President Trump: Politics and personality
The recent transition in the White House has brought controversy to politicians and citizens alike. Because of this, many have taken public action or posting to social media to express their opinions.
MVNU’s Assistant Professor of Political Science Dr. Terilyn Johnston Huntington believes an activist trend has ignited among United States citizens.
A prime example of this is the reaction to the recent travel ban.
“They feel compelled to engage in that process [protesting]. It even seems that more people are calling their senators to voice their support or concern,” Johnston Huntington said. “It’s refreshing that people are getting engaged. It’s encouraging.”
Regardless of who sits at the helm or what policies are being discussed, Huntington believes Christian college students have a responsibility to be engaged in their country.
However, before getting too involved, it is important to be informed.
“It is important that we are knowledgeable citizens,” Johnston Huntington said. “Consult a variety of sources and become widely read.”
Johnston Huntington says Christians should always consult the Bible first, rather than simply adhering to a political ideology or party.
“The challenge is level to the church,” Johnston Huntington said. “We need to use our Christian worldview to make sense of what is happening.”
As far as political and social changes, Johnston Huntington says that it is too early in the presidency to predict how everything will pan out.
Along with all of Trump’s new policies, Americans are also divided over his personality. One place where his extroverted (and argumentative) tendencies show up is on social media. Unlike presidents in the past, Trump has a strong presence on Twitter.
“I think it is a mistake and most commentators agree,” said Johnston Huntington. “We have to remember that his presence is public to the world, not just Americans. With that being said, it is disconcerting to international allies. They may wonder if they are dealing with a professional or not.”
Some commentators believe Trump’s Twitter presence means he is more connected to the people whereas Barack Obama rarely tweeted.
“I would like to see more productivity rather than reactionary responses,” Johnston Huntington said. “He may not be influencing as many people as he thinks he is.”
Johnston Huntington encourages college students to form their own opinions about politics and to get involved in their local and national governments.
She encourages students to get o social media and to talk to one another about these policies and politics.
Maybe if President Trump gets off of Twitter and students log o Facebook, the nation might see some change.