Donald Trump’s presidency, while marked by significant policy changes and a distinct political style, also drew considerable criticism regarding its impact on various aspects of American society, particularly concerning the rights and welfare of working people. While his supporters lauded his business acumen and populist appeal, a closer examination of his administration’s actions reveals a pattern of decisions that many argue were detrimental to the interests of workers and, more broadly, to the principles of fairness and equity. This analysis, drawing from a comprehensive report detailing 50 specific actions, will explore why Donald Trump’s presidency is viewed negatively by many, focusing on policies and decisions that undermined worker protections, exacerbated economic inequality, and disregarded established norms of governance.
Systematic Erosion of Worker Protections
One of the most consistent criticisms of the Trump administration is its perceived pro-corporate and anti-worker stance. This perspective is substantiated by a series of actions that weakened labor laws, reduced workplace safety measures, and suppressed workers’ collective bargaining power.
Failure to Adequately Respond to the COVID-19 Pandemic and Worker Safety
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed and amplified existing vulnerabilities in the American workforce. Critics argue that the Trump administration’s response to the crisis further endangered workers by prioritizing business interests over public health and safety.
Inadequate Fiscal Stimulus and Support for Unemployed Workers
When the COVID-19 pandemic triggered widespread economic shutdowns, Congress passed the CARES Act, providing temporary relief measures such as increased unemployment insurance benefits. However, the Trump administration opposed extending these benefits, arguing against the continuation of the $600 weekly unemployment insurance boost and additional aid to state and local governments. This decision, according to economic analysts, contributed to job losses and economic hardship for millions of Americans.
Disregarding Worker Safety During the Pandemic
Despite the obvious risks of COVID-19 in workplaces, the Trump administration’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was criticized for its inaction. OSHA failed to issue mandatory emergency temporary standards to protect workers from the virus, even rejecting petitions from labor unions. Workers in essential industries were often left without adequate protective gear and faced retaliation for speaking out about unsafe conditions. This lack of enforceable safety standards led to preventable infections and deaths among essential workers.
Allowing Unsafe Working Conditions in Meat-Processing Plants
The administration’s executive order mandating meat-processing plants to remain open, despite severe COVID-19 outbreaks, further exemplified the prioritization of industry over worker well-being. Critics argue that this executive order intimidated local health departments from enforcing safety measures, leading to widespread infections and fatalities among meat and poultry workers.
Narrowing Paid Leave Provisions and Excluding Essential Workers
The Families First Coronavirus Relief Act (FFCRA) aimed to provide paid leave for workers affected by COVID-19. However, the Trump administration’s Department of Labor issued rules that exempted significant portions of the workforce, including millions of healthcare workers and first responders, from these paid leave provisions. This decision left essential workers, who were at the highest risk of exposure, without crucial safety nets.
Weakening Unemployment Insurance for Workers Refusing Unsafe Jobs
The Department of Labor issued guidance that encouraged states to deny unemployment insurance benefits to workers who refused to return to jobs deemed unsafe. This policy put undue pressure on workers to choose between their economic survival and their health, forcing many to return to potentially dangerous workplaces.
Grocery store workers, like many essential employees, faced increased risks during the COVID-19 pandemic due to potential lack of protection and changing workplace guidelines.
Dismantling Regulations and Undermining Worker Rights
Beyond the pandemic response, the Trump administration systematically weakened regulations and policies designed to protect workers across various sectors.
Attacks on Retirement Security
The Trump administration rolled back fiduciary protections for retirement savers, initially established during the Obama era. By dismantling rules preventing conflicts of interest in investment advice, critics argue that the administration made it easier for brokers and salespeople to steer savers toward higher-cost, lower-quality investments, jeopardizing their retirement savings.
Undermining the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Worker Healthcare
The Trump administration persistently attempted to dismantle the Affordable Care Act (ACA), a landmark law aimed at expanding health insurance coverage. These efforts, through legislative repeal attempts, legal challenges, and administrative weakening, threatened to strip millions of Americans of their health insurance, including many working families. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, when access to healthcare was paramount, the administration continued its efforts to dismantle the ACA, without offering viable alternatives for those losing employer-sponsored insurance.
Narrowing “Protected Concerted Activity” under the NLRA
The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) protects workers’ rights to engage in “protected concerted activity,” such as protesting for better working conditions or organizing unions. The Trump administration’s National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) narrowed the interpretation of this protection, leaving workers vulnerable to retaliation for protesting unsafe conditions, including insufficient COVID-19 protections.
Weakening Union Power and Collective Bargaining
The Trump administration took multiple steps to weaken unions and undermine workers’ collective bargaining rights. This included suspending union elections, weakening rules for fair union elections, and narrowing the definition of “joint employer,” making it harder for workers in contracted or temporary positions to bargain collectively. These actions were seen as fulfilling the wish lists of corporate lobbying groups like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which actively sought to limit union power.
Allowing Wage Theft and Exploitation
Several policies and proposed rules under the Trump administration were criticized for potentially enabling wage theft and exploitation of workers. These included proposals to lower wages for migrant farmworkers, expand the use of the “fluctuating workweek method” (reducing overtime pay), and allow employers to keep workers’ tips. These measures disproportionately affected low-wage workers and further widened the gap between corporate profits and worker earnings.
Table: Chamber of Commerce Wishlist
Exacerbating Economic Inequality
Beyond worker protections, critics argue that the Trump administration’s economic policies, particularly the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, further exacerbated economic inequality in the United States.
Tax Cuts Favoring Corporations and the Wealthy
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) was the signature legislative achievement of the Trump administration. However, it was widely criticized for being heavily skewed towards benefiting corporations and wealthy individuals. The tax cuts disproportionately favored corporations and the wealthiest 1% of households, with limited benefits for working families. Critics argued that the promised “trickle-down” effect of these tax cuts, leading to increased wages for typical workers, did not materialize.
Encouraging Offshoring and Trade Deficits
The administration’s tax policies, combined with its approach to trade, were also criticized for encouraging offshoring and contributing to trade deficits. The TCJA incentivized multinational companies to shift profits and production overseas, potentially leading to job losses in the U.S. The increase in the U.S. trade deficit in sectors like pharmaceuticals after the TCJA was cited as evidence of these negative trends.
Neglecting Minimum Wage Increases
The Trump administration opposed raising the federal minimum wage, resisting calls to increase it to $15 per hour. A higher minimum wage would have significantly benefited low-wage workers and lifted millions out of poverty. The administration’s stance on this issue was seen as further evidence of its lack of concern for the economic well-being of working-class Americans.
Disregard for Established Norms and Institutions
Beyond specific policies, the Trump administration was also criticized for its disregard for established norms of governance and its appointments of individuals with clear biases against worker protections.
Anti-Worker Appointments to Key Agencies
President Trump nominated and appointed individuals with records of opposing worker rights to key positions within the Department of Labor (DOL) and the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). These appointments included individuals who had previously defended corporations against labor law violations and opposed regulations protecting worker safety and wages. Critics argued that these appointments signaled a clear intent to weaken worker protections from within the agencies responsible for enforcing them.
Diminishing the Integrity of Public Services
Actions such as reducing workplace safety inspections, allowing states to privatize employment services, and undermining the U.S. Census were seen as examples of the administration’s broader disregard for the integrity and effectiveness of public services designed to protect and support citizens, including working people.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Detriment to Workers?
The Trump administration’s policies and actions, particularly concerning worker rights and economic inequality, generated significant controversy and criticism. From its response to the COVID-19 pandemic to its systematic dismantling of worker protections and its tax policies favoring the wealthy, many argue that the Trump presidency was detrimental to the interests of working people in the United States. While supporters point to other aspects of his presidency as positive achievements, this analysis, focused on the documented impacts on workers, provides a compelling case for why Donald Trump’s presidency is viewed negatively by a substantial segment of the population. Moving forward, understanding these criticisms and their foundations is crucial for shaping policies that prioritize the well-being and rights of all working Americans.
References
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[54] Celine McNicholas, Lynn Rhinehart, Margaret Poydock, Heidi Shierholz, and Daniel Perez, Why Unions Are Good for Workers—Especially in a Crisis Like COVID-19: 12 Policies That Would Boost Worker Rights, Safety, and Wages, Economic Policy Institute, August 2020.
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[59] Office of Management and Budget, “Statement of Administration Policy: H.R. 2474 — Protecting the Right to Organize Act,” February 5, 2020.
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[61] Ben Penn, “Judge Blocks Labor Department’s Narrowed Joint Employer Test (2),” Bloomberg Law, September 8, 2020.
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[63] Deborah Berkowitz, OSHA Enforcement Activity Declines Under the Trump Administration, National Employment Law Project, June 11, 2018.
[64] Deborah Berkowitz, Worker Safety in Crisis: The Cost of a Weakened OSHA, National Employment Law Project, April 28, 2020.
[65] Tip Regulations Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), 84 Fed. Reg. 53956–53980 (October 8, 2019).
[66] Heidi Shierholz and David Cooper, “Workers Will Lose More Than $700 Million Annually Under Proposed DOL Rule,” Working Economics Blog (Economic Policy Institute), November 30, 2019.
[67] Fluctuating Workweek Method of Computing Overtime, 84 Fed. Reg. 59590–59602 (November 5, 2019).
[68] Margaret Poydock and Heidi Shierholz, “EPI Comments on the Department of Labor’s Proposed Rule Regarding the Fluctuating Workweek Method,” comments submitted to the Department of Labor, Economic Policy Institute, December 5, 2019.
[69] Improving Federal Contractor Operations by Revoking Executive Order 13495, 84 Fed. Reg. 59709–59710 (November 5, 2019).
[70] Celine McNicholas, Margaret Poydock, and Lynn Rhinehart, Unprecedented: The Trump NLRB’s Attack on Workers’ Rights, Economic Policy Institute, October 2019.
[71] Celine McNicholas, Margaret Poydock, and Julia Wolfe, Graduate Student Workers’ Rights to Unionize Are Threatened by Trump Administration Proposal, Economic Policy Institute, December 2019.
[72] Defining and Delimiting the Exemptions for Executive, Administrative, Professional, Outside Sales and Computer Employees, 84 Fed. Reg. 51230–51304 (September 27, 2019).
[73] Heidi Shierholz, “The Trump Administration’s Overtime Rule Leaves Millions of Workers Behind” (statement), Economic Policy Institute, September 24, 2019.
[74] Heidi Shierholz, “The Trump Administration’s Overtime Rule Leaves Millions of Workers Behind” (statement), Economic Policy Institute, September 24, 2019.
[75] Celine McNicholas, Puzder’s Anti-Worker Positions Disqualify Him from Serving as Labor Secretary: Here Is a Partial List of the Worker Protections That Puzder’s Policies Would Undermine, Economic Policy Institute, February 2017.
[76] Andy Puzder, “I am withdrawing my nomination for Secretary of Labor. I’m honored to have been considered and am grateful to all who have supported me,” Twitter, @AndyPuzder, February 15, 2017, 4:07 p.m.
[77] Heidi Shierholz, Lynn Rhinehart, and Celine McNicholas, “Why Eugene Scalia Is the Wrong Person for the Job,” Working Economics Blog (Economic Policy Institute), August 1, 2019.
[78] Celine McNicholas and Samantha Sanders, “Policy Watch: Two More Foxes Nominated to Run Hen Houses in the Trump Administration,” Working Economics Blog (Economic Policy Institute), August 1, 2019.
[79] Celine McNicholas and Samantha Sanders, “Policy Watch: Two More Foxes Nominated to Run Hen Houses in the Trump Administration,” Working Economics Blog (Economic Policy Institute), August 1, 2019.
[80] See Figure A in Robert E. Scott, We Can Reshore Manufacturing Jobs, but Trump Hasn’t Done It: Trade Rebalancing, Infrastructure, and Climate Investments Could Create 17 Million Good Jobs and Rebuild the American Economy, Economic Policy Institute, August 2020.
[81] Robert E. Scott, We Can Reshore Manufacturing Jobs, but Trump Hasn’t Done It: Trade Rebalancing, Infrastructure, and Climate Investments Could Create 17 Million Good Jobs and Rebuild the American Economy, Economic Policy Institute, August 2020.
[82] Heidi Shierholz, “EPI Applauds House Passage of the Raise the Wage Act” (statement), Economic Policy Institute, July 18, 2019.
[83] Office of Management and Budget, Statement of Administration Policy: H.R. 582 – Raise the Wage Act, July 15, 2019.
[84] National Labor Relations Board, Office of the General Counsel, Advice Memorandum, Subject: Uber Technologies Inc. Cases 13-CA-163062 et al., April 16, 2019.
[85] Lawrence Mishel and Celine McNicholas, Uber Drivers Are Not Entrepreneurs: NLRB General Counsel Ignores the Realities of Driving for Uber, Economic Policy Institute, September 20, 2019.
[86] SuperShuttle DFW, Inc., 367 NLRB No. 75 (2019).
[87] Heidi Shierholz and Marni von Wilpert, “EPI Comment on the Modernization of Swine Slaughter Inspection Rule,” comments submitted to the Department of Labor, Economic Policy Institute, May 2, 2018.
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[89] Celine McNicholas, Zane Mokhiber, and Marni von Wilpert, Janus and Fair Share Fees: The Organizations Financing the Attack on Unions’ Ability to Represent Workers, Economic Policy Institute, February 2018.
[90] Janus v. State, County, and Municipal Employees, 585 U. S. ___ (2018).
[91] Celine McNicholas, “In Virtually Unprecedented Move, Trump Solicitor General Switches Sides in Murphy Oil Case,” Working Economics Blog (Economic Policy Institute), April 15, 2020.
[92] Epic Systems Corp. v. Lewis, 584 U. S. ___ (2018).
[93] Jake Johnson, “‘A Travesty and a Disgrace’: Trump Quietly Issues Memo That Could Abolish Union Rights for 750,000 Federal Workers,” Common Dreams, February 22, 2020; The White House, “Executive Order Ensuring Transparency, Accountability, and Efficiency in Taxpayer Funded Union Time Use,” May 25, 2018; The White House, “Executive Order Promoting Accountability and Streamlining Removal Procedures Consistent with Merit System Principles,” May 25, 2018.
[94] Celine McNicholas, Heidi Shierholz, and Marni von Wilpert, Workers’ Health, Safety, and Pay Are Among the Casualties of Trump’s War on Regulations: A Deregulation Year in Review, Economic Policy Institute, January 29, 2018.
[95] Lynn Rhinehart and Celine McNicholas, “Three Republican-Appointed White Men Are Now Deciding Whether You Have Rights on the Job,” Working Economics Blog (Economic Policy Institute), December 17, 2019.
[96] Celine McNicholas, Margaret Poydock, and Lynn Rhinehart, Unprecedented: The Trump NLRB’s Attack on Workers’ Rights, Economic Policy Institute, October 2019.
[97] Heidi Shierholz, “EPI Comment Regarding DOL’s Proposed ‘Tip Stealing’ Rule,” comments submitted to the Department of Labor, Economic Policy Institute, February 5, 2018.
[98] Heidi Shierholz, “EPI Comment Regarding DOL’s Proposed ‘Tip Stealing’ Rule,” comments submitted to the Department of Labor, Economic Policy Institute, February 5, 2018.
[99] Heidi Shierholz, “Secretary Acosta Went to Great Lengths to Bury DOL’s Analysis Showing His Tip Rule Is Bad for Workers” (statement), Economic Policy Institute, March 28, 2018.
[100] Heidi Shierholz, “A Perfect Pairing: New Tip Provisions and a Strong Minimum Wage,” Working Economics Blog (Economic Policy Institute), March 27, 2018.
[101] Celine McNicholas, Margaret Poydock, and Lynn Rhinehart, Unprecedented: The Trump NLRB’s Attack on Workers’ Rights, Economic Policy Institute, October 2019.
[102] Paul Starr, “The Tax Act That Lost Its Name,” American Prospect, June 28, 2018.
[103] Maggie Corser, Josh Bivens, and Hunter Blair, Still Terrible at Two: The Trump Tax Act Delivered Big Benefits to the Rich and Corporations but Nearly None for Working Families, Economic Policy Institute and the Center for Popular Democracy, December 2019.
[104] Tax Policy Center, Distributional Analysis of the Conference Agreement for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, December 2017.
[105] Josh Bivens and Hunter Blair, “The Likely Economic Effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA): Higher Incomes for the Top, No Discernible Effect on Wage Growth for Typical American Workers,” testimony submitted to the U.S. House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee, June 1, 2018; Josh Bivens, Cutting Corporate Taxes Will Not Boost American Wages, Economic Policy Institute, October 2017; Hunter Blair, “It’s Not Trickling Down: New Data Provides No Evidence That the TCJA Is Working as Its Proponents Claimed It Would,” Working Economics Blog (Economic Policy Institute), July 29, 2019; Josh Bivens, “International Evidence Shows That Low Corporate Tax Rates Are Not Strongly Associated with Stronger Investment,” Working Economics Blog (Economic Policy Institute), October 26, 2017; Josh Bivens, “Real World Data Continues to Show No Link Between Corporate Cuts and Wage Increases,” Working Economics Blog (Economic Policy Institute), November 3, 2017.
[106] Brendan Duke, Pass-Through Deduction in 2017 Tax Law Could Weaken Wages and Workplace Standards, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, December 2018.
[107] Ian Kullgren, “OSHA Scrubs Worker Deaths from Home Page,” Politico, August 25, 2017.
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[109] Kate Bronfenbrenner, No Holds Barred—The Intensification of Employer Opposition to Organizing, Economic Policy Institute and the American Rights at Work Education Fund, May 2009.
[110] Celine McNicholas, Margaret Poydock, Julia Wolfe, Ben Zipperer, Gordon Lafer, and Lola Loustaunau, Unlawful: U.S. Employers Are Charged with Violating Federal Law in 41.5% of All Union Election Campaigns, Economic Policy Institute, December 2019.
[111] Labor Organization Annual Financial Reports for Trusts in Which a Labor Organization Is Interested, Form T–1, 85 Fed. Reg. 13414–13465 (March 6, 2020).
[112] Celine McNicholas, Heidi Shierholz, Josh Bivens, and Daniel Costa, The First 100 Days: President Trump’s Top Priorities Include Rolling Back Protections to Workers’ Wages, Health, and Safety, Economic Policy Institute, April 2017.
[113] Deborah Berkowitz, “Trump Administration Rolls Back Workplace Injury Reporting Rule” (statement), National Employment Law Project, January 24, 2019.
[114] Heidi Shierholz and Celine McNicholas, Understanding the Anti-Regulation Agenda: The Basics (fact sheet), Economic Policy Institute, April 2017.
[115] Richard Trumka, “Silica Rule Delay Has Deadly Consequences for Working People” (statement), AFL-CIO, April 6, 2017.
[116] Occupational Exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica—Specified Exposure Control Methods, 84 Fed. Reg. 41667–41670 (August 15, 2019).
[117] Celine McNicholas, Heidi Shierholz, Josh Bivens, and Daniel Costa, The First 100 Days: President Trump’s Top Priorities Include Rolling Back Protections to Workers’ Wages, Health, and Safety, Economic Policy Institute, April 2017.
