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

Axel S�rensen

4 min read

Post on Apr 26, 2025

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Economic Impacts on the Rural Community & School

The economic ripple effects of Trump's first 100 days were felt acutely in Harmony Creek. Our rural community, heavily reliant on agriculture and small businesses, is particularly vulnerable to national economic trends.

Funding Changes

The most immediate impact was felt in our school's budget. We experienced:

• A 10% decrease in federal funding for our school lunch program, forcing us to cut back on fresh produce options. [Source: Harmony Creek Elementary School Budget Reports, 2017]
• A 5% reduction in funding for teacher training grants, limiting our ability to offer professional development opportunities for our educators. [Source: Department of Education Grant Data, 2017]
• No change in transportation funding, though rising fuel costs due to fluctuating global markets (partly impacted by trade policies) put a strain on our existing budget.

Local Economy & Parental Employment

The national economic policies implemented during Trump's first 100 days had a direct impact on the families within our community.

• Several small farms faced financial difficulties due to new trade tariffs affecting their exports. One parent, Sarah Miller, a dairy farmer, shared, "The new tariffs made it impossible to compete with cheaper imports. We had to sell some of our cows."
• The local lumber mill, a major employer in Harmony Creek, laid off 15 workers due to decreased demand. This resulted in increased stress for several families within our school.
• The ripple effect was evident in increased reliance on community food banks and a noticeable decline in parental involvement in school events due to financial strain.

Policy Changes and Their Ripple Effects

Beyond the economic impact, policy shifts during Trump’s first 100 days created ripples throughout our community.

Healthcare Access

The debates surrounding the Affordable Care Act (ACA) directly impacted our community.

• Several families lost their health insurance coverage due to changes in the ACA, increasing anxiety about accessing healthcare for their children.
• Access to healthcare providers in our rural area was already limited, and these changes exacerbated the issue, leading to longer wait times for appointments.
• Our school nurse faced increased demand for basic medical services as families struggled to afford private healthcare.

Education Policy Shifts

While significant education policy changes weren't immediately implemented, the rhetoric surrounding school choice and curriculum reform created uncertainty.

• Teachers expressed concern about potential changes to standardized testing requirements and teaching standards.
• Parents voiced anxiety about potential changes to the curriculum, particularly regarding science education and history instruction.
• The uncertainty created a climate of apprehension, affecting the overall morale within the school.

Social and Political Climate in the Rural Community

Trump's presidency significantly altered the social and political fabric of Harmony Creek.

Community Polarization

The national political divisions were mirrored within our close-knit community.

• Previously amicable conversations between neighbors often became heated debates about national politics, creating tension within families and friendships.
• Community events, once unifying gatherings, became sites of subtle and sometimes overt political divisions.
• The political climate impacted school unity, with some parents expressing concerns about certain viewpoints being promoted or excluded in the classroom.

Shifting Perceptions of the Federal Government

Trust in the federal government decreased considerably among many in Harmony Creek during Trump’s first 100 days.

• The perception that rural America's concerns were being overlooked further deepened the feeling of disconnect from Washington D.C.
• Participation in local political action increased, suggesting a growing desire for local autonomy.
• Engagement with federal programs, especially those related to agriculture and education, declined among some families who felt their concerns were not being addressed.

Conclusion

Trump's first 100 days profoundly impacted Harmony Creek Elementary and our rural community. The economic repercussions, coupled with uncertainty surrounding healthcare access and education policy, created a climate of anxiety and uncertainty. The increased community polarization highlighted a critical disconnect between the experiences of rural America and the political narratives emanating from Washington, D.C. Understanding the impact of Trump's policies on rural schools like ours is crucial to crafting effective national policies that serve all communities. We need to continue exploring the long-term effects of Trump's first 100 days on rural communities and similar administrations' impacts on underserved areas to ensure that the voices of rural America are heard and considered when shaping national policy. Further investigating the experiences of rural America under presidential administrations is vital to building a more equitable and representative nation.