Trump's First 100 Days: A Rural School's Perspective (2700 Miles From DC)

Joon Kim

5 min read

Post on Apr 26, 2025

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Economic Impacts on the Rural Community

The economic health of Oak Creek, like many rural communities, is deeply intertwined with agriculture and small businesses. Therefore, national economic policies have a profound, albeit often indirect, impact.

Changes in Agricultural Subsidies and their Effect on Local Farming Families

• Reduced Dairy Subsidies: The initial reduction in dairy subsidies, though small, directly affected the Miller family farm, forcing them to sell some of their herd. This resulted in the loss of one local job.
• Increased Soybean Tariffs: The impact of increased soybean tariffs on the local farmers was more pronounced. Higher export costs led to decreased profitability, threatening the livelihood of several families. While some farmers diversified, many struggled to adapt.
• Impact on Farm Income: Overall, the changes in agricultural subsidies resulted in a noticeable decrease in average farm income within the Oak Creek area, which was further exacerbated by fluctuating global commodity prices.

Infrastructure Spending and its (Lack of) Effect on the School and Community

President Trump's campaign promises included significant infrastructure investment. However, Oak Creek saw little direct benefit in the first 100 days.

• No New Road Projects: The long-promised highway repairs and expansions, crucial for transporting goods and connecting Oak Creek to larger markets, failed to materialize.
• School Bus Maintenance: The school relied on its aging bus fleet, with no new federal funding allocated for maintenance or replacement, increasing safety concerns.
• Lack of Broadband Investment: The lack of investment in rural broadband continued, impacting the school's ability to implement modern technology in education and hindering economic development opportunities in the community.

Impact of Potential Trade Wars or Tariffs on Local Businesses

The threat of trade wars and tariffs loomed large, impacting local businesses dependent on international trade.

• Increased Costs for Imported Goods: The local hardware store saw a sharp increase in the cost of imported tools, affecting both their profitability and the pricing of goods for consumers.
• Reduced Exports: The local woodcraft business, which exported handmade furniture, experienced a decline in orders due to increased import tariffs in certain international markets.
• Job losses in smaller businesses: The cumulative effect of these economic shifts led to a small but noticeable increase in unemployment within the Oak Creek area.

Educational Policies and their Ripple Effects

While Oak Creek School felt the economic ripple effect of national policies, the direct impact on educational policies was minimal during Trump’s first 100 days.

Changes to Federal Education Funding and their Effect on the School Budget

• No Significant Changes: Oak Creek’s federal education funding remained relatively stable during this period. While there were minor adjustments, these did not significantly impact the school’s budget or programs.
• Continued Reliance on Local Funding: The school continued to rely heavily on local property taxes for its operational budget, highlighting the limitations of federal funding for rural education.

Perceived Impact of the New Administration's Stance on Education Reform on the School's Curriculum or Teaching Practices

The change in national leadership did not directly affect the school's curriculum or teaching methodologies.

• Maintaining Established Practices: Oak Creek School continued its existing curriculum and teaching practices.
• Minimal Impact on Teacher Training: No new federal mandates or substantial changes in teacher training requirements affected the school during this time.

Political Climate and Community Attitudes

The national political climate had a palpable effect, albeit indirect, on the small community.

Changes in the Political Discourse within the Community during Trump's First 100 Days

• Increased Political Polarization: The national political divisions were mirrored, though less intensely, within the community, leading to some strained social interactions.
• Limited Political Engagement: Many residents felt disconnected from the national political discourse, viewing it as largely irrelevant to their daily lives.

The School's Role in Navigating Political Differences within the Community

Oak Creek School remained a neutral space for all students and families regardless of political affiliation.

• Promoting Inclusivity: The school emphasized tolerance and understanding to maintain a harmonious learning environment.
• Focusing on Shared Values: The school focused on shared values like community, education, and hard work to create a sense of unity.

Access to Information and Communication

The geographical isolation of Oak Creek presented unique challenges to information access.

The Impact of "Fake News" and Media Bias on the Community's Understanding of National Events

• Reliance on Local Media: Many residents relied on local newspapers and radio for news, often lacking access to diverse perspectives.
• Spread of Misinformation: Limited access to diverse news sources and the rise of social media contributed to the spread of misinformation within the community, particularly concerning Trump’s policies.

Challenges in Accessing Reliable and Unbiased Information in a Remote Location

• Limited Internet Access: Many homes lacked high-speed internet, hindering access to diverse and reliable online news sources.
• Digital Divide: The digital divide further exacerbated the challenges faced by Oak Creek residents in accessing factual and unbiased information.

Conclusion

Trump's first 100 days had a limited, often indirect, impact on Oak Creek School and its community. The geographical distance, coupled with the rural economy's unique characteristics, meant that many national policies did not produce immediate, significant changes. While some felt the ripple effect of changes in agricultural subsidies and trade policies, the majority of the community remained largely unaffected by the direct impact of the new administration’s actions. This underscores the need for a deeper understanding of the impact of national policies on diverse communities across the country. Further research on the effects of national policies on remote areas is critical to ensure equitable distribution of resources and opportunities. We must explore the challenges faced by rural schools under various administrations to ensure all communities thrive. Understanding the impact of Trump's policies on rural communities, and those of subsequent administrations, is essential for building a more inclusive and equitable nation.