Trump administration actions spark controversy

Many years ago, when I was teaching fifth grade, part of the social studies curriculum included “westward expansion,” describing America’s desire to move its boundaries westward for new settlers. To do this, we drove out the Native Americans who inhabited much of this land for countless years.

So here we are — more than 200 years later — attempting to do the same thing [“Europeans now boycotting U.S.,” Nation & World, March 18]. Since there are no more Native Americans to drive out, we turn elsewhere to fulfill our “manifest destiny,” defined in history books as America’s quest to expand its borders.

President Donald Trump talks of annexing Greenland for its rich mineral deposits, Canada for its petroleum and energy products, even the Panama Canal for its maritime control. I shudder to think that our country, initially governed by a man who refused the title of “king,” is now in the hands of a man who is polishing his crown.

— JoAnn Krapp, Farmingdale

I agree with the goal to reduce Social Security fraud and waste. However, give consideration to the disabled and elderly to ensure they receive their benefits “Hang-up over Social Security,” News, March 20].

Since the Social Security Administration is being “restructured,” with many offices being closed, staffing could be allocated to home appointments or community “pop-ups” to assist those unable to travel or use the internet. This new regulation impacts many of those receiving Social Security benefits who need the most assistance. Hampering their access to Social Security benefits is unconscionable.

— Nancy Roche, Wantagh

All my life, politicians have been promoting cutting government waste, fraud and abuse. We hear them on both sides say what needs to be done, but nothing ever gets done.

We finally have a true disruptor in chief. Donald Trump, with the help of volunteer Elon Musk, has taken action and implemented these cuts, and look at the thanks that Musk is receiving. He should be hailed as an innovator, inventor and genius, having created tens of thousands of good-paying jobs.

Instead, we see the burning of Tesla dealerships [“Attacks on Tesla dealerships spike,” LI Business, March 20]. Really?

Budget cuts are always a balancing act, and different people have different priorities. No one will agree 100%, but we need to start somewhere. Billions of dollars are being wasted on institutions that have little or no oversight.

So, why is the left attacking the ones uncovering the waste and fraud and not attacking the ones profiting from it?

— Stewart Hochler, East Meadow

Tom Homan, our unelected border czar, recently said, “I don’t care what the judges think” in response to a court order related to deporting migrants. If he is speaking for Donald Trump, we are well on our way toward an unrestrained dictatorship [“Stress test for our democracy,” Editorial, March 23]. The judiciary has always been, and must continue to be, the final arbiter of right and wrong.

— Richard Nussbaum, Syosset

During Donald Trump’s first term, he tweeted, “Those that deny their history are doomed to repeat it!” He was talking about keeping statues of racist Confederate generals. But now, history has become disposable “A tangled Web,” Sports, March 20].

Trump has been mostly silent, as have Suffolk members of Congress, while Jackie Robinson, Navajo Code Talkers, Tuskegee Airmen, women, Holocaust survivors and many others have disappeared from government historical websites.

Although a few are being restored, Trump has made it clear that these groups and more are to be removed from the historical life of our nation. It disgusts me that Trump and, sadly, most Republicans, apparently want to return America to the pre-Civil Rights era.

In the new America, it’s offensive to honor the likes of Robinson but acceptable to celebrate those who felt they could have had the right to own him.

— Michael L. Wilson, Holbrook

I find it particularly unsettling if not scary that Donald Trump’s speech at the DOJ elicited cheers. If they are cheering vows for retribution against political enemies and against fired colleagues who worked on the investigation and prosecution of Trump, we are facing dark days ahead.

— Brian Davey, Huntington

What’s happening with the stock market? People are at risk of losing money in their IRAs and 401(k)s. The market has reacted erratically to Donald Trump’s handling of tariffs. His policies are isolating the United States from most of the world. What happened to the checks and balances that our Founding Fathers put in place to rein in extreme ideas?

— Martin Blumberg, Melville

Before the November election, Donald Trump warned that if Kamala Harris won, she’d crash the stock market and wreck the economy. Yet within weeks of taking office, he’s done exactly that — while alienating nearly every American ally. It’s classic projection: blaming others for the damage he would cause. And he insists his tariffs are for our own good. It’s hard to believe anyone still believes what he says.

— Martin Geller, Manhasset