Donald Trump Becomes the 47th President of the United States: A Historic Return

Donald Trump has officially become the 47th President of the United States, marking a historic return to the White House. For the first time in U.S. history, a previously convicted president who had lost a reelection bid has returned to office. Additionally, with both the House of Representatives and Senate now controlled by the Republican Party, Trump’s administration is poised to pass significant legislative reforms in line with his policy goals.

Three Key Policy Pillars of Trump’s Presidency:

1. "America First"
2. "Strong Borders"
3. "Energy Independence"

What Can We Expect?

Economy:

• As in his first term, Trump will likely focus on encouraging growth, innovation, and employment through tax cuts and reduced regulations.
• Trump's 2017 policy cut the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, reshaped multinational tax treatment, and lowered individual income tax rates, a policy direction he plans to continue.
• Reducing inflation and cutting reckless spending are among Trump’s goals. Congressional Republicans are expected to leverage the debt ceiling to negotiate significant spending cuts.
• Trump’s deregulatory agenda, which previously impacted energy, finance, healthcare, infrastructure, and agriculture sectors, is expected to continue.

In addition, Trump advocates for the U.S. to adopt cryptocurrency and create a national Bitcoin reserve, marking a significant shift in the administration's stance on digital currencies.

Trade:

Trump contends that the global trade system is unfair to American interests, blaming it for trade deficits, manufacturing decline, and job outsourcing. The Republican platform promises to reorient trade toward domestic production, aiming to establish the U.S. as a manufacturing superpower.

Foreign Policy:

Trump’s foreign policy is rooted in a pragmatic, nationalist “America First” strategy:

• China: Trump’s approach includes confronting China over alleged economic abuses, such as intellectual property theft, currency manipulation, export subsidies, and economic espionage. Trump has pledged to cut U.S. dependence on China across critical electronics, steel, and pharmaceutical sectors.
• Europe and NATO Relations:
• Ukraine-Russia Conflict: Trump promises to end the war, reduce U.S. support for Ukraine, and press the European Union to take on more responsibility.
• Middle East: Trump’s approach to the Middle East is marked by strong support for Israel and Saudi Arabia, alongside a firm stance against Iran. His administration focuses on securing regional peace and defeating terrorist organizations.

Critical Events During Trump’s 2017-2021 Presidency:

Trump’s first term saw significant actions, including withdrawing from the Trans-Pacific Partnership, implementing travel bans, fostering close relationships with UAE and Saudi leaders, recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, supporting Arab-Israel normalization, leaving the Paris climate agreement, and imposing tariffs on $250 billion worth of Chinese goods. Additionally, Trump took military actions in Syria and Afghanistan, withdrew from the World Health Organization, and struck new trade agreements like a revised NAFTA.

Immigration:

Trump’s immigration and border security policies are key aspects of his agenda. The 2024 Republican platform renews pledges to curb both legal and illegal immigration, including stringent asylum, border, and deportation measures reminiscent of Trump’s first term.

Technology:

Trump’s technology policies focus on maintaining U.S. leadership in tech, ensuring national security, and countering competitors like China. In his first term, Trump developed national cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI) strategies. He sees AI development as a strategic race with China and has had disputes with major U.S. tech companies, which could resurface.

Energy:

Trump’s energy policy emphasizes increasing U.S. production and energy independence, strongly focusing on fossil fuels. Key priorities include:

1. Support for Fossil Fuels: Increasing oil, natural gas, and coal production.
2. Rolling Back Environmental Regulations: Scaling back regulations that Trump argues hinder economic growth.
3. Climate Policy Skepticism: Trump withdrew from the Paris Climate Agreement, often voicing scepticism about climate science and emphasizing fossil fuels over clean energy.
4. Boosting Energy Exports: Trump aims to make the U.S. a major energy exporter, especially of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and oil.
5. Support for Nuclear Energy: Trump supports nuclear energy, including investments in small modular reactors.
6. Backing Pipeline Projects: Trump supported the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines.
7. Opening Federal Lands for Drilling: Trump allowed drilling on federal lands and coastal areas.
8. Opposition to the Green New Deal: Trump has criticized the Green New Deal, arguing it would harm the American economy. He continues to focus on fossil fuels over renewable energy.

Trump’s policies have driven growth in the energy sector but also attracted criticism regarding environmental impact and climate change concerns.

Additional Considerations:

• Trump has vowed to rescind Biden’s fuel economy standards to protect the U.S. auto industry.
• He plans to lift the moratorium on LNG export terminals implemented by Biden.
• Trump’s campaign claims that Biden’s promotion of electric vehicles and reduced fossil fuel use endangers the U.S. power grid. Trump has committed to streamlining energy plant permitting processes to prevent this risk.

Turkey-U.S. Relations:

Although Trump’s relationship with Turkey was strained at times — especially over threats to damage the Turkish economy and the detention of Pastor Brunson — he maintained close communication with President Erdo?an. This dynamic is expected to continue, with the prospect of stronger personal and diplomatic ties between the two leaders. Trump’s pragmatic approach may open doors for collaboration, although U.S. domestic factors like congressional pressure could present challenges.

First Expectation: Trump will likely invite President Erdo?an to the White House within the first 4-5 months.

The volume of Turkey-U.S. trade increased to $30 billion during the Biden administration. In contrast, Trump’s protectionist policies may pose new challenges for Turkey’s economy. While Biden’s trade policies favoured increased Turkish exports, Trump’s approach could shift the focus inward.

Key Promises from Trump’s Campaign:

1. Border Security: Enacting measures to halt illegal immigration.
2. Deportation: Conducting the largest deportation operation in U.S. history.
3. Economic Stability: Addressing inflation and promoting affordability.
4. Energy Independence: Positioning the U.S. as a top energy producer.
5. Manufacturing: Curbing outsourcing and revitalizing U.S. manufacturing.
6. Tax Cuts: Reducing taxes for workers and exempting tips from taxation.
7. Constitutional Rights: Defending free speech, religious freedom, and the right to bear arms.
8. National Defense and Peace: Aiming for global peace and constructing a comprehensive missile defence system.
9. Government Accountability: Ending actions that target American citizens.
10. Crime Reduction: Addressing immigration-related crime, drug cartels, and gang violence.
11. Urban Renewal: Rebuilding cities to enhance safety and appeal.
12. Military Strength: Modernizing and strengthening the military.
13. Currency Dominance: Maintaining the U.S. dollar as the global reserve currency.
14. Social Security: Preserving Social Security and Medicare.
15. Deregulation: Ending mandatory electric vehicles and reducing regulations.
16. Educational Funding Control: Restricting federal funds for schools that promote specific ideologies.
17. Sports Integrity: Limiting male participation in female sports.
18. Campus Safety: Expelling radical individuals and promoting patriotism.
19. Election Security: Implementing voter ID requirements and paper ballots.
20. National Unity: Strengthening the country through economic and social success.

These priorities summarize Trump’s domestic and international policy goals, emphasizing security, economic growth, and regulatory reform.

https://www.politico.com/interactives/2024/potential-cabinets/trump-second-term-cabinet/

https://nypost.com/2024/10/22/us-news/secretary-of-state-rübio-energy-secretary-burgum-heres-who-could-fill-out-a-second-trump-administration/