The beginning of Donald Trump's second term feels strikingly familiar—a sense of “déjà vu” as he embarks on undoing the previous administration's efforts. Much like his predecessor Joe Biden dismantled Trump’s policies, Trump is reversing the executive orders set by Biden, mirroring the cyclical nature of American politics where each administration systematically seeks to alter its predecessor's legacy.

Domestic Action

In a whirlwind of activity, President Trump wasted no time in putting his stamp on policy. Within days of taking office, he signed a series of executive orders designed to bolster border security and overhaul immigration policies. Central to this initiative is a renewed commitment to constructing the border wall, now backed by an increased budget. The announcement has reignited the contentious immigration debate, with supporters lauding his approach to national security and critics condemning the potential violations of human rights.

On the economic front, Trump unveiled a new package of tax cuts aimed at middle-income families and small businesses, asserting that these measures will stimulate growth and reinvigorate consumer spending in the wake of the pandemic. However, skepticism from opponents regarding the sustainability of such tax cuts raises fears of deeper budget deficits in the long run.

In another contentious move, the Trump administration announced significant changes to the Affordable Care Act, ostensibly with the goal of enhancing competition among insurance providers. Critics in the healthcare space are warning of dire consequences, suggesting that millions could lose their coverage as a result.

Additionally, Trump moved to roll back several environmental regulations in a bid to strengthen America’s industrial base and reaffirm his withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement. This decision has sparked outrage among environmentalists, who argue that it undermines global efforts to combat climate change.

Drawbacks

The whirlwind of executive actions has elicited polarized reactions across the United States. Just days into his term, the administration faced a setback when a federal judge blocked Trump's executive order attempting to suspend birthright citizenship—an initiative rooted in the 14th Amendment—signifying the rocky legal terrain ahead. Advocates for immigration reform and healthcare access are mobilizing protests, marking a resurgent wave of grassroots activism reminiscent of prior years.

Concerns also loom regarding the economic ramifications of the new tax cuts and tariffs. Economists warn that aggressive fiscal policies may precipitate increased inflation and exacerbate income inequality, a potentially volatile issue that may invite fierce debate in Congress.

Foreign Policy

Trump's second-term foreign policy agenda faces considerable challenges, particularly in the increasingly complex geopolitical landscapes of the Middle East and Ukraine. As tensions escalate, the administration's success hinges on its ability to navigate these turbulent waters while maintaining America's standing on the global stage.

In the Middle East, Trump's historical alignment with Israel continues to shape U.S. foreign policy. His first term was marked by normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab nations, a trend likely to persist against the catastrophic results of Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel and the ensuing repercussions on Gaza and Lebanon, as well as the fall of the regime in Syria.

Trump's administration has resisted a demand from the Israeli Government to keep its forces in five outposts in southern Lebanon beyond the withdrawal deadline of January 27,2025. Trump is likely aware that maintaining a strong stance on Israel's compliance with the ceasefire could bolster his image as a decisive leader in foreign affairs, especially given his historical support for Israeli interests. However, balancing this with the realities on the ground—such as Hezbollah's military capabilities and regional tensions—will be crucial as he seeks to assert U.S. influence in Middle Eastern geopolitics.

Iran remains a formidable adversary in the region. Despite setbacks, the Iranian government is seeking a new nuclear deal to bolster its regional influence. Trump has so far shown little inclination to compromise, entwining negotiations with broader geopolitical concerns.

Concurrently, Trump must address increasing Russian aggression in Ukraine. Unlike Biden's open support for Ukraine, Trump has taken a more cautious stance, suggesting to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that victory over Russia may be unattainable. Simultaneously, he has communicated to Russian President Vladimir Putin the necessity of negotiating an end to hostilities or risking harsher sanctions. Striking a balance between supporting Ukraine and engaging diplomatically with Russia presents a formidable challenge, particularly under intensified domestic political scrutiny.

Challenges Ahead

Populism and a perceived strength propelled Trump back to the White House. Yet, he faces a treacherous path in actualizing his ambitious promises. While a Republican-controlled Congress may appear to facilitate certain aspects of his agenda, many of his initiatives will require bipartisan support and could be subject to filibusters in the Senate. And with a narrow majority in the House, dissent is likely to emerge.

Moreover, legal challenges loom large over many of Trump's proposed policies. His immigration measures have already prompted lawsuits, and other social initiatives are anticipated to encounter significant judicial resistance.