Trump's First 100 Days: A Rural School's 2700-Mile Perspective On The Impact

Luna Greco

5 min read

Post on Apr 26, 2025

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Economic Impacts on the Rural Community

The economic well-being of rural communities is intrinsically linked to agriculture and related industries. Therefore, changes in national agricultural policy directly translate into tangible consequences for these areas.

Changes in Agricultural Policy and Subsidies

The early days of the Trump administration saw significant shifts in agricultural policy, impacting the lives of farmers across the nation. For the community 2700 miles away, these changes manifested in several ways:

• Trade Wars: The initiation of trade disputes led to uncertainty in global markets, impacting export prices for key crops grown in the region. This resulted in reduced income for local farmers, impacting their ability to invest in equipment and support their families.
• Subsidy Adjustments: While some subsidies remained, others were altered or reduced, leading to financial strain for farmers already struggling with fluctuating commodity prices. This had a knock-on effect on local businesses reliant on the agricultural sector.
• Increased Input Costs: Simultaneously, the cost of fertilizers and other farm inputs rose significantly, squeezing profit margins further. Many farmers reported operating at a loss during this period.

Data from the local agricultural cooperative revealed a 15% decrease in average farm income compared to the previous year, directly attributable to these policy changes. Farmers recounted stories of having to forgo necessary equipment upgrades and consider selling off land to stay afloat.

Job Creation and Infrastructure Spending

The Trump administration’s emphasis on job creation and infrastructure investment had little immediate, visible impact on this distant rural community.

• Limited Job Growth: No major infrastructure projects were initiated in the area during this period. Existing employment remained largely stagnant, with limited opportunities for growth within the agricultural sector.
• Infrastructure Deficiencies: The lack of investment highlighted the pre-existing challenges faced by the community regarding infrastructure, particularly regarding internet access, which hampered economic diversification efforts.
• "We haven't seen any tangible benefits from the promised infrastructure spending," commented the school's principal, reflecting the widespread sentiment in the community.

The absence of promised economic improvements fueled frustration and reinforced the feeling of being geographically and politically marginalized.

Social and Cultural Impacts

Beyond economics, the first 100 days also left their mark on the social and cultural fabric of the rural community.

Changes in Community Attitudes and Political Discourse

The election of President Trump had already created a noticeable polarization within the community, and his first 100 days exacerbated these divisions.

• Increased Political Activism: Local town hall meetings became more heated, marked by sharp disagreements over policy.
• Erosion of Social Cohesion: The heightened political tension spilled over into everyday life, creating friction within social circles previously unified by shared rural values.
• Rise of Online Disinformation: The proliferation of misinformation online fueled further division, making it difficult for community members to engage in constructive dialogue.

Examples of these tensions included heated arguments at local community events and increased social media activity reflecting strongly opposing views.

Impact on Education and Funding

The impact on education during this period was subtle but noticeable.

• Federal Funding Uncertainty: Changes in proposed federal education budgets caused uncertainty about future funding levels for the rural school district.
• Resource Constraints: The potential funding cuts resulted in anxieties surrounding curriculum development and teacher retention.
• “We are constantly monitoring the situation and bracing for potential budget cuts,” stated the school superintendent. This uncertainty created an environment of anxiety for both educators and students.

Healthcare and Access to Services

Access to healthcare and essential services remains a critical challenge for many rural communities, and the first 100 days of the Trump administration did little to ease these challenges.

Changes in Healthcare Access and Affordability

The rural community already grappled with limited access to healthcare providers and facilities.

• Increased Healthcare Costs: Concerns arose about the potential impact of proposed healthcare reforms on the affordability of health insurance for residents.
• Limited Specialist Access: The remoteness of the community made access to specialist care even more difficult.
• The school nurse reported an increase in students needing care for conditions that could have been better managed with proactive, accessible healthcare.

Access to Other Essential Services (internet, transportation)

Limited access to essential services like reliable internet and efficient transportation continues to hinder the community’s progress.

• Lack of Broadband Access: Slow or nonexistent internet access severely hampered the school's ability to integrate technology into education.
• Transportation Challenges: Limited public transportation options created barriers to accessing healthcare, education, and employment opportunities.
• Reports from the local county council highlighted the severe digital divide and infrastructure limitations hampering economic development.

Conclusion: Trump's First 100 Days: Lasting Impacts on a Rural Community 2700 Miles Away

In conclusion, the impact of President Trump's first 100 days on this rural community, situated 2700 miles from Washington D.C., was multifaceted and shaped significantly by its geographical isolation. While some economic policies had negative repercussions on agriculture and employment, the promised infrastructure investment failed to materialize, exacerbating pre-existing challenges. Socially and culturally, political polarization intensified, while healthcare and access to essential services remained pressing concerns. The experience underscored the critical need to consider the unique challenges faced by rural communities when formulating and implementing national policies. Further research into the long-term effects of the Trump administration's policies on rural America is essential, as is a broader discussion on rural impact and the need for targeted support for these often-overlooked communities. Let's continue to explore the "rural impact" of presidential actions and amplify "rural school perspectives" to create more equitable policies for all.