President Donald J. Trump has had numerous writers take the measure of his life so far, and there will be dozens of more comprehensive Trump biographies—whether or not he wins re-election. But when Trump’s time in office is measured solely with a construction industry yardstick, he comes up very short.
As Trump’s first term unfolded and the Senate supported his pro-business, low-tax, anti-regulation agenda, the industry seemed pleased with his instincts. Unfortunately, Trump never grew into the kind of sure-handed leader who could navigate a national emergency like COVID-19. Instead, contradictions emerged.
