Donald Trump’s return to power represents a pivotal moment for the United States, with a team that reflects his commitment to his political vision. While his supporters see it as an opportunity to strengthen America and advance bold policies, critics worry about the risks of polarization, instrumentalization of institutions, and damage to international alliances.
By Le Monde
On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump returns to the White House, bringing with him a new vision for America, supported by a team of loyalists committed to his political agenda. Priorities for this term include a tough approach to immigration, aggressive trade policies, and radical changes to federal and international institutions.
A GROWING ECONOMY AND NEW CHALLENGES
Upon taking office, Donald Trump inherits a strong economy with an unemployment rate of just 4.1% and ambitious investment programs in infrastructure and key sectors. However, the main challenges remain a significant budget deficit of 6.2% of GDP and a divided political landscape that requires determination and coordination. Trump has promised a “golden age” for the United States, placing emphasis on deep reforms. These include massive campaigns to deport undocumented immigrants, reducing federal spending, and a reform of the federal state that includes absolute loyalty to his administration.
TEAM: LOYALTY AND DISCIPLINE
Trump’s return to power is accompanied by a carefully selected team that reflects his commitment to his agenda. Susie Wiles, the new chief of staff, the first woman in the position, is one of the key figures on the team. Known for her commitment to process and for tightly controlling access to the president, Wiles follows a disciplined and effective approach to fulfilling the administration’s priorities. On the other hand, Stephen Miller, a veteran of the first Trump administration, will play a key role on immigration policy. With a known radical approach, he has taken responsibility for coordinating mass deportation policies, using legal tools such as the revival of “Title 42”, a measure that allows the immediate return of immigrants
NEW AGENDA OF DOMESTIC POLICY AND EMIGRATION
One of Trump’s main goals is to create a “shock wave” through hundreds of executive orders in his first few weeks in office. Immigration policies are central to this agenda, with measures that include using the military to detain immigrants and building temporary detention camps in remote areas. Key appointments, such as Kristi Noem at the Department of Homeland Security and Tom Homan as “border czar,” indicate an increased focus on detaining and deporting immigrants. These measures have raised concerns about their high cost, estimated to be as much as $88 billion a year.
JUSTICE: THE RISK OF INSTRUMENTALIZATION
The Trump administration has been criticized for a potential politicization of the Justice Department. The appointment of Pam Bondi as Attorney General has raised questions about the execution of promises of retaliation against Trump’s critics. Bondi, known for defending Trump during his previous trials, is expected to lead a department focused on prosecuting “political enemies.”
Kash Patel, the nominee to head the FBI, is another controversial figure. He has declared his intention to “clean up” the institution and transform it into a “museum of the deep state,” reflecting the administration’s obsession with conspiracy theories.
FOREIGN POLICY: PRO-ISRAEL FOCUS
On foreign policy, Trump has selected a team that reflects more loyalty than ideological coherence. Marco Rubio, the new secretary of state, is considered one of the more moderate choices, while others like Mike Huckabee and Elise Stefanik show a strong commitment to Israeli interests. John Ratcliffe, the nominee to head the CIA, is another Trump loyalist known for his political approach to national security. Ratcliffe and others on the team are expected to pursue a tough approach toward China and Iran, while continuing support for Ukraine and partners in the Middle East.
ECONOMY: ELON MUSK AND THE VISION OF “GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY”
Elon Musk, tapped to lead a “Department of Government Efficiency,” is a central figure in Trump’s economic agenda. Musk has promised to reduce federal spending, though many of his proposals, such as cutting the Pentagon budget and eliminating several federal agencies, have been seen as controversial. Scott Bessent, the new Treasury secretary, will face the challenge of financing a large deficit while trying to calm markets worried about Trump’s new tariff policies. At the same time, trade policy is expected to support a protectionist approach, with threats of high tariffs on countries such as China and Mexico.
ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY: A RETURN TO TRADITIONAL SOURCES
The Trump administration’s energy and environmental policies mark a sharp shift toward traditional sources. Chris Wright, a climate change skeptic, has been named to head the Department of Energy, while Lee Zeldin will lead the Environmental Protection Agency, with a mandate to significantly reduce existing regulations. The administration’s focus is on increasing oil and gas production to support the artificial intelligence industry and ensure American energy dominance. At the same time, energy transition policies are expected to be halted or significantly reduced.
AN ERA OF POLARIZATION AND CHANGE
Donald Trump’s return to power represents a pivotal moment for the United States, with a team that reflects his commitment to his political vision. While his supporters see it as an opportunity to strengthen America and advance bold policies, critics worry about the risks of polarization, institutional manipulation, and the erosion of international alliances. This administration will set a new precedent for how governance can be tied closely to personal and ideological loyalties, leaving a legacy that will be debated for years to come.
