Betrayed: America Didn't Vote for This

Betrayed : America Didn’t Vote for This

A Damage Assessment of Trump's Second Term

Sixteen months into his second term, Trump’s “golden age” has accomplished little but to tarnish America’s reputation and its citizens’ fortunes. Inflation is untamed, the country is at war, and the foundations of American democracy are at risk. 

Americans did not vote for this. 

What People Are Saying...

"The book’s myriad details and authoritative contributors will make it a valuable resource for future students and historians. In the near term, it’s a tool to educate the public, a road map to accountability and repair work, and maybe even a way to shorten the Trump era."   - Jill Lawrence, The Bulwark

"The deeper lesson of Betrayed is that democracy does not defend itself."  - Paul Polman, former chairman of Unilever and author of Net Positive

 

The Common Sense Coalition is a bipartisan and nonpartisan group of experts, former government officials, former military officers, academics, and scholars. Our analysis of Trump’s second term so far has brought us to this conclusion: Trump must be stopped.

What can citizens do? Be informed. Spread the word. Demand accountability. Vote.

AMERICA'S GLOBAL STATURE IS DIMINISHED

We've abandoned our allies in NATO, ending an 80-year era of peace.

We're embroiled in a major conflict, with no justification, strategy, or clear end in sight.

We've abdicated our duty to aid the world's poor, condemning millions to death or starvation.

"America First" is "America Alone."

OUR ECONOMY IS UNDER PRESSURE

We can't afford gas.

We can't afford groceries.

We can't afford to go to the doctor.

We fear losing our jobs and that our children's future will be bleak.

OUR FREEDOM IS UNDER THREAT

Our friends and neighbors live in fear of deportation.

Speaking out risks retaliation.

The First Amendment and freedom of the press is under systematic attack.

Inclusiveness is a crime, while hate is tolerated.

Political violence is a growing threat.

TRUST IN GOVERNMENT HAS FALLEN

Government agencies spread misinformation, whether on the efficacy of vaccines or the state of the economy.

Loyalty has replaced competence among government officials.

Corruption and self-dealing are rampant; taxpayer dollars are wasted recklessly.

OUR FUTURE PROSPERITY IS AT RISK

We've cut billions in scientific research that could power future breakthroughs. 

We've ended the search for crucial cures.

We've abandoned the quest for clean energy, worsening climate change impacts.

We've shut out the world's brightest minds, sending their talents elsewhere.

We'e abdicated our economic leadership.

 

Congress must set aside its partisan allegiances to rescue the American project, stand up for the citizens who elected them to power, and exercise its constitutional duties as a co-equal branch of government. It must hold the administration accountable. 

“Upon the standard to which the wise and honest will now repair, it is written: ‘You took the good things for granted. Now you must earn them again…For every right that you cherish, you have a duty which you must fulfill. For every hope that you entertain, you have a task that you must perform. For every good that you wish to preserve, you will have to sacrifice your comfort and your ease. There is nothing for nothing any longer.’”

— Journalist Walter Lippman, speaking in 1940 at the advent of World War II