CNN — Donald Trump is reveling in the spotlight of his second term victory, enjoying a sense of dominance as foreign leaders, CEOs, and key Republican figures flock to him. At his Mar-a-Lago estate on Monday, the president-elect expressed his satisfaction at the support he’s receiving, stating that “everybody wants to be my friend” now, unlike during his first term.
Since securing the election victory last month, Trump has been more visible than President Joe Biden, assuming a commanding role in foreign policy. His recent trip to Paris saw him taking center stage, with tech leaders visiting to show their deference. Trump relishes his newfound power and the favorable reception as he prepares for his second term.
At his news conference, Trump remarked on the contrast to his first term, stating, “In the first term, everybody was fighting me. The biggest difference is that people want to get along with me this time.” However, the question remains how long this positive environment will last when he faces the real-world challenges of leading a divided nation facing both domestic and international crises, where his popularity remains polarized.
For now, Trump is optimistic about his future in office. He confidently proclaimed that his presidency would usher in “the most exciting and successful period of reform and renewal in all of American history, maybe of global history. The Golden Age of America, I call it. It’s begun.” While this hopeful rhetoric contrasts with the serious nature of the presidency, Trump is currently basking in the euphoria of a victory that he believes vindicates his previous claims about the 2020 election.
Polling data reflects a strong approval of Trump’s upcoming return to office. A CNN/SSRS poll showed that 54% of Americans believe he will do a good job, and 55% approve of his handling of the transition, indicating that the political climate is in his favor at the moment.
Trump is also in a rare position in American political history. As the second president to return to office after a non-consecutive term, he has the opportunity to begin anew, free from the burden of his previous presidency’s scandals and decisions. He can now form a completely fresh team, learning from past mistakes and ready to implement his agenda without the constraints of established Washington figures who tried to limit his influence during his first term.
So far, Trump’s transition has been relatively smooth. Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, is now one of his prominent allies, and his Cabinet selections are likely to be confirmed by a supportive Republican Senate. Tech industry leaders are also eager to support him, suggesting that despite his future status as a term-limited president, his influence at the start of his second term could be vast, especially with the GOP maintaining control of Congress and the Supreme Court ruling in his favor on matters of presidential immunity.
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Trump’s current sense of ease is in stark contrast to the turbulent beginning of his first term, which was overshadowed by allegations of Russian election interference. This time, he comes into power with an air of victory and a fresh mandate, having won both the popular vote and the Electoral College.
Despite the current wave of positivity, the challenges of office will soon catch up with Trump. Every decision he makes will have political repercussions, and failure to deliver on his promises — like lowering grocery prices, creating prosperity, and securing the border — could damage his approval ratings. His recent comments to Time Magazine and his acknowledgment that certain promises might be harder to fulfill than he anticipated show that the realities of the presidency may soon dampen his optimism.
Trump’s promises for a second term are grand, but the potential for backlash looms. His proposed mass deportation of undocumented immigrants and threats of tariffs on foreign nations could spark public discontent, especially if they lead to economic strain or social unrest. Similarly, his plan to pardon January 6th insurrectionists could prove unpopular with many Americans.
Moreover, internal conflict and Trump’s temperamental outbursts, which were a hallmark of his first term, could hinder his effectiveness as president. While his hardline supporters may continue to back him, broader public approval could slip if he pursues policies perceived as punitive or excessively divisive.
For now, however, Trump remains focused on his win and the outpouring of congratulatory messages from world leaders. He boasts that over 100 leaders reached out to congratulate him not only on his victory but also on the scale of his triumph. Yet, as his second term begins, the serious responsibilities of leadership will soon demand his attention, and Trump will face the inevitable political and global challenges that come with the office.