The U.S. was founded in 1776. Since then, 45 presidents have been trusted with the task of keeping our country safe and united. President Donald Trump is now in charge of this ultimate task. But instead of trying to unite the people of the U.S., he’s trying to tear us apart. 

When running for his second term, Trump promised to “Make America Great Again.” And for the majority of voters, that’s all it took to get him back in office. 

What many Americans believed they were voting for turned out to be a sham instead of helping the American people. Trump’s policies and decisions have done the opposite and have aided division within the country.

Since Trump has returned to office, the American people have suffered and groups of minorities have had their rights stripped away. The Trump administration has desperately tried to halt the practice of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) hires under the guise of protecting white people from “reverse discrimination.”

  Most recently, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have been  rounding up and deporting anybody suspected of being in the U.S. illegally. ICE agents have been reported using unnecessary force and abusing their power against those who are most vulnerable. No matter who it is, it’s never justified to treat other humans the way this administration has. 

Innocent people have been sent to prison camps where the conditions are reportedly “inhumane.” According to the National Immigrant Justice Agency, there are people in detentions being exposed to medical neglect, racist treatment and physical abuse. 

Although many people believe that they can’t contribute to putting a stop to the division, they are wrong. Providing aid doesn’t have to come in the form of any spectacular defiance. You can help others by just showing them that you’ll stand by their side in support. 

As we near America’s 250th birthday, it’s important to remember that when things seem hopeless, you can’t give in. It will take all of us to forge a country we can be proud of, a country where everyone is accepted.