“The supreme quality for leadership is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is possible.” – Dwight D. Eisenhower
To put it mildly, I find Trump’s return to office unsettling. But I have to acknowledge that as a white, middle-class American man, I’ll fare better than those who will be directly impacted by his policies that deeply affect those on society’s margins.
What’s more, I can’t deny that some of his “day one” promises address concerns I share. Take tariffs, for example. Trump’s commitment to using tariffs as leverage in trade, particularly with China, echoes his previous approach. While economists warn that sweeping tariffs could reignite inflation and raise consumer prices, using tariffs to secure fairer trade isn’t without merit; it’s a tactic I understand.
When it comes to the environment, his intent to halt offshore wind projects and withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement feels like a direct assault on the future of sustainable energy and the fight against climate change. Still, I see the appeal in promoting lower energy costs through expanded drilling and the potential for job growth in traditional energy sectors.
As for foreign policy, Trump claims he could end the war in Ukraine “in 24 hours” by bringing Russia and Ukraine to the table, signalling a willingness to cut off aid. His stance questioning the continued U.S. support for Ukraine is jarring, and how he would achieve peace is unclear, but the urgency to end the bloodshed is real.
Regarding Iran, he intends to impose new sanctions to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions and reduce its role in Middle Eastern terrorism—a continuation of his previous policies. While these sanctions have proven largely ineffective in deterring Iran’s goals, addressing Iran’s influence in the region is crucial.
Character is as important as policy
All that being said, my non-negotiable issue with Trump is his profoundly disturbing history with women. As a father to two young children (including a 6-year-old daughter), a husband, and a man raised by devout Christians who taught me the sacred value of gender egalitarianism, I can’t overlook his record of sexual abuse allegations.
In 2023, a jury found Trump liable for sexually abusing writer E. Jean Carroll in 1996, awarding her $5 million—a judgment underscoring a pattern. Carroll’s case is just one of at least 26 accusations against Trump that date back to the 1970s and range from harassment to groping and even rape. After the infamous Access Hollywood tape surfaced in 2016, in which Trump bragged about grabbing women without consent, a wave of women came forward with similar stories.
How can someone with this sordid history embody the integrity we need in a leader? His demeaning responses to these accusations, his refusal to address the gravity of the claims, and his attempts to trivialize women’s accounts reveal a lack of empathy. This can’t be brushed aside, even by those who might agree with him on certain policy stances.
While I may understand some of Trump’s proposed actions, his disregard for accountability and human decency is a line I can’t cross. No policy position justifies overlooking the harm he’s caused and the example he sets. At a time when we need leadership rooted in respect, I remain steadfast in my belief that character is as important as policy.
For me, the bottom line is that I can’t look my daughter in the eyes and tell her that supporting such a person is acceptable. As her father, it’s my responsibility to guide her towards understanding that true leadership is rooted in kindness, empathy and fairness—not in the abuse of power or disregard for others. I will not compromise those values—not now, not ever.
We must not be silent
Now is the time to take a stand—not only as parents, educators and citizens but as defenders of dignity and justice. We must resist any policy or action that threatens the safety and dignity of women, children and all vulnerable people.
The future our children inherits depends on our courage to hold leaders accountable to the highest standards of character and integrity. It’s up to each of us to demand better, to reject complacency and to actively protect the values we hope to instill in the next generation. We can’t and mustn’t be silent.
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image: JillWellington