Donald Trump is arguably the most controversial political figure in modern American history. Whether your personal politics lean to the right, to the left or you find yourself somewhere in the middle, you likely have your own opinion about the former president. 

For the moment, disregard your feelings about Trump and his personality. Instead, consider his impact on our nation and the world during his time as president–especially when examining the current administration.

Since Trump left office, the economy has declined dramatically, leaving Americans to struggle with inflation and increased costs on basic goods. We see the evidence every day, as prices on essentials, such as gas, have skyrocketed in the last four years. 

Under the Biden and Harris administration, in 2022 the average gas price jumped to $4.06 and has consistently been greater than $3 since Trump left office. This increase in gas prices directly increases the price of essential goods. If it costs more to ship it, it will cost more to buy it.

With Trump back in office, we can have significantly cheaper grocery bills, attainable housing prices and lower taxes. 

Taking a look at housing, at the end of Trump’s administration the median home sale price was $350,000. At the beginning of this year, after three years of Biden and Harris,the median home sale price rose to $420,000. 

While we are living in dorms and apartments in college, we may not be giving much thought to the price of houses, but most of us will want to purchase a home in our post-graduation futures. Based on the data, home ownership was more of a reasonable goal with Trump as president.

Ultimately, Trump is the candidate who will restore our economy. He has done it once and will do it again. 

Trump has a clear vision for America and its people to thrive financially.

With Trump as president, there was greater global peace. In January 2021, Trump left office and in just seven months the Taliban had regained control of Afghanistan. 

Next, in February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine, starting a war that continues even today. 

Then in October 2023, terrorist organization Hamas launched an attack on Israel. Also, the tension between North and South Korea, as well as China and Taiwan, it is clear that the world is in a state of unrest. 

While our modern world has never been in perfect peace, this amount of global violence was not taking place during Trump’s presidency. Specifically, the Trump administration is the only administration in the last 20 years under which Russia did not invade another country. Trump fostered global security and plans to pursue peace in Europe and the Middle East if re-elected. Under Biden and Harris, we are closer to World War III than ever before.

Additionally, Trump and Republican Sen. JD Vance are signs of strength to the rest of the world. This strength, which is essential for world leadership, is not present in the Kamala Harris and Democrat Gov. Tim Walz campaign. 

Trump is a successful businessman and has successfully led the country once before. Vance showcased his intelligence and rhetorical skills to the nation in his recent vice presidential debate against Walz. 

On the other hand, Harris’ “joyful laugh” attempts to distract voters from her inability to have an unscripted conversation, while Walz used the debate with Vance to call himself a “knucklehead” and a friend of school shooters. 

Finally, Trump is a man with a genuine love for his country. 

For years, he faced attacks from the media and attempts to impeach him from Congress. He was successfully demonized, even when he was no longer in office. So much so that in July, he became the victim of an assassination attempt at an outdoor rally. Had he turned his head a moment later, this would be a very different election year.

It would be understandable for someone to end their political pursuits after an experience like Trump’s, but he has yet to give up.

In an interview with Oprah in 1988, Trump detailed how he would consider running for president because of his irritation with how the government was serving other countries but not the American people. 

His passion for America and desire to see the country thrive is made clear in that interview and is still true for him today. If he did not have a true love for this country, he would have given up long ago. His love for his country emboldens him to succeed, he will not allow himself to fail, which is what we need. 

We need a strong leader who will not accept failure and is determined to rebuild our nation into something that it once was: great.