President Donald Trump is in trouble. His polling numbers, though likely not as catastrophic as the media suggests, are too low even for his most loyal supporters to defend.
The constant trickle of new information in the Russia scandal is distracting the White House, and the president’s tweets aren’t helping. His agenda is stalled by an intractable Congress, and the outlook for healthcare and tax reform seem dim.
But Trump administration could change its standing by turning its attention to a single issue: infrastructure.
The Trump campaign’s promised infrastructure package was one of the most effective talking points of 2016, but it has almost completely vanished from the radar since the inauguration.
Aside from a halfhearted “infrastructure week” push from the White House in May, the issue has been mostly ignored. This was a mistake, but it could be undone. By shifting their energy and attention to the country’s growing infrastructure problem, the president and his team could grow the economy and his popularity – in turn making tax reform more likely to pass.
First, unlike tax reform or the increasingly toxic health care bill, an infrastructure package could smash through the gridlock in Congress – a most welcome political change. Despite holding majorities in both houses, Republicans have found themselves unable to pass any major legislation. This is due in large part to the intransigence of Democrats who refuse to cooperate on anything noteworthy. But, fault lines within the Republican Party are to blame as well.
A strong, continued focus on infrastructure could unite Republicans, build legislative momentum for other projects, and perhaps even peel off a few Democratic votes. Every state in the country has highways that need extra lanes and bridges that need repairs, so a well-designed package could give every member of Congress something to brag to their constituents about. If Democrats, many of whom have been clamoring for more government investments for years, oppose the package, they would outed them as pure obstructionists. Many would be compelled to join the White House’s effort, and that could even lead to modest cooperation on other issues.
Second, funding thousands of shovel-ready projects around the country would be a boon to the economy. America’s roads are full of potholes. Its bridges are rickety. Its ports are clogged. And, most importantly, millions of its citizens are out of work Although job growth in 2017 has been stronger than expected, wages remain stagnant.
Many businesses remain cautious about expanding their workforces and making large capital investments. An infrastructure package would finally jolt the nation out of its lingering post-recession hangover. A hundred thousand jobs could be created overnight, and firms across the country would be motivated to pull the trigger on growth opportunities for fear of missing their chance.
A smart infrastructure package would pay long-run dividends as well. America’s aging highways, railways, and ports act as an invisible anchor on economic growth. Upgrading the power grid alone could save the country $33 billion by preventing blackouts and other electrical failures, according to experts. If President Trump’s promised runaway economic growth is to become a reality, an upgrade in American infrastructure is step one.
Third, funding infrastructure projects would build popular support for a president who has, so far, failed to expand beyond his base. In poll after poll, Republican voters have repeated their continued support for the Trump administration—with at least 85% of them view the president favorably. But Mr. Trump’s support among self-identified independents has been flagging.
These voters supported the Trump campaign because they believed he could deliver results than Hillary Clinton, and they’re getting impatient. Passing an infrastructure bill would show them that the president is on the right track and capable of getting things done. Even if a concerted push for an infrastructure bill failed, the effort would at least show voters that President Trump is fighting for them.
Infrastructure would also give the White House a steady flow of positive news stories to offset the deluges of negative press from the Russia investigation. Instead of spending every press briefing batting away the latest “scandal” (real or imagined), the new communications team could highlight the latest new bridge or highway. Stories about Americans getting back to work won’t solve all the administration’s problems, but it will provide some much-needed relief.
Regards,
Ethan Warrick
Editor
Wealth Authority
