Anyone reading my stuff (in the blog or otherwise) might well conclude that I had little interest in what of importance is going on in the U.S. or abroad and held minimum views on prominent individuals. But that’s not the case. I’m very interested in what’s happening and hold strong opinions about prominent individuals and events.
Since I tend to blabber on about almost every other subject, readers may wonder why I’ve been so silent on this score. And rightly so – in fact, I wonder myself.
I became quite aware of this about six years ago when I was writing my memoir. It turned out to be a big book – 474 pages, in fact – but contained very little personal commentary on what had been going on in the world during my adult years – dramatic times, to say the least.
I attempted to justify this silence on two grounds. First, on pertinence – the issues vital to the nation and central to its citizens hadn’t affected me that much, and this was a memoir about myself.
The second factor, on personality – having a strong point of view was something that always came hard for me. I belonged to the silent generation. We missed all the big wars – World War II, Korea, and Vietnam – and the activism of the 1960’s. We matured in the 1950’s during the Eisenhower years, the Age of Conformity. Much of my caution may also have stemmed from law school, where the “Paper Chase” professors managed to turn many of us into something resembling judgmental eunuchs.
And that’s the way I felt about things until the fateful presidential election of 2016. Notwithstanding all the above, I knew I had to say something in the memoir; and here’s what I wrote:
With regard to President Trump, my feelings about the man who presently occupies the oval office are so relentlessly negative (as is my dismay at the complicity of Congressional Republicans) that were I to express those views, you wouldn’t recognize me as the same careful and measured attorney I’ve tried to be in years past.
Anyway, my current blog has been non-political, and I intend to keep it that way. So much of political discourse is negative, and what I’ve been trying to stress in the blog are positive elements of the written or spoken word, of photography, and of music.
So what I’m about to say in this piece represents an aberration for me, but I need to get it out. I’m not trying to convince or even just influence anyone; but I thought you might like to know where I stand on certain key issues, just in case there’s any doubt.
The problem with analyzing Trump is that there are so many negatives to the man that it’s tough to pin down their relative significance. And he keeps introducing new outrages almost every day, as if he’s decided that he can get away with anything if the headlines quickly switch to something new and often worse.
I decided to begin my analysis this way. Trump has so many unfavorable personal characteristics that it makes me wonder whether my negative feelings toward him are simply a reaction to aspects of his egotistic and mean-spirited nature. Perhaps, I thought, if those were stripped away from the man, I would have a more balanced reaction to the otherwise distressing substantive things he does. So I’ll start by focusing on some of those negative personal characteristics, in no special order:
Trump has this unbelievable ego on almost any topic you can think of, up to and including the award to himself of the Nobel Peace Prize, declaring himself the greatest President the U.S. has ever known, as well as possessing the most notable mind and an awesome body – well, you know the kind of thing I have in mind.
Sure, we all have some degree of ego. But the way he flaunts it is so disagreeable, especially in a President. And it’s what that ego drives him to do that’s so upsetting – building monuments to himself, such as the ballroom, without seeking a sign-off from Congress or anyone else. And just when you think it can’t get worse, he announces plans to erect this huge triumphal arch without asking for anyone’s approval or consent. Plus, of course, putting his name on things of note, such as the Kennedy Center memorial to a slain president . . . .
Next, he insults almost everyone in quite egregious terms – prior presidents, judges, reporters, competitors, and so on. Of course he’s entitled to disagree with their views or actions; but the bile he heaps on them is so unnecessary and demeaning, so unbecoming of a President.
If anything he does goes wrong, he immediately shifts the blame to someone else. We all know people who do this, but no one quite to Trump’s extent; and although we’ve come to expect it from him, it’s still a shock that a man in such an eminent position feels the need to do this.
Trump lies about almost everything, never bothering to even attempt to buttress these falsehoods with any real proof – such as touting the “tremendous fraud” he had “uncovered” with respect to election results (even though the courts have uniformly rejected his unproven allegations). This is tough to overlook because a truthful account is at the root of government responsibility to the public. As President he carries with him a real responsibility to be honest in communicating with his populace.
He appoints loyalists to all key government positions without regard for their qualifications and demanding only that they’ll carry out his wishes. Anyone who doesn’t comply is removed from his or her position. This has various negative ramifications. Many of the people he picks are not strong candidates for the post and don’t serve well in their own slot. Pete Hegseth is a prime example here – not only for his incompetence, but the way he forces key generals and admirals out of the service because they don’t share his super-warrior stance.
Moreover, the people in key posts such as Attorney General and FBI chief – appointees that we’ve always hoped would show a measure of independence –are all complicit in whatever Trump wants to do. As a result, the President doesn’t get to hear significant impartial advice from them and others who are painfully aware that if he doesn’t like what he hears, they’re out of a job.
He seeks retribution for everything and against everybody who has ever dared to speak out or do something against him. He not only doesn’t hide this, but makes it quite clear what he’s doing and why. He has also expanded this to institutions such as universities and law firms who have encountered his displeasure – he rejoices at having them begging at his feet – resulting in a serious cost not only to the institution but also to the nation.
Meanwhile, the distressing corollary of all this is his protection of those who have done appalling things in his name or at his direction. I’m thinking particularly here of the January 6 Capitol rioters – eager participants in one of the most wretched events in our modern domestic history – who he initially encouraged and later pardoned them of their crimes.
Well, that’s a summary of some of Trump’s most disturbing personal characteristics. Still, I remain satisfied that it’s not for these matters alone that the man has turned me off so completely.
So, I’ll now turn to a quick and only partial venting with regard to negative policies and acts he’s initiated in the United States. These include:
The ill effects of DOGE, ripping away or drastically reducing funding that has supported so many worthwhile American efforts.
The heartless ways his immigration policies have been carried out by ICE.
Neutering Congress by applying pressure to members not to oppose him or else they’ll lose his support and be defeated in their next primary election.
His pre-emptive attempts to exert control over the electoral process in various states by sowing doubts in advance of the actual vote.
The banning of media from press conferences, plus lawsuits against media and press, and other such assaults on free speech.
He’s tried to influence U.S. history by such actions as forcing the Smithsonian to kowtow to his line.
Then, add in what’s perhaps the most irritating of all Trump’s actions – the many ways in which he’s gone about feathering his personal nest and those of his family and friends – in financial terms that may reach into the billions – when he should be solely dedicated to serving the people of the United States who elected him.
Well, all that would be enough to support my dismal view of the man. But you’ll note that the categories I’ve mentioned so far are all mostly domestic matters. And my strongest negative feelings toward Trump are directed to the damage that he’s done to our standing in the world – and particularly to how our allies and others, who have long held positive views of the United States, have now been forced to reassess their attitudes toward us. Just a partial listing includes the following:
His heavy-handed approach to tariffs.
His insulting treatment of Canada and other close allies.
His unseemly courtship of Putin – particularly as reflected in Trump’s inconsistent support of Ukraine.
And, worst of all, the war with Iran – something he started without consulting Congress or the people, without clear aims, ignoring Hormuz and how it could affect oil and other prices, and never considering how to ultimately end hostilities.
All of this has not only lowered the esteem felt toward the United States in all parts of the world, but sadly, I find myself doubting that the negative results will be fully reversed in the future. Trump’s transactional approach to international relations, and the possibility that at some future point a successor could be cut from the same cloth, are very likely to work against us. For instance, will countries that buy our planes and other equipment worry that they’ll be forced to give up assets and surrender freedoms when they need to purchase spare parts? I fear the U.S. may never resume its position of free world leadership and the aura of trustworthiness it has enjoyed for the past eight decades.
Well, that’s the way I feel – and now I don’t have to be concerned about my blog audience wondering where I stand and why I haven’t previously been more vocal about it. So now let’s put all that aside and get back to focusing on the pleasant subjects I try to bring to you each month.
Jim Freund
10/28/26