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Delaware’s Governor Meyer Navigates Political Landscape Amidst Trump Era
When Matt Meyer assumed office as governor of Delaware last year, he received a congratulatory call from the former US president, accompanied by a cautionary remark. Meyer recounted with a smile, “Joe Biden did tell me that I had to perform my duties effectively or he would challenge me in four years. He’s a Delawarean, and I believe he would indeed run.”
Post-Biden Era and National Politics
At 82, Biden has retreated to Delaware after his departure from the national political scene. Meyer, aged 53, represents a new generation of Democrats grappling with a post-Biden environment where Donald Trump is challenging federal institutions, testing the limits of the rule of law, and engaging in global trade disputes. As Delaware’s governor, Meyer is addressing the repercussions of Trump’s unpredictable actions while pursuing his own ambitious state agenda.
Balancing Progressive Values and Pragmatism
The avid cyclist is also striving to strike a balance between advocating for progressive principles and adopting pragmatic approaches in his dealings with Washington. “If there is fascism, we must identify it,” he asserted during a virtual interview from Wilmington. “We should not hesitate to name it. Simultaneously, I am committed to diligently working, understanding that my core responsibility is to deliver for Delawareans by any means possible.”
Meyer’s Background and Path to Public Service
Born in Michigan, Meyer relocated to Delaware during his childhood and formed acquaintances with Biden’s sons, Beau and Hunter. He was educated at Wilmington Friends School before pursuing computer science and political science at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. His experiences then led him to Africa.
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Early Inspiration and International Exposure
He reminisced about his early inspiration: “In middle school social studies, my teacher spoke of Kilimanjaro, this stunning snow-capped mountain on the equator in Kenya. This sparked a desire to visit Kenya. During my junior year in college, while en route to Kenya for study abroad, a Tanzanian passenger informed me, ‘You’re going to the wrong country; Kilimanjaro is in Tanzania, not Kenya.’ However, I was already committed to my destination.”
Meyer cherished his time in Kenya and attained fluency in Swahili. He discovered sandals crafted from recycled tires sold in Nairobi, which unexpectedly became popular among US students. This led him to establish Ecosandals, a recycled footwear business distributing to customers across 17 nations on five continents. Notably, it became Kenya’s pioneering e-commerce venture, expanding to employ 30 individuals.
From Diplomacy to Local Engagement
Meyer subsequently served a year in Mosul, Iraq, as a diplomat embedded with the US military. Upon returning to the US, he worked at a low-income middle school in Delaware, where he felt “disappointed” witnessing community challenges such as housing insecurity and gun violence.
“It was disheartening to experience places like Kenya and Iraq, and then return home, teaching in a school near my upbringing, only to find that the education and safety in many ways were inferior to what I observed in places like Iraq and Kenya,” he stated. “I felt that this reality was unacceptable for America in 2016.”
Political Ascendancy and Confronting New Challenges
Meyer, married to emergency room physician Lauren Meyer, entered elective politics in 2016, securing a New Castle county executive position by unseating a three-term incumbent through grassroots mobilization. His gubernatorial campaign served as a model for Democrats by emphasizing tangible issues such as struggling schools and unaffordable housing.
However, the unforeseen return of a more assertive and disruptive Trump presidency presented unexpected hurdles. Meyer reflected, “We developed what could be the most comprehensive policy platform ever presented by a gubernatorial candidate in Delaware history. Upon taking office, we were compelled to reactively address the consequences of federal policy shifts and disruptions.”
Impact of Federal Policies on Delaware
Federal government reductions initiated by the Trump administration jeopardized 62 state public health positions funded by CDC grants. Furthermore, market-disrupting tariffs posed a threat to Meyer’s agenda, particularly if the nation were to enter an economic downturn. “Many of our proposed policies have been deprioritized as we address the immediate challenges facing Delaware and the country,” Meyer explained.
State-Federal Relations and Partisan Politics
Trump’s initial term was marked by resistance from states like California and New York. California’s governor, Gavin Newsom, and then-Attorney General Xavier Becerra initiated numerous lawsuits against the Trump administration concerning gun control, immigration, and other matters. Will a similar pattern emerge?
Meyer responded, “I consider myself an independent thinker, not deeply entrenched in partisan politics. While I disagree with many of Donald Trump’s statements, if there are avenues for collaboration to advance Delaware, safeguard vulnerable populations, and promote economic growth – I’m open to engagement. My preference is for targeted initiatives, but I am willing to work with block grant approaches.”
“However, we are not witnessing such cooperation. Instead, we are experiencing widespread service reductions, including significant cuts impacting the federal workforce.”
Standing Firm on Core Values
During his initial months in office, Trump has focused on divisive rhetoric targeting immigrants and transgender individuals. Despite this, some business and university leaders have shown accommodation to his administration.
Meyer, however, maintains a firm stance. He asserted, “We must remain steadfast when the president or any leader vilifies specific communities. I commend my Democratic colleagues, and those from any party, who vocally and forcefully condemn such actions.”
The Democratic Party’s Path Forward
Marginalized from federal power, the Democratic Party has been introspective, seeking a unifying and inspiring message. Meyer believes this message should encompass delivering for working families, protecting vulnerable groups, affirming diverse sexual and gender identities, and supporting legal immigration while treating undocumented immigrants with fairness and compassion.
“The more effectively we deliver on these priorities, demonstrating tangible benefits for schoolchildren, healthcare systems, and affordable housing even during this turbulent political climate, the more advantageous it will be for the Democratic Party and the nation as a whole,” he stated.
Delaware’s Enduring Political Identity
Delaware, historically shaped by credit card companies and DuPont, remains closely associated with Biden. Rail passengers traveling between New York and Washington pass through the Joseph R Biden Jr Railroad station in Wilmington, where Biden launched his initial presidential campaign in 1987.
Reflections on Biden’s Legacy
Despite leaving office with a 36% approval rating and criticisms from fellow Democrats regarding the timing of his presidential race withdrawal, Meyer, who volunteered for Biden’s 1988 campaign as a student, sidestepped questions about Biden’s mental acuity or potential White House misrepresentation.
He remarked, “Regardless of one’s stance on his policies, Biden is a man deeply devoted to our nation who has made significant personal sacrifices for our country.”
“He was broadly regarded in Delaware as a bipartisan figure who could garner cross-party support and prioritize American interests. The current vilification of someone like him by a considerable segment of America reflects a regrettable state of our political discourse, rather than a negative reflection on Biden or his presidency.”
Optimism and Civic Engagement in the Current Climate
Despite the ongoing political tumult, Meyer expresses optimism about the future. Recently, the former educator joined fellow Democrats and union members in protesting proposed cuts to the Department of Education. “It’s challenging to mobilize teachers early on a Saturday, yet hundreds participated. People are energized and enthusiastic about reaffirming the core values of America.”
Numerous individuals also participated in “Hands Off” demonstrations across Delaware, advocating for a range of causes from abortion rights to immigration policies and international issues.
Meyer concluded, “There was likely considerable diversity in viewpoints among the protesters regarding America’s direction. However, widespread agreement exists that the current state is not desirable. We need a government dedicated to the American worker, rather than one focused on sensational headlines or pursuing agendas that disproportionately benefit a select few.”
“We need capable individuals to collaborate and recognize that America can achieve better governance, a realization shared by both Democrats and Republicans.”