'A Tide of Change' 100 Days of Trump in Pennsylvania

On day 87, NAACP Bucks President Adrienne King talks with former NAACP Bucks President Karen Downer at the DEI & CRT Townhall event held in Middletown Township in April. Also pictured is the Honorable Judge Clyde Waite speaking with a Townhall attendee

Read the article

Donald Trump's first 100 days of his second term have brought significant changes to Pennsylvania, affecting various aspects of life across the state.

Immigration and Public Safety: Trump's executive orders have intensified immigration enforcement, leading to heightened fears among immigrant communities. In Philadelphia, rumors of impending ICE raids have caused disruptions in areas like the Italian Market, with businesses closing and residents staying home. 

Education and Federal Funding: The administration's push for school choice and proposed cuts to federal education funding have raised concerns among educators and parents. Schools with vaccine requirements or curricula including topics like Critical Race Theory may face financial challenges due to potential funding reductions. 

In Langhorne, Adrienne King, a parent in the Pennridge School District and the head of the Bucks County NAACP, held a community event on April 16, Day 87, in an attempt to explain how eliminating DEI programs could harm area kids. “We were already having battles over books in the school and what’s allowed and curriculum and teaching real history and not whitewashing it,” King said. Trump’s executive orders targeting Black history at museums and federal programs focused on equity, make that harder now, she said. “It’s almost giving permission that now – even though we were fighting for those things not to happen here — we could potentially start to see them here.”

Energy and Environmental Impact

Executive orders aimed at boosting energy production have significant implications for Pennsylvania, a state rich in natural resources. The focus on rare earth elements and reduced environmental regulations could affect local industries and environmental policies. 

Economic Impacts: Federal funding freezes have temporarily disrupted programs like Medicaid, causing confusion and concern among residents relying on these services. Governor Josh Shapiro criticized the sudden halts, emphasizing their detrimental effects on communities.

Economic Concerns Amid Deportation Plans

Leaders of immigrant-serving organizations warn that mass deportations could have detrimental effects on Pennsylvania's economy. With immigrants comprising a significant portion of the workforce, especially in sectors like food service, their absence could lead to labor shortages and economic downturns in various communities. 

Clemency for January 6 Defendants

Trump has granted clemency to numerous individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riot, including residents from Pennsylvania. This move has sparked discussions about accountability and the rule of law. 

Political Climate: Trump's return to office has elicited mixed reactions from Pennsylvania's political leaders. While some Republicans support his policies, Democrats express apprehension about potential overreach and the implications for state autonomy. 

As President Trump's policies continue to unfold, Pennsylvania remains at the forefront of national debates on immigration, education, energy, and civil liberties.