Trump 2.0: Prospects of global disruption

The world is watching nervously as the new President begins his second innings in Washington

- Shashi Shekhar

Donald Trump will begin his second term as President of the United States of America (POTUS) on Monday. Never in the history of this great nation have so many doubts and concerns been raised about a president as we are witnessing now. How will the new term impact the U.S. and the world is anybody's guess?

Let's go back to Trump's last tenure as POTUS. On January 20, 2017, the illustrious first Black U.S. president, Barack Obama handed over the reins to him. Trump arrived in the Oval Office advocating a radically strict anti-immigration policy and big-ticket reforms. Stiff challenges notwithstanding, he pushed through a comprehensive tax reform programme within 100 days of assuming power. It was enough to retain his popularity and surveys suggested that 90% of his supporters were ready to vote for him once again even though many of his poll promises were hanging fire.

Trump was an anathema for the liberals who were spooked by his words and deeds alike. They heaved a sigh of relief when he lost in 2020, claiming it to be the victory of democracy. Many, however, cautioned that Trump may have left the Oval Office but Trumpism was alive and kicking. They were proven right as Trump refused to accept his defeat. His supporters went a step further and stormed Capitol Hill. It was U.S. democracy's darkest hour.