Back in the presidency for a second term, Trump wasted no time unveiling his ambitious and divisive agenda, signalling a seismic shift in the US federal government’s priorities and operations. From mass pardons to controversial executive actions, Trump 2.0 is undeniably a more confident and assertive iteration of his first presidency. Among his first acts as president was granting pardons to over 1,500 supporters involved in the January 2021 Capitol riots – a decision that cements his narrative of victimhood and loyalty to his base. In tandem, Trump has dismantled policies fundamental to his predecessor’s legacy, including reversing 78 Biden-era executive actions, initiating the withdrawal from the World Health Organization, and revoking US participation in the Paris Climate Agreement. These actions, reminiscent of his first term, may be loyal to his ‘America First’ mantra but pretty much isolate the US on critical global issues like health and climate change.
Domestically, Trump has reignited polarising debates, such as his push to end birthright citizenship, and announced a three-month freeze on foreign development assistance. While these moves galvanise his core supporters, they risk exacerbating divisions within the country. His inaugural address left no room for ambiguity: "America’s decline is over". Yet this rhetoric obscures the broader consequences of his policies for vulnerable populations and global alliances. What sets Trump’s second term apart from his first is his political evolution. Experts agree that in 2017, Trump entered the presidency as a political novice, unfamiliar with the nuances of governance. Now, buoyed by his re-election and emboldened by lessons learned, he operates with a clearer understanding of executive power. His unapologetic cabinet picks and swift policy reversals reveal a leader unbound by norms or political decorum.
The Democratic Party, meanwhile, bears significant responsibility for its unravelling. The decision to field an ageing Joe Biden for re-election, only to hastily replace him with Kamala Harris, alienated voters. Harris’ campaign faltered, failing to inspire trust or enthusiasm among core Democratic constituencies. Patronising rhetoric and dismissive attitudes towards Trump supporters further deepened the chasm between the party and the electorate. The Democrats must undertake a period of serious introspection to understand why they prioritised internal establishment politics over listening to their grassroots base. Internationally, Trump’s presidency has already had ripple effects. His success in brokering a ceasefire – though accompanied by caution about its durability – demonstrates his capacity to seize moments of opportunity on the global stage. However, his return has also unsettled geopolitical dynamics. European leaders remain wary of his ambiguous stance on the Ukraine war, while Russian President Vladimir Putin’s reaction signals unease. Trump’s characterisation of Putin as "destroying Russia" has also injected uncertainty into the future of US-Russia relations.
The delicate balance of power in the post-Trump 2.0 world will likely hinge on how effectively Trump manages these relationships while addressing domestic and international concerns. While his supporters celebrate his audacity and perceived deliverance of campaign promises, the long-term implications for democracy, civil rights and global cooperation are in question. One thing is certain though: Donald Trump’s second term marks the beginning of a new chapter – for better or worse – in the story of the US.