Trump’s America Debate

On Thursday May 29 we convened at Roy Thomson Hall for our Spring 2025 debate.

Motion: Be it Resolved, this is America’s golden age

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About the debate

“Nothing will stand in our way….The future is ours and our golden age has just begun.” So proclaimed U.S. President Donald Trump as he was being sworn in to office for a second term in January 2025. His supporters argue that America’s future has never looked brighter. Bold action on border security, trade, manufacturing, deregulation, DEI, and corruption in government will make America stronger, more prosperous, and more democratic. Critics argue that the opposite is true. They contend that the president’s agenda is weakening public institutions, alienating allies, destabilizing the economy, and suppressing dissent—and that Trump has ushered in an era of instability and fear that will destroy American exceptionalism and hasten its decline.

The Debaters

Arguing in favour of the motion was the political consultant, pollster and senior counselor to President Trump during his first term in office, Kellyanne Conway. Her debate partner was the President of the right-wing think tank the Heritage Foundation, and the architect of Project 2025, Kevin Roberts. Arguing against the motion was the New York Times columnist, podcaster, bestselling author, and one of America’s most influential commentators, Ezra Klein. His debate partner was Ben Rhodes, who served as President Obama’s senior advisor and is the co-host of the popular podcast Pod Save the World.