A Letter to President Donald Trump

Mr. Donald Trump,

Congratulations, you are now President of the United States. You are our president and you are my president.

However, I did not support you. I disagree with almost everything you say. And there are a lot of other Americans who feel the same way. Regardless, you are president for all of us now and the direction to look is forward.

I did not vote for you, but I will root for your success. I have to, because I love our country and your success means America’s success. I do not wish you failure, because that would be wishing for America’s failure.

But based on your history of words and actions, it’s hard for me and many others to believe you will succeed. You’ve already won the presidency, so let’s be honest. Your words have been hateful and divisive for Americans. Your consistent lying and distribution of false information have been deceptive to Americans. And your lack of self-control and rejection of expertise is jeopardizing for Americans.

Sadly, I doubt any of this will really change, but I have to hope that it will. Because for the sake of our country, I would rather be joyfully wrong about you than depressingly right. So rather than continuing to negatively criticize you or lament the downfall of our country, I’ll try offer you some advice and encouragement.

There are so many things I would want to say to you, but I’ll limit it to 3 simple points.

First, lean on your strengths and get help in your weaknesses. People saw strengths in you that got you elected. You’ve had success in business and extensive knowledge in job creation, economy, and trade deals. Utilize those strengths to shape a world that benefits everyone, not just a select few.

Both you and I and a lot of people know that there are many things you don’t know about. You don’t understand international relations. You have no experience with foreign policy, overseas conflicts, our military, our alliances, our treaties, and a whole lot of others things that make up the primary role of a Commander-in-Chief. So please don’t pretend like do. Learn as much as you can, and rely on the experience and expertise of our security and intelligence agencies. Your trust in their proficiency is essential for your success and our safety.

Second, be confident in your position and focused on your job. Again, you are the President of the United States. Let that sink in. It’s a position that will be loved and hated. Accept that. You don’t have to get in a childish tweet war with every celebrity that criticizes you. You don’t have to respond to every reporter says something bad about you. And you certainly cannot attack and degrade normal American citizens who oppose you. Grow some thicker skin, because you have more important things to do, like leading our nation. Forget your TV shows, forget your businesses, and stop fighting with the press. You have a far more important job of serving your country.

Finally, remember that you serve all Americans and represent all Americans. You are President of all Americans, including those who did not vote for you nor support you, including myself. You cannot hold the view that any American is your enemy – we are all your fellow Americans. That includes women, minorities, Muslims, and refugees and immigrants, such as myself. In case you’re unaware, one can be a refugee AND an American.

You also represent us to the world. Your previous words and actions as a businessman, entertainer, and even political candidate are not fit for the highest office in this country. Regardless of your views or positions, there is a level of grace and dignity that must be upheld. And though it’s a high bar to attain, you have to rise to that standard. Unlike your previous positions, this is not about you – it’s about us as Americans and the values we hold.

Once again, congratulations on attaining the presidency. I did not vote for you, but I will root for your success. I have very legitimate doubts about your competency and maturity to be president, but I hope you prove me wrong. I hope you prove us all wrong.

But we will be watching you. If you do anything that is unfit for the presidency, that is done for personal gain, or that is harmful to Americans, we will criticize you. We will contact our representatives. We will voice our opinions, rally, and protest. That is something you’ll have to get used to because it is the right of the citizens and the job of the press to hold you accountable, whether you agree with them or not.

But if you do serve selflessly, carry yourself with dignity, and act for the benefit of Americans and the world, then I will personally commit to celebrating your accomplishments and giving credit where it’s due.

I know you have no reason to listen to me. After all, I’m not a billionaire, politician, or celebrity. I’m just an ordinary citizen. But isn’t the voice of ordinary citizens what a government of the people, by the people, and for the people is all about?

Sincerely,

Steven Ma

Your fellow American