I started driving for Uber and Lyft in December 2015, and I was working full-time when Donald Trump won his first election. During those years, driving for Uber and Lyft was fantastic.
My clientele prospered, demand was high, and everything felt like rainbows and unicorns.
Fast forward to today: Trump has won again, and the country has spoken; more Americans wanted him in office than those who didn’t.
Under the Biden administration, prices have risen significantly, from groceries to gas, and many of us are feeling the impact. The world is still coping with the effects of COVID-19 and the subsequent inflation.
Americans have chosen to give Trump a chance to address various issues despite the fact that the U.S. is performing better than any other country in the world. For rideshare drivers, increased costs and political changes bring unique challenges.
What does Donald Trump’s victory mean for everyday individuals like us, Uber and Lyft drivers across the country?
Let’s explore the potential impact of Trump’s presidency on our daily work and future in the rideshare industry.
Background
No matter your political stance, it’s clear that the country is deeply divided. This election has highlighted the polarization among Americans, with some celebrating Trump’s return while others express frustration and fear.
Regardless of our personal opinions, as rideshare drivers, we have a job to do and must stay alert to how changes in policy could affect us. Issues such as mass deportations, tariffs, shifts in foreign policy, and Trump’s connections with tech leaders like Elon Musk present us with unique challenges and opportunities.
In this article, I will objectively assess some key issues that may impact drivers and provide insights and considerations for those working in the rideshare industry.
1. The Effect of Mass Deportation
One of Trump’s key campaign promises includes implementing stricter immigration policies and mass deportations. For rideshare drivers, many of whom come from diverse backgrounds, this could have significant implications.
Reducing the immigrant workforce may result in fewer drivers on the road, potentially increasing demand for those who remain. With fewer drivers available, fares might rise, and drivers could earn more per ride and have more opportunities to drive.
However, this situation could also present challenges. With a smaller labor pool, drivers may face heightened competition during peak hours. Mass deportations could also lead to fewer passengers.
I drive many immigrants to work in the morning. Will they survive the purge? Additionally, if mass deportations lead to political unrest or a divided public, drivers might experience more tense interactions with riders, making the work environment less predictable.
2. The Effect of Tariffs
Tariffs and trade restrictions can significantly impact the rideshare industry, particularly for drivers who rely on affordable vehicle maintenance and fuel. If tariffs raise the cost of imported auto parts, gasoline, or even vehicles themselves, we may see a substantial increase in our operating costs.
Higher maintenance costs and fuel prices directly affect our profitability. For rideshare drivers who already work long hours to earn a decent income, increased expenses may necessitate working even longer hours to make ends meet.
Additionally, tariffs could raise the prices of essential items, forcing drivers to spend more on living expenses. This reduction in disposable income can negatively affect their overall quality of life.
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3. The Effect of Withdrawing from Ukraine
Trump’s foreign policy stance, particularly regarding Ukraine, could have significant consequences.
If the U.S. were to withdraw from Ukraine, it might result in decreased government spending on international conflicts, potentially allowing for a reallocation of funds toward domestic priorities. This could strengthen the U.S. economy by increasing disposable income and possibly boosting rideshare usage.
However, the opposite effect is also possible. A withdrawal could destabilize international relations and strain supply chains, leading to higher fuel prices and increased costs of goods.
This type of economic disruption could result in higher expenses for drivers and reduced consumer spending, meaning fewer rides and lower earnings for gig workers.
4. The Effect of the Trump Persona
With Trump soon to be back in office, public sentiment is expected to become even more polarized. This political tension could significantly impact the rideshare experience.
Drivers may notice an increase in political discussions among passengers and may even face heightened hostility in certain areas. Additionally, shifting passenger demographics due to economic changes may alter rider behavior and expectations.
To maintain good ratings and ensure a smooth experience for both drivers and passengers, it is essential to adapt to these changes.
Thoughtfully navigating passenger interactions, especially when political topics arise, will be crucial for staying professional and safe in what may become a more unpredictable work environment.
My advice is to shut up. It is best to nod your head in agreement and change the topic.
“Have you seen any good movies lately?”
5. The Elon Effect
Trump’s close relationship with Elon Musk could have both positive and negative impacts on rideshare drivers.
With Musk at the forefront of innovations in transportation and technology, there may be a push toward electric vehicles (EVs) and potentially a long-term shift toward autonomous vehicles.
If policies that favor EVs are implemented, rideshare companies might encourage or require drivers to transition to electric cars.
For drivers, this shift could mean investing in an electric vehicle. Although this may be financially challenging, it could prove beneficial in the long term by lowering fuel costs.
However, if autonomous vehicles become more common, the traditional role of rideshare drivers could be at risk. This has always been a concern for drivers.
Now that Elon Musk has increased his political capital, we may see his robotaxi agenda accelerate. We need to stay informed about how this relationship develops and what it could mean for our future.
6. The Effect of Growing Dissatisfaction
Trump’s leadership style has always elicited strong opinions.
With his return to office, there could be an increase in dissatisfaction, not only among the general public but also among rideshare drivers who might face new challenges. There is a significant chance that Trump won’t be able to deliver on many of his promises.
For example, he promised to build a wall during his first term. We still don’t have a wall on our southern border.
What if tariffs lead to higher gas prices?
What if mass deportations cause a decline in GDP, leading to a weak stock market?
If rising costs, political tensions, and policy changes result in widespread dissatisfaction, we may see more passengers and drivers voicing their concerns or even organizing protests.
Such unrest could spark conversations about driver rights, unionization, and better protections within the industry.
While this presents an opportunity to advocate for positive change, it could also introduce new challenges, as fluctuations in driver availability and reliability may occur during periods of heightened dissatisfaction.
Key Takeaways
Trump will assume the presidency in January 2025, and one thing is certain: his leadership style is unpredictable. This upcoming term will shape his legacy, and due to his well-known ego, there’s a possibility he will aim to improve conditions across the board.
For rideshare drivers, the future remains uncertain, but we can hope that Trump’s policies will ultimately benefit the economy and our industry. This is looking at the glass as half full. If he does a great job, both rideshare drivers and passengers may enjoy a more prosperous experience.
Let’s stay informed, adaptable, and optimistic that, by the end of his term, we’ll be able to look back and say he truly made a positive difference. Following the election, the energy is high and possibly chaotic, so a growing part of our role will be to keep everyone calm and collected.
Stay safe out there.
