In one of the most stunning upsets in history, Donald Trump was declared the winner of the US presidential election with 277 votes, outpacing his Democratic rival Kamala Harris in a nation captivated campaign. Trump’s path to victory rested on appeals directly to working-class Americans and his signature message of “America First” policies, which resonated strongly in areas hardest hit by economic hardship. Continuing from where he left off, now promising to revive the economy, strengthen immigration policies, and shore up U.S. interests around the world, Trump shows that his second time in the White House will indeed be one of gigantic change—not just for America but for the entire world.
Trump’s economic agenda is centered on strengthening American industries in addition to creating jobs. His policy involves a big slash in taxes for firms, which will result in the creation of employment and investment within the country. By lessening regulatory restrictions, Trump attempts to create a pro-business atmosphere of more localized production, which would impress small businesses and blue-collar workers. He is likely to offer incentives for companies to bring manufacturing back to the United States, as well as possible tariffs on imported goods to spur American products. Yet with the post-pandemic economy in flux, some analysts are warning that Trump’s policies could spark inflationary pressures as they fundamentally reshape the American job market.
Immigration reform remains one of the strong points of his agenda. His administration is expected to revisit and review policies emphasizing more border security and immigration controls. His stand on immigration calls for improvement in border infrastructure and enforcement of a more undeviating policy against illegal immigrants. Proponents argue this will make the country a safer place and create more employment for Americans, whereas opponents say it would tear up families and dim America’s light as the world’s beacon of hope and diversity.
Another important sphere that changes need to be performed by Trump’s administration is the sphere of healthcare policy. During the previous term, Trump tried with all his might to destroy the Affordable Health Care Act, better known as Obamacare. This recent victory seems to show that he is still trying to find a replacement for, or adjustment to, Obamacare with a plan that emphasizes patient-centered care in an attempt to lower the cost of healthcare. Whereas Trump supporters are hoping that such a change will bring more affordability, critics are pointing out that changing existing policies could put certain vulnerable populations at risk who depend on government-subsidized healthcare.
The “America First” doctrine of Trump in foreign policy really just means that, again, the United States will be less involved in international alliances on behalf of national interests.
These accentuate a more reserved American presence abroad, including the need to reassess the role of America in NATO, among other international bodies. True to form, his approach to foreign relations made critical analyses of trade agreements while highlighting those bilateral agreements that were favorable to American economic interests. This change in tack might finally plunge the world into a complex set of relationships, as any relationship with both China and Russia is likely going to be placed under new scrutiny.
Most of all, Trump’s victory will also resonate in global markets and international relations in a big way, as he may change the face of global trade norms, emphasizing his national interests and bilateral trades, which no doubt will affect economic waves throughout the world. For countries heavily reliant on U.S. trade agreements or aid, they may have to readjust as the country under Trump becomes decidedly more transactional—a tack that could redefine long-time alliances and economic partnerships. This might lead other countries to look to new alliances and trade agreements outside of the traditional realms of U.S. hegemony and may alter the structure of the international economy. Further, Trump’s attitude to climate change is also a cause for continuing controversy around the world. He pulled the U.S. from the Paris Agreement in the last term on the grounds that it would adversely affect American industries. His recent victory reopened the question of US engagement on climate action with potentially profound implications for international environmental action. If the US does not support this, for instance, other states might increasingly feel pressed upon to pursue global climate action on their own and hence assume an international climate policy. Trump’s victory underlined a polarized yet resolute America, in which millions identified with him in his dream of a self-sufficient America. As he bounces into office, certainly, the theme of Trump’s policies will reshape American society and influence the global order. The world will be keenly watching how the U.S. manages these changes and their wider ramifications on diplomacy, trade, and security across the globe. Trump marks a transformational moment in America’s life, and indeed on the world stage, during the next four years. Trump’s victory signals a pivot toward national sovereignty and economic independence. The world must readjust to a honeymoon phase with redefined US leadership.
