Donald Trump and His Eugencial Legacy

• In Event: Assessing the President's Impact on the Political System

Abstract

The Donald Trump administration was frequently attacked for policies others claimed were discriminatory and racially motivated. This research asserts many of the Trump’s administration policies were rooted in late 19th century and early 20th century eugenical approach. Eugenics policy suggests are more comprehensive and coherent agenda rather than simply bigotry. It justifies spatial segregation and the treatment of targeted groups as necessary for the creation of an idealized society. Eugenics has very strong American social and legal roots which the Trump administration exploited for its own support bases. This paper looks at the policies within the administration and ties them back to earlier American laws and academic research. It will show how the administration was somewhat sophisticated in activating populations by exploiting old language and positions to resonate with certain population blocs who are the descendants of persons most supportive of early 20th century American eugenics throughout the country.

Author

• Shannon Bow O' Brien, University of Texas, Austin