Trump's Deeds May Not Have the Same Bite as His Plans

Trump is a businessman looking to extract a "good deal" from his opponents

- Shashi Shekhar

Donald Trump will take the oath today as the US president for his second term. Never in US history has a presidency raised such concerns as this time. So, how will the new term impact the US and the world?

Let's revisit Trump's last tenure as US president that started 20 January 2017 to gain some insights. Trump succeeded Barack Obama in the Oval Office, after winning on a campaign for 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 office. It was enough to retain his popularity, with surveys suggesting 90% of his supporters were ready to vote for him again even when many of his poll promises were still hanging fire.

Trump was an anathema for the liberals. They all heaved a sigh of relief when he lost in 2020. But experts cautioned Trump may have left the Oval Office but Trumpism was still alive and kicking. They were proven right as Trump refused to accept his defeat.

His supporters stormed the Capitol Hill for a few hours. It's Trumpism's overwhelming power that has brushed aside the dark shadow of the anarchy within just four years. But, there's a world of difference between January 2017 and 2025.