From his intent to control the Panama Canal and Greenland to his claims about making “America rich again” with tariffs, President Donald J. Trump delivered the longest annual address in modern history. Lasting over 90 minutes, the speech covered many topics, including his policy agenda, executive orders and image. The response was polarized — viewers either hurled their controllers at the TV in frustration or switched it off entirely in search of something more constructive. There was no middle ground.
Since assuming office, Trump has plunged the world into a continuous cycle of chaos, leaving little room for escape. Social media is inundated with posts about his latest actions and controversial remarks. The situation is even more distressing than during his first term, as we now have figures like Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and X (formerly Twitter), exhibiting erratic behavior, such as wielding a chainsaw on stage or donning a MAGA hat in the Oval Office.
In classrooms, professors feel compelled to connect the President’s actions to academic material. At family dinners, discussions inevitably gravitate toward the economy. No matter where you turn, the looming presence of Trump leaves many feeling overwhelmed, and this takes a considerable mental toll. Minority communities, including immigrants, mixed-status families, the LGBTQ community, people of color and women, are particularly vulnerable, bearing the weight of this administration’s regressive policies.
How do we safeguard our mental health over the next four years under a Trump presidency? The answer is imperative and straightforward.
Dismissing the harsh realities of a Trump-led country is not an option. Avoidance coping — the tendency to ignore distressing situations — will only exacerbate the problems. I understand the urge to tune out the noise, but ignorance is not a safeguard. Being uninformed about matters that directly affect your life and the lives of your loved ones is not just careless; it is downright dangerous.
Instead, focusing on the President’s actions is crucial rather than getting sidetracked by his words. Trump excels at using distraction and provocation to divert attention and manipulate the narrative. For instance, he recently boasted about an executive order renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America.” Although this may seem like a demonstration of dominance over Mexico and a showcase of American exceptionalism, it is merely a tactic to placate his MAGA supporters. The United States (U.S.) is unique in this renaming, yet most Americans will continue to refer to it as the Gulf of Mexico. Discerning genuine policy moves from distractions crafted to provoke media and public reactions is vital to maintaining your sanity.
Trump’s use of social media is another tool in his arsenal. His infamous and relentless tweeting resulted in over 7,700 tweets and retweets in 2019 and around 12,000 in 2020. On June 5, 2020, he shattered his record by posting 200 tweets or retweets in a single day. Despite being banned from major platforms for several years, Trump’s influence is now resurfacing through Truth Social, the right-wing platform he owns.
Some of his recent posts are alarming and should be condemned, such as the AI-generated video titled “Trump Gaza,” which replaces war-torn landscapes with hotels and casinos and features figures like Musk and Benjamin Netanyahu. These posts deserve scrutiny rather than his late-night distractions of 3 a.m. posts that consume media outlets and political commentators. Engaging with his provocative content only fuels his craving for attention. It is essential to separate attention-seeking provocations, or clickbait, from actual actions that necessitate our focus.
Serious matters, such as his executive orders immigration crackdowns, threats to National Institute of Health (NIH) funding and dismantling of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs, require immediate attention. These issues demand vigilant observation and collective action to resist regressive policies. Instead of indulging in Trump’s delusional fantasies of claiming Greenland and the Panama Canal, we must concentrate on the tangible actions he can take and the detrimental effects they produce.
The current political climate is daunting, and the President’s statements on
various issues can be alarming. However, we must not be sidetracked by every provocation or outrageous comment over the next four years. Doing so will only lead us towards a collective insanity by 2028. It is crucial to stay informed, engaged and proactive in protecting our mental health while fully grasping the policies at play. The time for passive observation is over; we must take decisive action and resist the tide of distractions and harmful behaviors.
Focus on actions rather than words to protect your mental health and well-being. Like typical strongmen, President Trump excels at creating diversions and illusions to achieve his objectives. These distractions only empower him and push us closer to the edge. During this presidency, let’s prioritize our well-being, deliberate where we direct our attention and advocate for what truly matters.
