Donald Trump officially took office as U.S. President on Monday. Within just a few days, the new leader has made his intentions clear, confirming widespread concerns both domestically and internationally that his presidency will once again be defined by political turbulence and conflict.

Donald Trump has officially returned to the White House, marking the beginning of a new era in American politics that will reverberate across the globe. Many have eagerly awaited his comeback, expecting him to pick up where he left off four years ago. However, the initial days of his presidency reveal a transformed Trump—a leader now aligned with some of America’s wealthiest elites, backed by billions in investments, and promising lower taxes in return.
For Trump, who initially self-funded his first presidential campaign, this shift is significant. Once the hero of disaffected middle- and lower-class Americans, he has now become the champion of the ultra-wealthy, whose fortunes have grown exponentially while the middle class has eroded. In recent days, Trump has even made billions through cryptocurrency ventures.
Power and Policy
Trump’s grand return has been accompanied by bold declarations and media fanfare, especially as social media moguls and influential figures rally behind him. It appears that everything is in place for Trump to deliver on his promises.
Yet, this optimism and the image of an all-powerful Trump may fade when faced with resistance. After all, if certain goals were achievable, the previous administration would have accomplished them. For instance, the Biden administration failed to resolve the war in Ukraine. While Washington’s strength remains unchanged under Trump, achieving political goals requires resources as well as willpower.
To bypass lengthy and often meticulous legislative scrutiny, Trump has opted to implement policies through executive orders, a power granted by Article II of the Constitution. He has already issued dozens of orders, sparking political and legal battles. For example, he banned birthright citizenship, contradicting the 14th Amendment, prompting a group of Democratic governors to announce a legal challenge.
Trump has repealed 78 of Biden’s executive orders, withdrawn the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement, left the World Health Organization, ended remote work for federal employees, halted new hiring except in the military and national security sectors, pardoned January 6 Capitol rioters, lifted Biden’s sanctions on Israeli settlers in the West Bank, declared a state of emergency at the Mexican border, deployed troops to block illegal migrants, authorized nationwide oil and gas drilling, designated Mexican cartels as terrorist organizations, reinstated Cuba on the list of state sponsors of terrorism, mandated recognition of only two genders (male and female), delayed the TikTok ban for 75 days, eased investments in AI and cryptocurrencies, and declassified documents related to the assassinations of John F. Kennedy, Robert Kennedy, and Martin Luther King Jr.
Allies and Adversaries
Trump has not stopped there. He has threatened allies worldwide to fulfill their obligations to Washington or face tariffs and other penalties. This warning particularly targets Canada but extends to other nations as well.
Those relying on Washington’s predictability have noted the statements of long-time senator and current Secretary of State Marc Rubio. Speaking on U.S. relations with Brazil, which is strengthening ties with China, Rubio acknowledged that sanctions are becoming less effective. He predicted that Brazil and China would soon conduct trade in their national currencies, rendering dollar-based sanctions irrelevant.
Trump’s special envoy, Richard Grenell, triumphantly announced on social media that “diplomacy is back,” signaling meetings with Venezuelan officials, a country under U.S. sanctions but rich in oil. Trump has previously expressed interest in Venezuela’s oil reserves, even suggesting military action against Caracas.
Trump has also provoked Mexico by renaming the “Gulf of Mexico” the “Gulf of America” and threatening tariffs and mass deportations of migrants. After deploying troops to the border, Trump may demand that Mexico and Venezuela accept deported migrants. However, domestic resistance could complicate these plans.
Economy and China: Isolation or Global Power?
Trump believes that countering China requires strengthening the U.S. economy. He has urged countries to open manufacturing plants in the U.S. or face import tariffs.
China remains an obsession for U.S. officials. Kurt Campbell, a deputy secretary in the Biden administration, called China “the most significant challenge in our history,” surpassing even the Cold War. This sentiment shapes U.S. policy, including the ongoing TikTok saga. While Trump initially sought to ban the app, he later opened a profile to reach young voters. Recently, he hinted at interest from wealthy investors in acquiring TikTok, though Chinese owners have resisted selling.
The war in Ukraine complicates efforts to contain China. Trump campaigned on ending the conflict but has yet to deliver. Washington’s stance on Ukraine tests European allies, NATO’s relevance, and relations with Russia. European Union leaders have called for cooperation rather than unilateral moves from the U.S.
While Trump leans toward economic isolationism, the U.S. cannot afford political isolation if it aims to remain the world’s leading power. The question is whether Trump can balance economic and political priorities effectively.
It is hard to believe Trump will achieve all his goals, as he fell short in his first term. The cooler heads within the U.S. political elite will determine whether America remains a force others willingly follow or one they follow out of fear and lack of alternatives.
This article was previously published on the news portal nap.ba.
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