Thanksgiving Reflection: Embracing Empathy & Growth in Trump’s America

As we gather for Thanksgiving, reflecting on the past year and looking forward to the possibilities of 2025, I am struck by the confluence of gratitude and introspection that this season inspires. For me, this gratitude takes on many forms: the decision to impose a self-imposed restriction on writing or submitting anything on social media for the next 365 days, a step toward listening more and talking less; the emergence of AI as a powerful framing tool, helping me challenge my blind spots and refine my ideas through well-framed questions; and the enduring relevance of thinkers like David Hume, whose skepticism about human coherence serves as both a caution and a guide.

This Thanksgiving, I’m thankful not just for the tools that help us grow—be it AI, journaling, or philosophical inquiry—but also for the resilience to share my writing without seeking external validation. Despite none of my op-eds being published by The New York Times or The Washington Post, I’ve seen my words take root in unexpected ways, sparking discussions that transcend the need for recognition. The lesson here is simple yet profound: write for yourself, for clarity, and as a means of connecting authentically with others.

Looking forward, as 2025 approaches, I carry the hope that gratitude and reflection can guide not only personal growth but also the broader conversations we must have as a society. This year, I aim to bridge divides and engage with empathy, embracing the paradox that true leadership—whether in politics, writing, or life—is about balancing authority with vulnerability, and conviction with an openness to change.

Two weeks after the initial shock of Donald Trump's 2016 victory, rather than complain about the election’s outcome, I chose to self-reflect and be proactive. When I wasn’t serving smoothies or shots of wheatgrass at Stoop Juice (Brooklyn NY, family owned business that closed during pandemic), I channeled my curiosity and skepticism into writings like this one, choosing to approach Donald Trump with unconditional love, believing that every person is capable of becoming an immortal expression of love. Despite all my writing and self confrontation, I am someone who has never cast a vote for Donald Trump—and likely never will.

Today, I find myself in an unexpected position. Following his 2024 electoral victory over Kamala Harris, Trump’s return to the White House marks a pivotal moment not just in American politics but in the collective psyche of the nation. I am a coach, a writer, an entrepreneur and most importantly, a citizen who believes in the transformative power of introspection and civic engagement. This op-ed seeks not to rehash partisan divisions but to constructively examine what Trump's reelection means for the country, drawing upon principles of self-confrontation, critical thinking, and civic responsibility.

A New Opportunity for Leadership
Donald Trump’s victory signals enduring voter alignment with populist themes and cultural conservatism. His messaging clearly resonated with those disillusioned by the economic and social policies of the Biden administration. The challenge now lies in governing, which demands more than rhetoric—it requires fostering unity in an increasingly fractured nation. Shouldn’t we, as citizens, question whether Trump’s administration will prioritize sustainable policies over immediate political wins? For fathers like Trump, known for his protective yet forceful persona, balancing the safety of their “children” (in this case, the electorate) with allowing them room to grow is critical. Will Trump encourage policies that empower individuals while safeguarding the nation's collective well-being? Or will his leadership focus on consolidating authority, leaving little room for collaborative problem-solving?

The Paradox of Leadership
Trump’s leadership embodies a tension many fathers face: the need to protect while allowing for independence. His legacy as a father and businessman is deeply intertwined with his political persona. Fathers across America can empathize with the challenge of nurturing their children’s growth while grappling with their own imperfections. Does Trump’s presidency reflect the kind of introspection and humility required to reconcile authority with vulnerability? Fred Trump, Donald’s father, likely wrestled with similar dynamics, shaping his son’s outlook. Can Trump, in turn, transcend his father’s model to prioritize the long-term health of the nation over short-term victories? Fathers—and by extension, leaders—must acknowledge that their strength lies not in dominance but in fostering resilience and independence in those they lead.

Self-Confrontation as a Civic Responsibility
In my book Country Before Party, I argue that personal growth begins with confronting uncomfortable truths. This election has laid bare many such truths about America: its cultural divisions, economic inequities, and distrust in traditional institutions. What would happen if Trump himself were to confront these truths, leading not with bravado but with a commitment to uniting the country? Likewise, we as citizens bear the responsibility to reflect on our biases and motivations. Trump's victory should prompt both his supporters and detractors to ask: What assumptions do we hold about leadership, governance, and progress? Are we willing to engage in dialogue that transcends party lines?

Beyond the Spotlight: Can Empathy Bridge Divides?
In a polarized environment, it’s easy to view Trump’s return as a triumph or a disaster, depending on one’s perspective. But such binary thinking undermines the complexity of the issues we face. Empathy—seeing the human behind the politician and the voter—offers a path forward. As I wrote in How To Get Better At Things You Don’t Think You’re Bad At By 2020, self-improvement involves embracing vulnerability and admitting the limits of one’s knowledge. For Trump, this could mean acknowledging the pain of those who did not vote for him and finding ways to address their concerns. For citizens, it means recognizing that the 74 million who voted for him in 2024 are not a monolith of ignorance or hate but a tapestry of lived experiences, fears, and aspirations.

Questions Worth Pondering
As Trump begins his term, several critical questions arise:
Economic Priorities: How will his administration address growing income inequality? Will Trump champion policies that uplift the working class without exacerbating long-term deficits?
Global Leadership: Can Trump balance his “America First” rhetoric with the collaborative diplomacy required to address global challenges like climate change and geopolitical instability?
Civic Unity: What steps will his administration take to heal partisan divides, and how can ordinary citizens contribute to this effort?

The Iron Man Argument: Constructive Criticism with Optimism
In my writing, I often employ the “iron man” argument—a deliberate effort to construct the strongest version of an opposing viewpoint. For Trump’s administration, this means giving the benefit of the doubt while maintaining constructive scrutiny. Can we imagine a scenario where Trump uses his populist appeal to push for genuine reforms in healthcare, education, and infrastructure? Could his unorthodox approach catalyze a reevaluation of systemic inefficiencies? Even as someone who has never supported Trump, I choose to hope that his administration can evolve beyond its past patterns. This hope is not naïve; it is grounded in the belief that every leader has the potential to grow, especially when held accountable by an engaged citizenry.

The Role of Fathers in Shaping the Nation
Trump’s presidency reminds us that leadership—whether in a family or a nation—is deeply personal. Fathers, as role models, must navigate the paradox of being protectors while fostering independence. This dynamic is mirrored in governance: leaders must balance authority with empowerment. Can Trump strike this balance in his second term, learning from his own experiences as a father and leader?

A Call to Action
For those disheartened by Trump’s reelection, the path forward lies not in retreating to ideological silos but in active engagement. Engage in meaningful ways: protest, vote, dialogue, and for those inclined, write—though I, Jose Franco, will refrain from writing or submitting articles on any social media platform for the next 365 days to prioritize listening and reflection. This self-imposed pause is an opportunity to foster deeper understanding and empathy.
For Trump supporters, the challenge is to hold their leader accountable, ensuring that his policies reflect the values he claims to champion.

In closing, Trump’s presidency presents a paradoxical opportunity: a chance to confront the divides that define us and, through collective effort, bridge them. Let us rise to this challenge, prioritizing country over party, dialogue over division, and empathy over enmity. Together, we can build a nation that transcends its leaders, embodying the ideals that make America a beacon of hope for all.