D.C., as an example: 

"I've spoken to the biggest crowds. Nobody's spoken to crowds bigger than me. If you look at Martin Luther King when he did his speech, his great speech, and you look at ours, same real estate, same everything, same number of people. If not, we had more. And they said he had a million people, but I had 25,000 people," Trump said.

Donald Trump's Stop The Steal Speech on January 6th, 2021 was attended by an estimated 53,000 people.

Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech, delivered during the March on Washington on August 28, 1963, was attended by an estimated 250,000 people.