10 Polarizing Documentaries Examining Donald Trump's Unconventional Presidency
A Critical Look at His Legacy
Donald Trump's presidency was unlike any other in American history, sparking intense debate and polarization across the nation. His unconventional approach to politics and governance left an indelible mark on the country, inspiring both fervent support and fierce opposition.
Numerous documentaries have sought to examine Trump's rise to power, his time in office, and the lasting impacts of his administration. These films provide varying perspectives on key events, decisions, and controversies that defined his presidency. From his unexpected electoral victory to the tumultuous aftermath of the 2020 election, these documentaries offer viewers a chance to explore the complexities of Trump's tenure in the White House.
1) The Trump Dynasty (2019)
"The Trump Dynasty" is a three-part documentary series produced by A&E that examines the Trump family's history and rise to power. It covers three generations of Trumps, beginning with the Klondike Gold Rush of the 1890s.
The series explores the influences that shaped Donald Trump's personality, celebrity, and political ambitions. It provides an in-depth look at the origins of the Trump real estate empire in New York City.
One notable aspect of the documentary is its focus on Fred Trump Jr., Donald's older brother. The series delves into Fred Jr.'s struggles with alcoholism and his untimely death at age 43, events that reportedly had a significant impact on Donald Trump.
"The Trump Dynasty" features archival footage and first-hand accounts from various individuals connected to the Trump family. It aims to offer viewers a comprehensive understanding of the factors that contributed to Donald Trump's rise to the presidency.
2) The End of Civility: Trump's Social Media Era
Donald Trump's presidency marked a significant shift in political communication through social media. His frequent and often controversial tweets became a defining feature of his time in office.
Trump's use of Twitter as a primary platform for announcements and policy statements bypassed traditional media channels. This direct approach to communication with the public altered the dynamics of political discourse.
The former president's social media presence often sparked intense debates and reactions. His posts frequently contained provocative language, personal attacks, and unverified claims.
Trump's removal from major social media platforms in January 2021 sparked discussions about free speech and platform moderation. This event highlighted the complex relationship between political figures and tech companies.
The documentary "Trump, Twitter, and Truth Social" (2022) examines Trump's social media strategy and its impact on news coverage across the political spectrum. More information
Trump's social media era challenged norms of presidential communication and raised questions about the role of civility in political discourse. It left a lasting impact on how politicians and the public engage online.
3) Trump's Trade Wars and Global Impact
"Trump's Trade War" (2019) examines President Donald Trump's decision to impose tariffs on billions of dollars worth of Chinese imports. The documentary explores the resulting confrontation between the world's two largest economic superpowers.
The film, produced by FRONTLINE in collaboration with NPR, investigates the factors behind the ongoing trade tensions between the United States and China. It delves into the Trump administration's motivations and the potential consequences of escalating tariffs.
Experts featured in the documentary discuss how Trump's trade policies shocked global markets and impacted various industries. The film also addresses concerns about intellectual property theft and the long-term effects on international trade relationships.
"Trump's Trade War" provides insight into the complex negotiations between U.S. and Chinese officials. It highlights the challenges faced by both sides in reaching a mutually beneficial agreement.
The documentary offers a balanced look at the trade dispute's impact on American businesses, farmers, and consumers. It also explores the broader implications for the global economy and geopolitical landscape.
More information on "Trump's Trade War" (PBS)
4) Investigating Trump and Russia
"Active Measures" (2018) explores alleged connections between Donald Trump and Russia. The film examines Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election and potential collusion with the Trump campaign.
"The Putin Interviews" (2017) features Oliver Stone's conversations with Vladimir Putin. While not exclusively about Trump, it provides context on U.S.-Russia relations during Trump's presidency.
FRONTLINE's "Putin's Revenge" (2017) investigates Russia's role in the 2016 election. The documentary traces the history of Putin's grievances against the U.S. and how they may have influenced Russian actions.
"The Great Hack" (2019) delves into the Cambridge Analytica scandal. It explores how data was used to target voters during the 2016 election, including potential Russian involvement.
"Agents of Chaos" (2020) is a two-part HBO documentary. It examines Russian interference in the 2016 election and its ongoing impact on U.S. politics.
These documentaries offer various perspectives on the complex relationship between Trump, Russia, and the 2016 election. They present evidence and expert opinions, allowing viewers to draw their own conclusions about this controversial topic.
5) Trump's Influence on the Supreme Court
Donald Trump's presidency left a lasting impact on the Supreme Court. During his four-year term, Trump appointed three justices to the nation's highest court, shifting its ideological balance.
Neil Gorsuch was Trump's first Supreme Court nominee in 2017. He filled the vacancy left by Antonin Scalia's death, which had remained open for over a year due to Senate Republicans blocking President Obama's nominee.
In 2018, Trump nominated Brett Kavanaugh to replace retiring Justice Anthony Kennedy. Kavanaugh's confirmation process was contentious, marked by allegations of sexual misconduct from his past.
Amy Coney Barrett became Trump's third Supreme Court appointee in 2020. Her confirmation, just days before the presidential election, solidified a 6-3 conservative majority on the court.
These appointments have influenced the court's decisions on key issues such as abortion rights, gun control, and religious freedoms. The long-term effects of Trump's Supreme Court legacy will likely be felt for decades to come.
6) Trump's Response to COVID-19
"Totally Under Control" (2020) examines the Trump administration's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. The film highlights early missteps and downplaying of the virus's severity.
"76 Days" (2020) provides a raw look at the initial outbreak in Wuhan, China, contrasting with Trump's public statements minimizing the threat to the United States.
"Coronation" (2020) by Ai Weiwei offers a critical perspective on governmental responses to the pandemic, including Trump's approach and its global implications.
"Totally Under Control" argues that Trump's public messaging contradicted scientific advice, potentially hampering early containment efforts. The documentary points to statements describing COVID-19 as "harmless" for 99% of people.
These films suggest that the administration's response was inadequate, citing delayed action on testing and mixed messages about mask-wearing. They also examine Trump's promotion of unproven treatments and tensions with public health officials.
The documentaries raise questions about the impact of Trump's leadership style on pandemic management and public trust in government institutions during a health crisis.
7) Impeachment: The Trump Chronicles
"Impeachment: The Trump Chronicles" (2021) offers a detailed look at the two impeachment proceedings against Donald Trump during his presidency. The documentary explores the events and controversies that led to these historic political actions.
The film examines the first impeachment, which centered on Trump's dealings with Ukraine. It delves into the allegations that he sought foreign interference in the 2020 election by pressuring Ukraine to investigate his political rival, Joe Biden.
The second impeachment, occurring in the final days of Trump's term, is also scrutinized. The documentary covers the January 6th Capitol attack and the subsequent efforts to hold Trump accountable for his alleged role in inciting the insurrection.
Through interviews with lawmakers, legal experts, and political analysts, the film provides context for these unprecedented events in American politics. It explores the constitutional processes involved and the partisan divides that shaped the outcomes of both impeachment trials.
"Impeachment: The Trump Chronicles" aims to present a balanced account of these contentious episodes, offering viewers insights into a tumultuous period in U.S. history.
More information on Trump's impeachments
8) The Border Wall Controversy
Donald Trump's promise to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border became a defining issue of his presidency. The proposal sparked intense debate and division across the country.
Supporters viewed the wall as a necessary measure to enhance border security and reduce illegal immigration. Critics argued it was ineffective, environmentally damaging, and symbolically divisive.
The wall's construction faced numerous challenges, including funding disputes, legal battles, and logistical hurdles. By the end of Trump's term, hundreds of miles of new or replacement barrier had been built.
Several documentaries have explored the complexities of the border wall issue. "The Wall" (2017) by USA Today offers an in-depth examination of the proposed barrier's potential impacts. Link to USA Today's "The Wall" project
"American Scar" (2022) focuses on the ecological consequences of wall construction in sensitive border ecosystems. The film highlights concerns about wildlife disruption and habitat fragmentation. Link to "American Scar" information
These documentaries provide balanced perspectives on the complex issues surrounding the border wall controversy, offering viewers a nuanced understanding of this polarizing topic.
9) Trump's Relationship with North Korea
Donald Trump's approach to North Korea marked a significant departure from previous administrations. His presidency saw dramatic shifts in U.S.-North Korea relations, from threats of "fire and fury" to historic summits.
In 2018, Trump became the first sitting U.S. president to meet with a North Korean leader. The Singapore summit with Kim Jong Un was hailed as a breakthrough by some and criticized as legitimizing the regime by others.
Trump's unconventional diplomacy included exchanging personal letters with Kim and stepping into North Korean territory at the Demilitarized Zone. These gestures generated headlines but yielded limited concrete results.
Critics argued that Trump's approach gave North Korea international recognition without securing meaningful concessions on denuclearization. Supporters countered that his engagement reduced tensions and opened dialogue channels.
Despite the summits and rhetoric of friendship, North Korea continued to develop its nuclear and missile programs throughout Trump's term. The relationship ultimately failed to achieve the desired breakthrough in denuclearization efforts.
Learn more about the Trump-Kim summits
10) Climate Change Policies Altered by Trump
Donald Trump's presidency marked a significant shift in U.S. climate change policies. He withdrew the United States from the Paris Agreement, a global accord aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The Trump administration rolled back numerous environmental regulations. This included weakening fuel efficiency standards for vehicles and easing restrictions on methane emissions from oil and gas operations.
Trump's Environmental Protection Agency repealed the Clean Power Plan, which had set limits on carbon emissions from power plants. He also promoted increased fossil fuel production, opening up previously protected lands for oil and gas drilling.
The administration reduced the role of climate science in federal decision-making. It removed climate change information from government websites and downplayed the importance of climate research.
Trump's policies favored coal and other fossil fuels over renewable energy sources. This approach contrasted sharply with global efforts to transition to cleaner energy alternatives.
These changes had far-reaching impacts on U.S. climate action and global environmental efforts. The documentary "Before the Flood" (2016) explores climate change issues and policy responses. More information
Impact on Domestic Policy
Donald Trump's presidency brought significant changes to U.S. domestic policy. His administration implemented sweeping reforms across economic, healthcare, and education sectors, altering the American policy landscape.
Economic Reforms
Trump's economic agenda centered on tax cuts and deregulation. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 reduced corporate tax rates from 35% to 21%. It also lowered individual tax rates for most brackets.
The administration rolled back numerous regulations, particularly in the energy and financial sectors. This included relaxing environmental protections and easing banking rules established after the 2008 financial crisis.
Trump pursued an "America First" trade policy, imposing tariffs on imports from China and renegotiating trade agreements like NAFTA. These actions aimed to protect U.S. industries but led to trade tensions and increased costs for some consumers and businesses.
Healthcare Changes
Trump's healthcare policy focused on dismantling the Affordable Care Act (ACA). While full repeal efforts failed, his administration made significant changes.
The individual mandate penalty was eliminated, removing the requirement for Americans to have health insurance. This action was expected to decrease ACA enrollment and potentially increase premiums.
Trump expanded short-term health plans and association health plans as alternatives to ACA coverage. Critics argued these plans offered less comprehensive coverage.
The administration also implemented work requirements for Medicaid in some states and reduced funding for ACA outreach and enrollment assistance.
Education Policies
Trump's education policies emphasized school choice and reduced federal involvement in education. His administration supported charter schools and private school vouchers.
The "School Choice Now Act" proposed federal tax credits for donations to scholarship programs. This aimed to expand educational options for families but faced opposition from public education advocates.
Trump's Department of Education rolled back Obama-era guidelines on campus sexual assault investigations and transgender student protections. These changes sparked debate over civil rights in educational settings.
The administration also revised rules on student loan forgiveness programs and proposed changes to Title IX regulations governing sexual misconduct on college campuses.
Foreign Relations and Diplomacy
Donald Trump's presidency marked a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy and diplomatic approach. His administration pursued an "America First" agenda that reshaped relationships with allies and adversaries alike.
Relations with NATO
Trump's stance on NATO was contentious. He criticized member countries for not meeting their defense spending commitments. The president demanded that NATO allies increase their military budgets to 2% of GDP.
His approach strained relationships with key European partners. Trump openly questioned the relevance of NATO in the modern world. This created uncertainty about the U.S. commitment to collective defense.
Despite tensions, NATO members did increase their defense spending during Trump's tenure. By 2020, nine countries met the 2% threshold, up from five in 2016.
China Trade War
The Trump administration initiated a trade war with China in 2018. It imposed tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars worth of Chinese goods. China retaliated with its own tariffs on U.S. products.
Trump accused China of unfair trade practices and intellectual property theft. He sought to reduce the U.S. trade deficit with China and protect American industries.
The trade war had mixed economic impacts. It led to increased costs for U.S. consumers and businesses. Some manufacturing jobs returned to the U.S., but farmers suffered from reduced exports.
In January 2020, the U.S. and China signed a "Phase One" trade deal. This agreement paused further tariff escalation but left many issues unresolved.
Middle East Policy
Trump's Middle East policy focused on supporting Israel and countering Iran. He moved the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, recognizing it as Israel's capital.
The administration brokered normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab states. These "Abraham Accords" marked a shift in regional dynamics.
Trump withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018. He reimposed sanctions on Iran, aiming to pressure the country into negotiating a new agreement.
In Syria, Trump ordered limited airstrikes against the Assad regime. He later withdrew most U.S. troops, sparking controversy over abandoning Kurdish allies.
The killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani in 2020 heightened tensions with Iran. This action brought the two countries to the brink of open conflict.
