The official ceremonies at the Capitol marked the beginning of a new and most important chapter in his history as a politician from outside the establishment, whose influence on the life of the country has few historical parallels.
On Monday, at noon, Donald Trump was sworn in for a second term as president of the United States. The formal ceremonies at the Capitol marked the beginning of a new and most important chapter in his history as a politician from outside the establishment, whose influence on the life of the country has few historical parallels.
TRUMP AT HIS POLITICAL PEAK
On the eve of his second inauguration, Trump is more politically compelling than ever. This is evidenced by the frequent visits to his Mar-a-Lago club by business leaders, foreign leaders and other figures seeking to work in harmony with him. The opposition, although still uneasy, seems more restrained, reflecting on its defeat. After his victory in 2016 and defeat four years later, some speculated that Trump and Trumpism were simply an aberration. But his latest victory in 2024 suggests to some that the four years out of power were the aberration, while the Trump era constitutes the new normal.
CHALLENGES FOR A SECOND MANDATE
Trump faces major challenges as he tries to set priorities and implement his strategies. Historian Beverly Gage asks: “Will this be an administration of lofty ideological and political ambitions, or one of petty grievances and loyalty testing?” This clash between ambition and grievance remains the essence of Trumpism.
ECONOMIC POLICIES
Within his administration, there are tensions between factions with different views on the role of government in the market. Trump will have to decide whether to lean on working-class voters or on the wealthy who have influence over him, like Elon Musk.
FOREIGN POLICY: A NEW WORLD ORDER?
Trump will face flashpoints on the global stage, where his instincts could cause radical shifts in traditional alliances. While his team struggles to preserve the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, other issues, such as Ukraine and NATO, are expected to be sources of disagreement.
POWER AND DEMOCRACY
Trump’s desire for revenge and thirst for unilateral power reinforce concerns about his authoritarianism. This second term could have serious consequences for the separation of powers and the exercise of democracy.
FROM ABUSES IN THE FIRST MANDATES, TO POLITICAL RENAISSANCE
In his first term, Trump was noted for a strong economy (until the 2020 pandemic), tax cuts, and the appointment of three conservative justices to the Supreme Court. However, he often lost focus due to his volatile character and numerous complaints. After losing in 2020, the next four years marked his rise and fall. Trump insisted that the election was rigged, and this narrative became the foundation of his return to the political scene. Trump was impeached four times, but his supporters became more united. A Supreme Court ruling that presidents have broad immunity for actions in office helped him return to power.
VICTORY OF THE 2024 ELECTIONS
The 2024 nomination process was a crowning achievement. Trump regained control of the Republican Party, which is now entirely in his image. An assassination attempt in June boosted his support. After Biden’s defeat and Kamala Harris’s short-lived campaign, his victory was one of the most remarkable comebacks in presidential history.
THE BEGINNING OF A NEW ERA
A narrow victory in the popular vote and a comfortable victory in the electoral college made his second term more legitimate than his first. The pace of appointments in the administration is a big change from 2016. Among the names chosen are Marco Rubio as Secretary of State and Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense, who have sparked debate over their qualifications.
EXECUTIVE ORDER AND NEW STRATEGY
Trump’s advisers are preparing a series of executive orders on immigration, bureaucracy and other topics to be announced shortly after his inauguration. The measures are intended to strengthen his base and weaken the opposition. The opposition that responded with massive protests in 2016 seems more muted today. One reason is the recognition that its previous strategies did not work.
A CHANGING WORLD
Authoritarianism has risen in many democratic countries, and faith in democracy as a system that works for the common good has declined. But is Trump the cause or the beneficiary of these global forces? Trump now has a choice: temper his authoritarian impulses to secure a place in history or mark the moment when America lost its distinctive character as a democracy. Historians and citizens will be watching this new era of Trumpian leadership closely.
