Will Trump Make America Great Again? Analyzing the Results and Implications

Dr Vassilia Orfanou, Executive Board Member, Ludci.eu

An Opinion Piece

Introduction:

Donald Trump’s re-election in 2024 marked a seismic shift in U.S. political history. Winning both the popular vote and the Electoral College, his success signifies a resurgence of his “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) ethos. “America has given us an unprecedented and powerful mandate,” Trump told a jubilant crowd at the Palm Beach County Convention Center, early morning on the election day.

Still, the core question remains: Will Trump succeed in reshaping America as he envisions, or will the challenges of global and domestic politics dilute his efforts? As his second term begins, the implications for U.S. foreign and domestic policy demand critical examination.

A Resounding Victory:

Trump’s decisive victory in 2024, unlike his contentious 2016 win, reflects a broader coalition of support. Key demographic gains and robust Republican control of Congress have fortified his mandate. This success underscores growing populist sentiments, scepticism of traditional elites, and disillusionment with the status quo.

Foreign Policy in Focus:

During his first term, Trump’s foreign policy was marked by strategic unpredictability, including withdrawing from global agreements, challenging NATO conventions, and engaging directly with adversaries like North Korea. Notably, he prioritized peace by avoiding new wars and advancing child anti-trafficking initiatives, which brought numerous predators to justice and protected countless families. Domestically, his fiscal reforms revitalized the economy, persuading companies to return to U.S. soil and preventing factory closures. These actions exemplified his commitment to safeguarding American interests and fostering economic resilience.

His second term brings three major shifts:

1. A Unified Security Team: Trump’s new cabinet aligns more closely with his America First philosophy, likely reducing internal discord but risking insular policymaking.
2. A Changed Global Landscape: The world in 2025 is defined by greater multipolarity, with China’s rise, European fragmentation, and Middle Eastern volatility.
3. Increased Predictability: After four years, foreign actors better understand Trump’s approach, potentially limiting his leverage.

Despite increased confidence, critics argue that Trump’s policies may further erode America’s global standing, replacing ideals of democracy and human rights with overt pragmatism.

Reasserting U.S. Standing by Focusing Inward

Trump’s second term does not signal the erosion of U.S. global standing but rather a strategic recalibration. By concentrating on “bringing it back home,” his policies aim to strengthen America domestically, creating a more robust foundation for international leadership.

1. Unified Security Team, Unified Vision
   With a cohesive national security team aligned with his “America First” doctrine, Trump’s administration can pursue consistent and decisive policies. This unity ensures a focused approach to safeguarding U.S. interests without succumbing to indecision or internal discord.
2. Navigating a Multipolar World
   Trump’s emphasis on prioritizing American strength at home positions the U.S. to compete effectively in a fragmented global landscape. By shoring up manufacturing, technological innovation, and military capabilities, America remains a formidable force amid China’s rise, European disunity, and Middle Eastern volatility.
3. Leveraging Predictability for Stability
   Critics claim that predictability reduces leverage, but a clearly defined strategy can foster stability and long-term trust. Allies and adversaries alike can engage with a known quantity, facilitating diplomacy and reducing the likelihood of miscalculation.
4. Democracy by Example
   Rather than imposing democracy abroad, Trump’s approach revitalizes the American example. Strengthening the economy, addressing domestic challenges, and reducing overreach make the U.S. a model of resilience and adaptability. This indirect influence is often more enduring than overt intervention.

Where should Trump’s Second Term be focused on?
Domestically, Trump’s second term faces a deeply polarized America, yet one that decisively rejected the prospect of a Biden or Harris administration. While his economic populism appeals to many, concerns remain about prioritizing short-term economic boosts over long-term structural reforms. Key issues like healthcare, climate change, and social justice require greater clarity.

Trump’s agenda of deregulation and tax reforms promises to stimulate economic growth and revitalize fiscal policies, reinforcing America’s superpower status. His second term offers a critical opportunity to tackle post-pandemic challenges with bold, balanced reforms that restore resilience and unity.

1. A Reform Agenda for Healthcare:
   Trump’s administration has the potential to reduce healthcare costs, while expanding access. By refining insurance markets and encouraging competition, he could provide pragmatic solutions to healthcare inequities, securing better outcomes for all Americans.
2. Proactive Climate Policies:
   While often criticized, Trump’s second term could focus on innovative approaches to climate issues, such as incentivizing clean energy through public-private partnerships and modernizing infrastructure for sustainability. Such moves would position the U.S. as a global leader in climate resilience without compromising economic growth.
3. Social and Economic Justice:
   Trump’s policies could address social inequities by expanding vocational training, fostering entrepreneurship in underserved communities, and revising tax incentives to benefit middle- and lower-income households.
4. Economic Reforms with Long-Term Vision:
   His focus on deregulation can be paired with investments in critical industries, such as technology and manufacturing, ensuring that short-term economic gains translate into sustainable growth and innovation.

Will Trump defend American Exceptionalism?
Trump’s haters content that perhaps the most profound implication of Trump’s re-election is the waning of American exceptionalism. His entrepreneurial spirit is believed to make the US another power with narrow interests. His critics seem to believe that such a shift may turn America from a beacon of democracy and innovation to a hegemonic ruler that emboldens authoritarian regimes, weaken alliances, and diminishes global stability.

Donald Trump’s entrepreneurial approach to governance may, in fact, rejuvenate rather than diminish American exceptionalism. He said, he would “make heads spin” as he moves full-speed ahead after his inauguration on 20 January.

By focusing on pragmatic policies, economic nationalism, and fortifying borders, Trump underscores the value of self-reliance and strategic prioritization. Critics often interpret these as isolationist; however, they can be seen as reinforcing America’s sovereignty and leadership potential.

1. Strengthening the Economy: Trump’s emphasis on deregulation and tax incentives has bolstered economic growth, ensuring that the U.S. remains a global hub of innovation and entrepreneurship. This economic vitality is central to maintaining global influence.
2. Realigning Global Alliances: Far from weakening partnerships, Trump’s transactional diplomacy challenges allies to contribute equitably, fostering stronger and more balanced alliances, particularly in NATO.
3. Countering Authoritarianism through Strength: While critics argue that Trump’s approach emboldens autocrats, a counterargument is that his unpredictability and assertiveness deter adversaries. For instance, his tough stance on China, including tariffs and technology restrictions, demonstrates a commitment to curbing authoritarian overreach.
4. Reviving Domestic Identity: By promoting “America First,” Trump has reignited a sense of national pride, aiming to redefine exceptionalism in terms of self-determination and resilience rather than global hegemony. This reinvigorated identity could provide the U.S. with a renewed moral and cultural foundation.

Conclusion

Trump’s second term redefines America’s role both globally and domestically, positioning it for sustained influence in a competitive world. His policies represent a shift from idealistic interventions to pragmatic recalibration, emphasizing adaptability and strength. Contrary to claims of decline, this approach modernizes American exceptionalism, focusing on internal growth, strategic diplomacy, and resilient leadership. By addressing pressing domestic challenges and ensuring a stable global presence, Trump’s vision strengthens America’s foundations and reaffirms its status as a preeminent force in a dynamic, multipolar landscape.

Call to Action

America’s future is at a crossroads. Citizens, policymakers, and global leaders must critically engage and support the Presidency’s policies. At this defining juncture, Trump’s second term offers an opportunity to strengthen its domestic foundation, while redefining its global leadership. Citizens and policymakers must critically evaluate how to balance national renewal with international engagement. Beyond America, global leaders and allies can collaborate by fostering equitable partnerships, contributing to global stability, and supporting mutual goals that align with U.S. priorities. Let’s ensure Trump’s legitimate second term paves the way for a stronger, united America and a cooperative, thriving global community. Share your voice and join the movement!

Featured photo: Brett Sayles: https://www.pexels.com/el-gr/photo/1046398/