Donald Trump has reclaimed the US presidency, marking a historic political comeback as the 47th president. Known for his bold and often divisive policies, Trump’s return signals a potential revival of his “America First” agenda, with implications for domestic and global affairs. GIFT HABIB explores what lies ahead in Trump’s second return to power
Donald Trump has once again captured the United States presidency, winning as the 47th president and securing an unprecedented political comeback. Known for his polarising approach, Trump’s return to the White House brings with it both continuity and change.
The former Republican president claimed victory on Wednesday as results put him on the verge of beating Kamala Harris in a stunning White House comeback.
During Trump’s first term, his administration followed a distinctly nationalist course that reshaped US policy in several areas.
His “America First” strategy aimed to boost American industry, reduce dependency on China, and address trade imbalances. This included renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement into the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement and imposing tariffs on foreign goods, particularly from China.
Trump also withdrew from the Trans-Pacific Partnership and began a trade war with China, actions he viewed as essential to reviving American manufacturing and enhancing the economy, especially for working-class Americans.
Trump’s stance on immigration became one of his most notable and controversial hallmarks. His administration championed strict immigration reforms focused on border security, including a US-Mexico border wall, the “Remain in Mexico” policy for asylum seekers, and a travel ban on several Muslim-majority countries.
These moves drew both support and widespread criticism, especially for their impact on immigrant communities and international perceptions of the US.
Perhaps, his most lasting impact came through his influence on the judiciary. The former Republican president appointed three Supreme Court justices, tilting the court to a conservative majority, along with numerous federal judges across the judiciary.
On the economic front, his administration pursued deregulation, favouring traditional energy sources over renewables and rolling back environmental protections to stimulate economic growth.
His 2017 tax reform, lowering the corporate tax rate, was another legislative victory, though it also faced criticism for benefiting the wealthy. Trump’s foreign policy was often unorthodox and marked by strong scepticism toward multilateralism.
He withdrew from international agreements like the Paris Climate Accord and the Iran Nuclear Deal and frequently criticised North Atlantic Treaty Organisations members for underfunding defence.
He also took an unconventional approach to diplomacy, developing personal ties with North Korea’s Kim Jong-un and maintaining a complex relationship with Russia’s Vladimir Putin. His approach both disrupted traditional alliances and fueled significant debate over America’s role on the global stage.
For his second term, Trump campaigned on a promise to restore and expand on his “America First” agenda. Trump has more than once promised to end Russia’s war on Ukraine before he’s inaugurated.
“That is a war that’s dying to be settled. I will get it settled before I even become president,” Trump said in the September presidential debate against Harris.
He also said in a May 2023 CNN town hall that he would end the conflict “in 24 hours.” Trump has repeatedly been asked how he’d do this but has never outlined a plan.
He pledged to restore American energy independence by reversing Biden-era climate policies and reinvigorating oil and gas production, with an emphasis on reducing foreign energy dependence.
Trump also promised new tax incentives to promote domestic manufacturing and attract industries back to US soil. His economic vision included further tax cuts and favouring traditional energy sectors over renewables to reduce costs and boost energy independence.
On immigration, Trump pledged to complete the border wall and tighten immigration policies further, including reinstating “Remain in Mexico” and expanding deportations.
He expressed a desire to reform asylum policies and prioritise merit-based immigration, with an emphasis on limiting migration that could impact American jobs.
With his return to the presidency, Trump pledged to implement what he described as the “largest deportation” effort in the US history.
During his campaign, he repeatedly vowed to launch a massive deportation initiative that would target individuals he identified as illegal criminals, specifically naming migrants in cities like Aurora, Colorado, and Springfield, Ohio, as early targets.
His promises on law enforcement emphasised “law and order,” with a focus on supporting police departments, increasing penalties for violent crime, and opposing movements he perceived as weakening public safety.
In education, Trump promised reforms that would promote school choice, advocating for parental rights in the educational process and opposing the teaching of Critical Race Theory in schools.
His foreign policy strategy stressed a return to “America First” principles, including potential reductions in foreign aid and a continued focus on bilateral relations rather than multilateral commitments.
Trump’s foreign policy in a second term is likely to reassert a tough stance on China, seeking to limit Chinese influence and possibly expanding tariffs and sanctions.
His administration is expected to take a hardline approach on intellectual property issues and encourage American companies to limit reliance on Chinese manufacturing.
In the Middle East, Trump will likely maintain a firm stance on Iran, reinforcing sanctions and military deterrence while building on the Abraham Accords to normalise Israel’s relations with other Middle Eastern countries.
Trump’s claim of victory in the US presidential election has led to swift reactions from leaders worldwide and optimism in financial markets, signalling renewed partnerships and expectations of economic growth.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warmly welcomed Trump’s win, calling it “history’s greatest comeback” and expressing optimism about a new chapter in the US-Israel alliance.
Netanyahu described Trump’s return as a chance for a renewed commitment to their close strategic partnership, especially on regional security matters.
China’s reaction was cautiously optimistic, calling for “peaceful coexistence” in future US-China relations. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning expressed hope for mutual respect and collaboration, indicating China’s interest in maintaining a stable relationship while preparing for Trump’s typically assertive stance, particularly on trade and economic issues.
French President Emmanuel Macron extended a diplomatic message, affirming his readiness to work with Trump “with respect and ambition.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated Trump, emphasising hopes for “just peace” in Ukraine and expressing appreciation for Trump’s “peace through strength” philosophy.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte welcomed Trump’s win, expressing confidence in his ability to strengthen the alliance.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent warm congratulations to Trump, referring to him as a “friend” and expressing optimism for renewed US-India collaboration.
In Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu extended his congratulations, underscoring aspirations for closer cooperation between the US and Nigeria. Tinubu emphasised mutual goals of economic growth, peace, and addressing shared challenges while highlighting Trump’s prior experience as a factor that could bring renewed focus to US-Africa relations.
The Chairman Emeritus of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Americas, Obed Monago, told The PUNCH they want an America where immigrants would move about without discrimination.
“We want an America where immigrants like us can thrive without facing discrimination, where we can contribute to the economy and society without barriers,” Monago added.
Trump’s return to the presidency has prompted both enthusiasm and cautious optimism globally.
Leaders are eager to explore potential partnerships under his renewed leadership, and financial markets are reacting positively to his anticipated economic policies.
As Trump prepares to assume office, the world will be watching closely to see how his administration approaches both domestic and international issues in an increasingly complex global landscape.