Trump’s New Term Looks Different from the First

The main contrast between Donald Trump’s first and second presidencies can be illustrated by his two official portraits. The first, taken after his win in 2016, features a smiling Trump, likely thrilled to have triumphed against the odds and, at least on paper, open to collaborating with his rivals.

The second portrait depicts a more serious figure staring into the camera – someone who understands that a significant part of the country will never support him and is indifferent to that fact. This second image captures what I view as the dual themes of Trump’s second term: revenge and legacy.

In 1973, American political scientist Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr introduced the idea of the “imperial presidency.” He contended that the separation of powers essential to US democracy had tipped too far toward the executive branch during Richard Nixon’s presidency.

Following the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal – where Nixon’s aides tapped into the Democratic National Committee headquarters and he attempted to cover it up – Congress reestablished its power. For instance, the War Powers Resolution of 1973 mandated that presidents consult with Congress before deploying US armed forces into conflict.

Trump’s first presidential portrait after his election victory in 2016. Shealah Craighead / Wikimedia Commons

The Obama administration also illustrates how effectively a president’s plans can be disrupted when one party commits itself to doing so. Republicans obstructed Obama’s judicial nominations and significantly diluted his signature achievement, the Affordable Care Act.

However, Trump’s second term has witnessed an escalation of this imperial presidency concept. He has utilized this authority against his political adversaries-be they fellow politicians, media outlets or foreign nations-more aggressively than during his initial term.

This has been evident through various legal battles as well as his threat to sue Paramount over a pre-election interview with rival presidential nominee Kamala Harris on CBS News that he felt was biased in her favor. Paramount settled by agreeing to pay $16 million (£11.9 million) towards Trump’s future library.

Trump’s 2024 presidential portrait. United States Library of Congress / Wikimedia Commons

It’s also noteworthy how much more structured Trump’s second administration appears. There will always be debate about whether Trump truly expected to win back in 2016, but it’s clear there was little planning involved then. This became apparent through a disorganized policy agenda and appointments filled by individuals who weren’t as loyal as he might have desired or didn’t meet expectations for their roles.

Trump’s first national security advisor, Michael Flynn, lasted only 24 days on the job while communications director Anthony Scaramucci stayed for just ten days. This time around, Trump’s team includes staunch loyalists like Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, FBI Director Kash Patel and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.

There have still been some embarrassing missteps such as leaks regarding planned military actions in Yemen. Yet overall, Trump’s government has shown itself to be noticeably more focused and organized than during his earlier presidency.

Miller’s America First Legal Foundation spent Biden’s years developing policy agendas and drafting executive orders ahead of time. Thanks to this groundwork, Trump could appoint members of his second cabinet much quicker than he did for his first term and hit the ground running with a flurry of executive orders addressing immigration, federal regulations and economic issues.

On January 20th 2025, Donald Trump took office as the 47th president of the United States. His initial year has brought significant changes both domestically and internationally. In this series, The Conversation’s international affairs team seeks to capture sentiments following Trump’s first year back in office.

Cementing His Legacy

According to US law, Trump can’t run for president again despite any jokes he makes about it. While his previous term centered around unsuccessful efforts for reelection, these next three years are all about shaping legacy.

Every US president takes actions that can later be reversed by successors. In Trump’s case, future Democratic leaders could change back Gulf of America to Gulf of Mexico once again if they choose; however , his current term aims at impactful changes that won’t easily be undone.

Main among these ambitions is Greenland. What initially seemed like merely an offhand desire to bring under Danish control into U. S territory quickly turned into central element within post-presidency goals.

If successful integrating Greenland together with U. S., it would lead land holdings increasing approximately twenty-two percent.

Giving it away afterward might prove challenging since accusations arising from weakness/ceding valuable territory would ensue. Similarly establishing Venezuela firmly within client state framework reshapes regional dynamics which proves tough reversing those moves.

His self-appointment chairing Gaza “peace board,” similarly indicates endeavors create lasting impact.During his second term , Trump surrounds himself with ultra-loyalists like Pete Hegseth. Yuri Gripas / EPA

A further objective involves restructuring federal government frameworks initiated throughout prior terms altering Supreme Court composition allowing conservative majority expected endure beyond two decades barring unforeseen circumstances.

Now shifting focus towards entire bureaucratic system aiming appoint judges/admins resistant removal attempts by succeeding administrations securing policies impacting generations ahead

Furthermore , continuous reiterations expressing intent fire Jerome Powell Federal Reserve chair replacing him someone aligned thinking views remains persistent.

A primary hurdle remains Congress; past experiences taught him checks balances outlined Constitution appear stronger theoretically compared practical scenarios because sheer determination billionaire backing frequent legal tactics allow bypassing delaying mechanisms ultimately hindering progress.

Hence why midterm elections scheduled November take critical significance ; history suggests newly elected presidents often witness losses party control shortly thereafter resulting adverse effects legislative strategies should Democrats regain House limits potential avenues legislation implementation getting achieved.

Ultimately speaking perhaps greatest gift passed down lies resurgence imperial presidency exemplified showcasing forthcoming administrations boundless possibilities achievable disregarding conventional standards norms surrounding politics displayed frequently throughout former administration along expressing similar thoughts variations claiming “nobody else achieved what I’ve done”. Transitioning phase commitment transforming spoken words undeniable reality looms ever nearer ahead now poised cement foundations lasting influence shaping future paradigms our nation moving forward yet again!

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