US Farmer Backs Trump on Domestic Security, Doubts Abroad
Washington, October 27: A North Dakota farmer who speaks for the fourth generation of his family believes President Donald Trump has made the United States safer at home, but he is less certain about the country's standing abroad.
Reginald Herman shared his views outside the White House, just before the midterm elections. He urged Trump to adopt a more moderate tone and to push for expanded free trade.
Asked whether Trump has made America safer, Herman answered, "Maybe not globally, because tensions with Iran could create some dangers. But inside the country, yes, absolutely."
Herman lives in Brinsmade, a small community about 100 miles west of Grand Forks, North Dakota. He runs Harmonsdale Farm, a property his family has worked since 1901.
His advice for the president was concise. "Listen to Franklin Graham and be a little softer, but still be strong, firm and tough," he said.
Herman argued that immigration is also a pressing matter in North Dakota, even though it is usually discussed as a concern for border states. "Believe me, immigration is a very important issue for us in North Dakota as well," he said. He stressed that protecting borders is different from hating immigrants.
"I am for secure borders, yet I have adopted an Asian girl. I love immigrants. I just think the process must be safe and done correctly, the way my grandfather did it and the way many of my immigrant friends have done it," he said.
His family, Herman said, has assisted four people from other countries in reaching the United States, either through green cards or through a programme created for Ukrainian citizens. "We brought one or two families here and helped them come to America to escape war. So we support immigration, and we only want it to be done the right way," he said.
On the farm economy, Herman noted that agriculture operates under extensive government rules, so producers are accustomed to official involvement. Still, he said, "we also want to see much freer trade."
He hopes that his children and grandchildren, the fifth and sixth generations of the family, will be free to advance. He believes they should be taxed fairly but should not be burdened by excessive restrictions.
Herman's opinion of Trump's first two years after returning to office was mixed. "I like some things and dislike others. That has been true for almost every president since I was born, going back to John F. Kennedy," he said.
"I wish Trump had a softer temperament. Lately I have come to feel that in Washington, if you are too gentle, people overrun you and move on. Still, a lot of work has been done in the last two years," he said.
Herman also praised the White House ballroom project. "This ballroom makes me proud. One of the most important buildings in the world should have world-class and secure facilities," he said.
He placed responsibility for the political stalemate on both major parties. "I think this battle is purely political, and both sides are part of it. It is not just one party's problem. Both sides behave somewhat immaturely," he said.
Herman also rejected claims that the United States is an empire. "If we are imperialist, then why do so many people want to come here? I have visited many countries, and people enjoy speaking with an American," he said.