A softer Donald Trump who used none of his harsh campaign rhetoric in his first address as President to the US Congress may have helped douse some smouldering fires in America. Critics were quick to note that data didn’t bear out some of his claims and that he was parsimonious with detail. But the prospect of many, like skilled Indian immigrants, breathing easier can’t be ruled out though the threat of hate crime in a still-charged atmosphere remains very real.
President Trump did address the issue worrying Indians most by condemning ugly hate and evil in all forms while clubbing attacks on Jewish cemeteries with the racist Kansas shooting of Srinivas Kuchibhotla. While the slain engineer’s family may find no closure yet, if by speaking up Mr Trump makes America a safer place many Indians living there would feel a bit reassured.
A change of tie, from trademark red to gentler blue and white stripes, was also seen as a sign of a leader trying to look more presidential. His less belligerent tone on immigrants also conveyed a message, though Mr Trump insisted work would begin soon on the “Mexican wall”, his pet project. A more nuanced policy favouring skilled workers over desperate refugees might even make some economic sense for a nation built by immigrants. Indians, mostly professionals, particularly in the infotech sector, may believe they would get priority in the new policies being put in place. This may do nothing to lessen the grief for the injured and the family of the slain engineer in Kansas, but at least it promises the US will still be open to talent from overseas, though visitors risk being vigorously frisked at the point of entry.
There is reason to believe optimism was the stronger sentiment in the upbeat speech, despite obvious domestic faultlines like the burial of Obamacare, worry over where the money will come from to rebuild inner cities and the homage paid to a Marine lost in questionable action in Yemen. The theme of making America great again seemed to resonate over “America First”, and there was talk of reduced taxes for the middle class and corporates, though the fear that the rich would more than workers will never go away under Republican rule. An expanding American economy would help the global economy grow too, but doubts remain as the US grew at a weak 1.9 per cent in 2016’s fourth quarter and it would need greater economic impetus if the enhanced defence and security bills are to be picked up by the administration. It’s still too early to say if all the concerns raised by Donald Trump’s a rocky start have eased, but the President has at least tried to show his better side to an anxious world.
