The Controversial Success of Trump's Border Wall Fundraiser: A Closer Look
The debate over border security in the United States has been a contentious issue for years. In 2018, President Donald Trump launched a fundraising campaign through GoFundMe to raise $25 billion for a border wall, securing $20 billion within days. This article delves into how this campaign managed to raise such a significant sum quickly, the logistics of such a large fundraiser, and the public reaction.
A Common Demand: Border Security
Many US citizens are proponents of securing the nation's borders due to the inherent risks associated with unregulated immigration. Locking your doors at night to secure your safety aligns with the idea of protecting the country from potential threats. The support for border security is not surprising, as it resonates with a basic sense of safety and national security for the general public.
Impact of the Fundraiser
The GoFundMe campaign for Trump's border wall raised $20 billion, a considerable amount of money. However, critics argue that raising $20 billion while notably excluding the costs of annual maintenance and management is a disservice to the public. The $20 million that was not included in the final total doesn't represent a large sum in comparison to the $20 billion raised. As of the latest tally, 328,000 individuals had donated, meaning there is still a significant shortfall to reach the $25 billion goal.
“20 million of the 20 billion not including the yearly cost isn’t ‘so much money’. 328000 people have donated. so they only need 328000000 more. The better question is why isn’t it getting the 25 billion Because most people aren’t willing to waste their money and don’t like being forced to support it through the IRS.”
Questions have been raised about the effectiveness of the fundraiser. The critical point is not the amount of money raised but the amount needed to complete the project. Despite the success, the campaign fell short of its goal, indicating that public support, while significant, is not universal. Critics argue that most Americans are skeptical about paying for the wall, preferring to support other national priorities.
The Behind-the-Scenes Reality
One of the key realities of the fundraiser is the potential mismatch between public opinion and the practical implementation of the wall. While some individuals donate, public policy also involves setting aside funds for the annual maintenance and operation of any infrastructure built. Critics point out that relying solely on voluntary donations may not be a sustainable model for large-scale construction projects, especially when government funding is an option.
“You do realize what that means to the food bill of every American. It will cost us more in our grocery bill than it will in taxes for a wall that 'we won’t have to pay for’.”
The cost implications of such a project extend beyond the initial construction phase. Maintaining the wall will involve ongoing expenses, which ultimately means increased taxes for American consumers. This unseen cost adds a layer of complexity to the fundraising model, as supporting the wall through a wall-building fundraiser is not a one-time expense but an ongoing financial burden.
The Ethical and Social Dimensions
The fundraising campaign raises questions about the ethical and social dimensions of political support and its translation into practical policy. Many who support the Trump administration and the border wall are willing to contribute financially. However, the expectation that people will continue to support the same cause through other means—such as working in agriculture or engaging in low-wage jobs—raises ethical concerns.
“I wonder if those same people who donated will be willing to work the fields and harvest my food if those who do it now are somehow kept from doing what no American wants to do even when the farmers offered 20 per hour. The crops ROTTED!”
This statement highlights the disconnect between those who benefit from policy and those bearing the burden. The idea that people who support the border wall would want to take on the labor intended for immigrants is a critical point of contention. It reflects the frustration among some voters who feel that the political promises of supporting the wall do not align with the practical implications on their daily lives.
Conclusion and Reflection
The success of the GoFundMe campaign for Trump's border wall underscores the importance of transparent and realistic political fundraising. While the campaign raised a significant amount, it also exposed the gap between campaign promises and practical realities. The effectiveness of such initiatives ultimately depends on whether they align with broader social and economic considerations.
“The better question is why isn’t it getting the 25 billion Because most people aren’t willing to waste their money and don’t like being forced to support it through the IRS.”
This quote reflects the broader debate over public support for political causes and the role of the government in funding infrastructure. As the debate continues, it is crucial to consider the long-term implications of such fundraising efforts on public policy and national priorities.
Keywords: GoFundMe, border wall, political fundraising