Trump's First 100 Days: A Rural School's 2700-Mile Perspective

Laila Abdi

5 min read

Post on Apr 26, 2025

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Economic Impacts on the Rural Community During Trump's First 100 Days

The economic well-being of Harmony Creek, like many rural towns, is deeply intertwined with agriculture and access to infrastructure. Trump's first 100 days brought both promised change and unforeseen challenges.

Agricultural Policy Changes and Their Effects

Early policy shifts under the new administration significantly impacted local farmers.

• Tariffs: Newly implemented tariffs on imported goods affected the prices Harmony Creek farmers received for their crops, particularly soybeans. This led to a decrease in overall farm income.
• Subsidies: While some subsidies were maintained, changes in their allocation created uncertainty for many farmers, impacting their ability to plan for the future.
• Impact on School Budget: The reduced farm income translated into lower property tax revenue for the Harmony Creek School District, directly impacting their budget for essential resources and programs.

Infrastructure Spending and its Absence

Trump's campaign promised significant infrastructure investment. However, during his first 100 days, Harmony Creek saw little direct impact.

• No New Projects: No major infrastructure projects were announced or initiated in the area, leaving crucial road repairs and upgrades unaddressed.
• Impact on the School: The lack of investment meant continued challenges in maintaining school buses and other crucial infrastructure directly related to the school.
• Economic Stagnation: The absence of new infrastructure spending hampered economic growth in the area, affecting the overall prosperity of the community and the families it supports.

Job Market Fluctuations

The economic uncertainty caused by policy changes in Trump's first 100 days directly impacted the local job market.

• Farm Job Losses: Lower crop prices and reduced farm income led to some farm job losses, impacting families and increasing pressure on the local school district.
• Increased Need for Financial Aid: Declining family incomes resulted in a greater need for financial aid for students within the Harmony Creek School, further straining its limited budget.

Educational Policy Changes and their Ripple Effects on the Rural School

The changes at the national level trickled down to impact the educational landscape of Harmony Creek.

Federal Funding for Education

Changes in federal funding allocation during Trump's first 100 days created uncertainty for the school.

• Funding Cuts: Concerns arose regarding potential cuts in federal funding for education, particularly for rural schools like Harmony Creek.
• Program Impacts: This uncertainty threatened vital school programs, including arts and music education, and after-school activities.

Curriculum and Educational Reforms

The new administration's focus on certain educational priorities did not immediately affect Harmony Creek's curriculum.

• No Immediate Changes: No significant curriculum changes or new federal mandates were implemented during this period.
• Lingering Uncertainty: However, the overall political climate created uncertainty about the future direction of education policy, influencing long-term planning for the school.

Teacher Recruitment and Retention

Teacher recruitment and retention remain significant challenges for rural schools.

• Low Salaries: Existing low teacher salaries were a persistent concern, worsened by the general economic uncertainty.
• Teacher Shortages: The potential for further funding cuts added to the pressure, making teacher retention a growing concern for the school.

Community Sentiment and Political Polarization During the First 100 Days

The first 100 days of the Trump administration deepened pre-existing political divisions within Harmony Creek.

Local Reactions to Trump's Policies

Reactions to Trump's first 100 days were varied, mirroring the broader national divide.

• Mixed Opinions: Some residents supported the new administration's policies, hoping for economic revitalization. Others expressed deep concern about the potential negative impacts on their livelihoods and the local school.
• Community Discord: These contrasting opinions often led to increased tension and polarization within the community, making it challenging to foster collaboration and support for the school.

Media Consumption and Information Sources

Access to accurate and unbiased information was a critical factor in shaping community sentiment.

• Limited Access: Many residents relied on local news sources and social media, leading to potential exposure to biased or incomplete information.
• Information Gaps: This created information gaps and exacerbated existing misconceptions and political divisions.

Community Engagement and Political Activism

Trump's first 100 days spurred some community members to become more politically active.

• Increased Participation: Some residents became more engaged in local politics, actively voicing their opinions and concerns.
• Community Action: Others began to collaborate on community initiatives, focusing on addressing local issues.

Conclusion

The impact of Trump's first 100 days on Harmony Creek, a rural community 2700 miles from Washington D.C., serves as a powerful illustration of how national policies can profoundly shape the lives of individuals and communities in even the most remote areas. The economic uncertainty created by policy changes, particularly in agriculture and infrastructure, had immediate and tangible consequences for the school's budget and the well-being of its students. Educational policy shifts, while not immediately dramatic, introduced uncertainty about the future direction of funding and educational reforms. Finally, the political polarization witnessed in Harmony Creek highlights the profound ripple effects of national political events on local communities. Learn more about how Trump's policies impacted rural America during his first 100 days and continue the conversation: What were the lasting effects of Trump's first 100 days on your community?