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Don Heider (@donheider) is executive director of the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University. Views are his own.
In this essay I’d like to look at what’s been happening with the Trump administration's early actions in and how they stack up against the idea of the "common good."
Trump's Early 2025 Actions: A Quick Look
The Trump administration hit the ground running in early 2025 with a bunch of executive orders and policy changes. These moves have sparked a lot of conversation across the country about what's ethical, how the government should operate, and whether these changes truly benefit everyone. We're talking about everything from education and the environment to civil rights and how the U.S. deals with other countries. The big question is: Are these actions actually helping the well-being of all Americans?
To figure this out, we can use the concept of the common good as our guide.
What Do We Mean by ‘Common Good’?
Basically, the common good is all about creating a society where everyone has the chance to thrive and live together peacefully. Thinkers like John Rawls describe it as "certain general conditions that are ... equally to everyone's advantage." In simpler terms, it means our societal systems—like education, health care, and a clean environment—should work in a way that's accessible and beneficial to absolutely everyone, without leaving anyone out.
Education Policy: What's the Impact?
One of the most talked-about actions is Executive Order 14190, which is called "Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling." This order aims to stop the teaching of materials considered "anti-American" or those promoting "gender ideology" or critical race theory. Supporters say this brings back a sense of patriotism to schools.
However, critics argue that it could limit what students learn and make education less inclusive. If certain topics are off-limits, it might narrow students' understanding of different viewpoints, making it harder for them to navigate our diverse society.
On top of that, the administration has been pushing hard against some well-known universities like Harvard. They've even threatened to cut federal funding over concerns about antisemitism and ideological bias. While the goal might be to fix perceived unfairness, such actions could hurt academic research and the global reputation of American universities, which ultimately affects our entire educational system.
Environmental Policy: A Step Back?
Having a healthy environment is a huge part of the common good because it benefits everyone. But the Trump administration's decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement through Executive Order 14162 has raised some eyebrows. Critics worry that this move puts short-term economic interests ahead of long-term environmental health, potentially making climate change worse and increasing risks to public health and safety.
A healthy environment is a perfect example of a common good. We all benefit from clean air, safe water, and a stable climate. When the environment suffers, so do public health, the economy, and future generations. The administration's approach often seemed to prioritize individual or corporate "freedom" over shared environmental protections. This is a common tension in American society—the desire for immediate benefits often overshadows the long-term needs of the common good.
Civil Rights: Undermining Protections?
The administration's stance on civil rights has also drawn a lot of attention. Executive Order 14168 revokes federal recognition of transgender individuals, and Executive Order 14173 eliminates diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) programs in federal employment. Many see these actions as undermining protections for marginalized groups. They could potentially create more division and discrimination in society, instead of promoting inclusivity and equal opportunity for everyone.
Immigration: Dividing Lines?
The Trump administration has implemented a comprehensive and aggressive immigration policy, emphasizing stringent enforcement and reduced immigration pathways. These policies reflect a commitment to a hardline immigration stance, focusing on enforcement and limiting immigration.
This exemplifies a form of governance that emphasizes national sovereignty and cultural homogeneity over inclusion, hospitality, or international responsibility. Yet the ethical concept of the common good transcends mere national interests; it requires respect for the dignity of all human beings and recognizes that certain common goods—such as human rights, family unity, and refuge from violence—are universal in scope.
Critics of the administration’s immigration policy argued that it scapegoated vulnerable populations for domestic social and economic problems, undermined America’s moral authority, and fractured communities. From a common-good perspective, these policies reflected an exclusionary vision, one where access to shared societal benefits was restricted along lines of nationality, religion, or legal status. Far from promoting the flourishing of all people, such actions narrowed the moral community and diminished the country’s capacity for solidarity and compassion.
International Relations: A Pause on Aid?
When it comes to foreign policy, Executive Order 14169 puts a 90-day pause on all foreign aid, signaling a move towards a more isolationist approach. While the administration might be trying to re-evaluate where aid goes, this could have serious consequences for global humanitarian efforts and America's standing in the world. Cutting support for development programs could mean neglecting global issues like pandemics and refugee crises, which can ultimately affect our own well-being here at home.
What Does This All Mean for the Common Good?
The early actions of the Trump administration in 2025 present a complex picture. While the administration says its policies are about bringing back traditional values and putting American interests first, we really need to think critically about what this means for how cohesive and inclusive our society is, and how we interact with the rest of the world.
As these policies continue to unfold, it's important for all of us—citizens and policymakers alike—to keep talking about the ethical side of governance and what truly benefits everyone in our society. Ultimately, thinking about the common good pushes us to ask: What kind of society do we truly want to build? Trump's early days of his second term offered one answer, one that leaned towards division and prioritizing private interests over public ones. Whether that answer aligns with our long-term ethical and civic aspirations is something we'll continue to reflect on and discuss.