Donald Trump’s Second Term: A Turning Point in Policies

Context

Donald Trump’s second term as U.S. President is being described as a period of major change, both within America and on the global stage. His approach, often called a “revolution of common sense,” aims to challenge liberal ideologies and redefine key policies in areas such as society, economy, and international relations. Trump’s leadership promises significant shifts that could impact America and the world for years to come.

How Trump’s Revolution Began

1. Why People Were Dissatisfied:

   • Many Americans grew unhappy with liberal policies, especially on issues like global trade, immigration, and social values.
   • This discontent helped Trump win the 2016 election, defeating well-known political families like the Clintons and Bushes.

2. The Struggles in His First Term:

   • Trump faced resistance from the media and political establishment, which accused him of being a “Russian agent.”
   • These challenges made it difficult for him to achieve his goals and contributed to his loss in the 2020 election.

3. His Comeback in 2024:

   • Many of Trump’s supporters saw the legal cases against him as politically motivated, calling them a “witch hunt.”
   • This perception strengthened his base and paved the way for his return to power.

What Trump’s Second Term Focuses On

1. Changing Social and Cultural Norms

• Criticizing Liberal Values: Trump opposes ideas like identity politics and progressive stances on gender and diversity.
• Promoting Traditional Beliefs: His administration emphasizes free speech, civic values, and a return to more traditional societal norms.

2. Strict Immigration and Sovereignty Policies

• Securing Borders: Trump prioritizes stronger immigration control and territorial sovereignty, rejecting liberal calls for open borders.
• Global Impact: These policies may inspire other countries to rethink their own approaches to migration and sovereignty.

3. Reshaping the Economy

• Fair Trade: Trump wants to move away from free trade, instead focusing on “fair trade” deals that benefit American industries.
• Tariffs: His administration plans to impose new tariffs on imports to protect U.S. businesses and reduce reliance on foreign markets.

4. A New Approach to Global Leadership

• “America First” Policy: Trump focuses on prioritizing domestic issues over global leadership roles.
• Relations with Global Powers: He seeks balanced relationships with countries like Russia and China, avoiding prolonged foreign conflicts.

Impact of Trump’s Policies

Domestic Changes

• Increased Polarization: Actions like pardoning January 6 protesters highlight the growing divide in American society.
• Building a Conservative Base: Trump must unite conservatives with differing views to make his movement stronger and sustainable.

Global Effects

• Shifting Power Dynamics: Trump’s reluctance to uphold global norms could lead to major changes in regions like Eurasia and the Indo-Pacific.
• Weakening International Institutions: Actions against bodies like the WTO and WHO could reduce global cooperation on critical issues like trade and climate change.

Trump’s Stance on International Law

1. America’s Exceptionalism:

   • The U.S. has historically influenced international law while often exempting itself from its rules.
   • Under Trump, this approach has intensified, creating tensions in areas like climate agreements and trade policies.

2. A Preference for Bilateral Deals:

   • Trump views multilateral agreements as restrictions on U.S. sovereignty.
   • His administration prefers bilateral deals, where the U.S. can negotiate from a position of strength.

3. Territorial Ambitions:

   • Statements about acquiring territories like Greenland signal a return to revisionist thinking, challenging post-World War II norms on sovereignty.

Challenges and Solutions

Challenges:

• Domestic Opposition: Trump’s policies face resistance from American institutions and critics.
• Global Backlash: His unilateral actions could alienate allies and weaken international partnerships.

Solutions:

• Strengthening Global Institutions: The international community must work together to uphold established norms.
• Collaboration: Countries should resist unilateralism by fostering global cooperation on issues like trade, climate change, and public health.

Conclusion

Donald Trump’s second term brings bold changes to America’s domestic and global policies, focusing on challenging liberal norms and prioritizing U.S. interests. While his vision has energized his supporters, it also risks deepening divisions at home and disrupting global cooperation. Success will depend on Trump’s ability to unify his base, navigate resistance, and adapt to the complexities of a rapidly changing world. At the same time, the international community must remain proactive to maintain balance, ensuring that global norms and institutions continue to guide a stable and cooperative world order.