.png)
Donald Trump's second term as President of the United States is likely to be very different from the first, both domestically and on the global stage. Better versed in the ways of government and with a more seasoned team around him, Trump will be able to drive a far more ambitious agenda than he did in his first term. America’s showman has once again returned to the stage, but what has he got prepared?
Image: Andrew Caballero-Reynolds / AFP / Getty
Trump has vowed to pursue the largest deportation program in American history: the removal of millions of undocumented immigrants. Large-scale detention camps, thousands more border agents, and funneling of military spending toward border security are all on the table. He promised to revive the "Remain in Mexico" policy and, possibly, the highly contentious family separation policy. Trump's economic agenda encompasses sweeping new tariffs on imports, as well as a freeze on climate-related regulations. He aims to remake federal health agencies and introduce ideological changes in the education system. His administration is also likely to be focused on paring the federal budget, with cuts potentially reaching $2 trillion–claimed by billionaire Elon Musk who will potentially be leading the Department of Government Efficiency (yes, DOGE). However, critics have mentioned that even if the US government were to fire all of its workers, the funds cut would certainly not reach $2 trillion.
Trump's second term may include restructuring federal roles by reclassifying up to 50,000 career-protected civil servants as political appointees. This move, aimed at increasing alignment with the administration's policies, could lead to significant changes in how federal agencies operate. Additionally, there may be adjustments to federal civil rights initiatives, with a potential shift in priorities reflecting the administration’s policy goals. NATO and European allies could expect the Trump approach to remain transactional. He has criticized NATO members for not meeting their defense spending commitments and may push for further financial contributions from these countries. This could strain relationships with traditional allies but align with his America-first policy. With several hawkish figures in Trump's foreign policy team for his second term, his administration is likely to maintain the "maximum pressure" strategy on Iran, and continued support for Israel. The Abraham Accords that normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations are likely to see more expansion.
Trump's relations with China will continue to be tempestuous. He has accused the country of indulging in unfair trade practices and stealing American intellectual property. The second term may see higher tariffs and stricter regulation for Chinese companies operating in the U.S. This targeted approach will lead to further economic disengagement between the two superpowers.
His policy on trade is going to revolve around the use of tariffs for trade, shielding American industries, and renegotiating various trade deals. These are protectionist moves that may result in a trade war against other countries and, subsequently, destabilize the world markets. The second term of Trump might see an insular U.S. foreign policy, with more stress on bilateral deals instead of multilateral agreements. The second term of Donald Trump is bound to introduce serious changes in both domestic and international policies. His America-first type of leadership will likely aim at U.S. interests, putting them before global cooperation and engagement. The world is set to witness a more aggressive and transactional U.S. foreign policy, with an emphasis on immigration enforcement and protectionism. As Trump is moving into his second term, the world will observe step by step how policy is going to develop, shaping the world scene in various ways. The presidency's second term is widely foreseen to see increased steps toward deregulation in sectors such as energy. He wants to remove restrictions on offshore drilling and expedite the permitting process for infrastructure projects involving fossil fuels, such as pipelines. Proponents say that the measures will give America greater energy independence and help drive down consumer costs. But critics say it's a path of environmental degradation and climate change, pointing to the risk of oil spills, habitat destruction, and the acceleration of global warming.
Apart from energy, Trump's deregulation policies touch on labor and consumer protections. Proposals to relax workplace safety rules and roll back financial regulations could affect millions of workers and consumers. While businesses may benefit from reduced compliance costs, labor unions argue that these changes put employees at greater risk. Consumer advocates also worry about potential consequences for financial stability, reminiscent of the 2008 financial crisis. Trump has announced a slew of high-profile nominations for his second term, highlighting continued focus on trade reform and economic growth. He has named Jamieson Greer, an international trade attorney, to the position of U.S. Trade Representative. Greer will be expected to continue down the path laid by Trump in pressing against traditional free trade models for more protectionist ones designed to bolster American industry and labor. Kevin Hassett, a well-known economist and one of the strongest proponents of tax cuts, has been appointed to the position of Director of the White House National Economic Council. Hassett is an expert in the field of economic recovery and fiscal policy; his contributions will be very important as the administration addresses inflation and global supply chain disruptions.
The American people have acknowledged that Trump’s return will bring upheavals, disagreements, and controversy, regardless of whether they support the president-elect or not. In the following months and years, his plans will be judged by the Democrats, Republicans, and the media under a microscope of scrutiny or support. As with all previous US elections, not only America’s future but also the world's is at stake.
The Inquirer values factchecking and owning up for our mistakes. If there were any mistakes or incorrect misinformation, please contact us.
Comments