As Donald Trump prepares to be inaugurated for his second term as U.S. President on January 20, 2025, discussions are rife with speculation about the potential impact of his return to power.
From domestic policies to international relations, Trump's agenda has sparked debates on opportunities and challenges, with global media and think tanks weighing in on the implications.
- Opportunities in Trump's Second Term
Trump's second term offers him a chance to solidify his influence, particularly with a Republican majority in Congress.
"Le Monde" suggests this political alignment will enable him to advance core policies such as tax cuts and stricter immigration enforcement, while also pursuing retaliatory actions against those involved in legal challenges during his first term.
According to "Politico", Trump has likely learned from past administrative hurdles and plans to appoint more experienced officials to expedite his policy goals.
His agenda includes tightening immigration controls, revising trade tariffs, and reducing reliance on congressional approval.
Moreover, "CNN" highlights Trump's continued use of social media as a direct tool for shaping public opinion, particularly amid declining trust in traditional media outlets.
- Domestic Impacts
Trump’s policies on immigration and the economy are expected to face significant scrutiny.
"Foreign Policy" warns that large-scale deportations of undocumented immigrants—estimated at 11 million—could disrupt the U.S. economy, leading to inflation, a shrinking labor force, and slower growth. These measures could also impose an annual cost of $88 billion on the national budget.
Concerns over Trump’s consolidation of power are also growing. "The Intelligencer" suggests that his administration might target press freedom and retaliate against dissenting government employees.
Meanwhile, "CBS News" highlights the potential economic fallout from heightened tariffs, predicting increased consumer prices and reduced purchasing power, costing Americans up to $78 billion annually on essential goods.
People’s World adds that Trump’s polarizing rhetoric could exacerbate social divisions, intensifying issues like racism and discrimination.
-Global Impacts
Trump’s second term is likely to disrupt international alliances and systems. "UN Dispatch" reports that his threats to cut U.S. funding to the United Nations—accounting for 25% of its budget—could undermine global initiatives addressing critical challenges.
Similarly, "The New York Times" anticipates that Trump’s climate policies, including a potential withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, would weaken global efforts to combat climate change.
In foreign policy, "The Wall Street Journal* outlines Trump’s proposed "maximum pressure 2.0" strategy on Iran, combining economic sanctions with military readiness and enhanced support for Israel. However, the European Council on Foreign Relations warns that Trump’s unwavering backing of Israel could exacerbate instability in the Gaza Strip.
Europe also faces challenges, with "The New York Times" predicting a potential transatlantic trade war if Trump imposes tariffs, further straining relations. NATO’s future remains uncertain, as "The Conversation" notes Trump’s push for reduced U.S. commitments while urging European nations to increase defense spending.
In the Indo-Pacific, Trump’s “America First” approach may strain alliances like QUAD and AUKUS, as "The Stimson Center" highlights. Allies such as Japan could face demands for higher defense contributions.
Meanwhile, "The Atlantic Council" suggests Trump’s transactional focus in Africa could deprioritize developmental aid in favor of trade deals, potentially stalling major projects like the Lobito Corridor.
- A Complex Global Landscape
Trump’s second term is set to reshape domestic and international dynamics, presenting both opportunities and uncertainties. Amid ongoing global crises such as the Gaza conflict and the war in Ukraine, his policies remain unclear on conflict resolution. As nations brace for this new chapter in U.S. leadership, they must develop strategies that balance their interests with the evolving geopolitical landscape under Trump’s presidency.
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