As we all know, the creative industries thrive on the principles of diversity, open expression, and global collaboration. These are not principles even the most ardent supporter of former president Donald Trump would ever align him with and with the great orange one now sitting (not so) pretty as the comfortable front-runner for the presidential Republican nomination this year and the media coverage surrounding his numerous criminal trials at perpetual fever pitch, his third term appears more and more likely.
Egarcigu (Eduard Garcia)
This isn’t a political site though so I’m not going to pontificate on the reason behind Trump’s second rise to power. Instead, I’m going to focus on what his potential return to office and even his return to the political sphere of influence in general could mean for us creatives in the coming years.
Economic and Regulatory Impacts
One of the hallmark policies of the Trump administration was its approach to tariffs and trade wars, particularly with China. These policies indirectly affected the creative industries by disrupting global supply chains and increasing costs for materials and equipment used in everything from film production to publishing and digital art creation. Additionally, Trump's policies on education, favouring Christian organisations and schools, could also influence the creative industries by potentially narrowing the scope of cultural and artistic education available to future generations.
Societal and Cultural Shifts
Trumpism heralded significant societal and cultural shifts that could impact the creative industries. The polarisation of American society under Trump's presidency, with heightened tensions around race, gender, and freedom of expression, has deeply affected the content creation landscape. The rise of movements like Black Lives Matter and #MeToo during this period reflected a societal pushback against longstanding inequalities—themes that have been increasingly reflected in the arts and entertainment sectors.
Eric Serviss
Moreover, the Trump era saw a stark division in how facts and information were consumed and trusted across political divides, with significant implications for media and news organisations in the form of “alternative facts”. This odious environment of misinformation and skepticism towards mainstream media outlets could challenge the creative industries' role in narrative-building and shaping public discourse, particularly among certain segments of the populace who only derive news and ideas from within their own echo chambers.
Impact on Innovation and Collaboration
The international stance taken by Trump's administration, characterised by a preference for unilateralism and nationalism over global cooperation, could stifle the creative industries' reliance on cross-border collaboration and exchange. Policies that restrict immigration or discourage international cooperation could limit the flow of talent and ideas, essential for innovation in fields such as technology, design, and entertainment. However, the internet is a platform free from political prejudice, so that could very well prove a loophole in Trump’s “America Only” agenda.
Policy Shifts on Intellectual Property and Digital Rights
Trump's administration made strides in areas like financial crime prevention, which, while not directly targeting creative industries, could have indirect effects on operations and compliance requirements for businesses within these sectors.
Jolme Limvilla
Furthermore, any changes in policies regarding internet governance, copyright laws, and digital rights under a resurgence of Trumpism could profoundly affect content creators, ranging from digital artists to filmmakers and writers.
Looking Forward
A second rise of Trumpism could lead to a more contentious environment for the traditional liberal-minded creative industries, marked by regulatory challenges, societal polarisation, and potential hindrances to international collaboration. However, it also offers an opportunity for these industries to engage in more profound societal conversations, reflect on diverse experiences and perspectives, and innovate in how stories are told and shared. The resilience of the creative industries may well be tested, but their capacity for adaptation and influence remains a powerful counterbalance to the forces of division and isolationism.
In conclusion, while the direct policies of Trump's administration offered mixed outcomes for the creative industries, the broader cultural and societal shifts under his influence have posed both challenges and surprising opportunities. Indeed, as a source of satire the man is a true goldmine, as the images scattered throughout this very article prove.
Sarah Wouters
As the creative sector continues to navigate these complex landscapes, its role in fostering dialogue, promoting diversity, and driving innovation will be crucial in shaping a more inclusive and resilient future that can thrive despite whoever sits in charge of the big red button.
Header image by Gary Wing
Geoff Sence February 25th, in the morning
What a load of woke lefty bullshit. Pathetic.