Donald Trump Becomes the 47th President of the United States: Will There be a Policy Shift?

Donald Trump Becomes the 47th President of the United States: Will There be a Policy Shift? This seems to be the million dollar question now. And political commenters as well as the common people are hotly debating this issue.

For the second time, Donald Trump has taken over the mantle of presidency of the United States and returns to power politics as the 47th president of America. Known for his bold and usually divisive policies, Trump's return perhaps showed that his "America First" policy will be back again, particularly on national and global issues. We will try to examine the aftermath of Trump's return to power and his second term.

Donald Trump executed a stunning political comeback to win the presidency of the United States for the 47th time. Polarizing in style, the return of Trump to the White House means progress and change.

Former Republican President Trump claimed victory Wednesday after the results spurred him to defeat Kamala Harris in a surprise comeback for the White House.

During Trump's first term, his work has moved distinctly along the lines of nationalism, and in many places, the U.S. system has been reshaped.

His "America First" policy looked to increase American jobs, decrease dependency on China, and rectify trade imbalances. This includes the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement into the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement and the imposition of tariffs on foreign goods, especially those from China.

He also withdrew from the Trans-Pacific Partnership and initiated a trade war with China, which he believed would help restore US manufacturing and production capability to boost the economy with the help of the hardworking Americans.

Immigration, perhaps, is the most characteristic and contentious trait to identify Trump. His administration pushed for hardline immigration reforms hinged on the issue of border security: a US-Mexico border wall, the "Remain in Mexico" policy for asylum seekers, and a travel ban on several Muslim-majority countries.

These actions have elicited both support and widespread criticism-most particularly in respect of their consequence for immigrant communities and the international standing of the US.

Perhaps his most enduring impact was in the judiciary. The former Republican president appointed three Supreme Court justices, which pulled the court to a conservative majority, along with hundreds of federal judges throughout the judiciary.

His administration's economic policies were focused on deregulation, backing traditional energies over renewables, peeling back environmental protections as a means of stimulating economic growth.

His other victory was the 2017 tax reform, which lowered the corporate tax rate, though highly criticized for being tilted toward the rich. Trump's foreign policy was often unconventional and colored by deep scepticism towards multilateralism.

He pulled out of international agreements such as the Paris Climate Accord and the Iran Nuclear Deal and continuously attacked North Atlantic Treaty Organisation members over underfunding defense.

He also wasn't very orthodox with diplomacy, having developed close personal relationships with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and a very complicated one with Russian President Vladimir Putin. In so doing, his methods disrupted long-standing alliances and touched off significant debate over America's role on the global stage.

For his second term, Trump ran on the promise to restore and build upon 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, during a CNN town hall back in May 2023 that he would end the war "in 24 hours." But Trump has since repeatedly been pressed on how he'd do this and has never outlined a plan.

He vowed to restore American energy independence through the rollback of Biden-era climate policies and the revitalization of oil and gas production by placing emphasis on a reduction of foreign energy dependence.

Trump also vowed to provide new tax incentives for the promotion of more domestic manufacturing and bringing industries back to US soil. His economic vision also entailed further reductions in taxes, moving away from renewables, and toward traditional energy sectors to help lower costs and make the country independent in terms of energy.

On immigration, Trump pledged that there would be completion of the border wall and the fur­ther tighten­ing of immi­gra­tion policy, includ­ing reinstatement of "Remain in Mexico" and expansion of depor­tations.

He vowed to revise asylum policies and make immigration merit-based, saying he wanted only a limited number of immigrants who could take away jobs from Americans.

When he came back to power, Trump had promised what he termed "the largest deportation" in the history of the US.

On the campaign trail, Trump pledged an deportation task force of tremendous size, targeting what he labeled illegal criminals and naming cities with large migrant communities such as Aurora, Colorado, and Springfield, Ohio, among his first targets.

His platform on law enforcement was based on a message of "law and order" that included support to police departments, more punitive measures against violent crimes, and blocking movements he saw as reductions to public safety.

He had pledged reforms in education, such as school choice, promoting parents' rights in educational processes, and forbidding the teaching of Critical Race Theory in schools.

His foreign policy approach emphasized the return to the "America First" principle, including possible cuts in foreign aid and further emphasizing bilateral relations over multilateral commitments.

Foreign policy in a second term with Trump would likely be marked by reassertion of a tough stance on China with efforts to contain Chinese influence, and possible expansion of tariffs and sanctions.

His administration may crack down harder on intellectual property issues and encourage American companies to lessen their reliance on Chinese manufacturing.

In the Middle East, Trump will be tough on Iran, with more sanctions and military deterrence. He will continue to exploit the Abraham Accords in his quest to normalize Israel's relations with other Middle Eastern countries.

Hot on the heels of Trump's claims of victory in the US presidential election, swift reactions by world leaders and euphoria in financial markets belie renewed partnerships and a rise in economic growth.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warmly hailed the victory of Trump, whom he described as "history's greatest comeback". In a warning that a new chapter in the US-Israel alliance was opening up, he noted:

Netanyahu portrayed Trump's comeback as an opportunity for renewal in their close strategic partnership with a particular emphasis on regional security.

China's response was cautiously optimistic, appealing for "peaceful coexistence" in future US-China relations. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that China hopes to be mutually respected and cooperate on its priorities, signaling that China is willing to pursue a stable relationship even as it prepares for the usually aggressive stance that Trump would likely come up with, particularly on issues of trade and the economy.

French President Emmanuel Macron followed with his diplomatic message of being "ready to work with him with respect and ambition.".

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated Trump, underlining that he hopes for "just peace" in Ukraine and was grateful that Trump's policy relies on the formula "peace through strength".

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte congratulated Trump on his victory, voicing his belief in his ability to strengthen the alliance.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi warmly congratulated Trump, whom he called his "friend", expressing optimism regarding restored US-India cooperation.

In Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu extended his congratulatory messages, underlining aspirations toward closer cooperation between the US and Nigeria. He underlined mutual interests in economic development, peace, and overcoming common challenges, all the while pointing to the fact that Trump's prior experience might inspire fresh momentum into US-Africa relations.

Chairman Emeritus of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Americas, Obed Monago, told The PUNCH: "We 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 economy and society without barriers," Monago added.

The return of Trump to the presidency has elicited enthusiasm and cautious optimism across the globe.

Leaders are eager to pursue partnerships, possibly, under his fresh reign, and financial markets are responding well to the projects of economic policies.

Wrapping up

Donald Trump's resounding vicotory over his rival Kamala Harris has silenced his critics who were expecting a Harris win this time. But there is a lurking fear that Trump might start a political vendetta after his victory. The world, therefore, will be closely monitoring as Trump comes into office to watch exactly how his administration will approach domestic and international issues across an increasingly complex global environment.