Trump's Country: A Vision of America Remade

" Every real object must cease to be what it seemed, and none could ever be what the whole soul desired"-- George Santayana

The 2024 Republican National Convention has concluded, and the nation stands on the precipice of a second Trump presidency. At this writing, Joe Biden refuses to step down and the Democrats are fractured and struggling. Time will be unforgiving, as Election Day moves closer and the Democrats struggle to put forth a nominee capable of winning what will certainly be a hotly contested election. As Election Day moves closer, the Democrats have yet to put forth an alternative vision for the country that can unite Americans and calm fears of inflation, crime, and a broken immigration system. Now, with Trump's lead widening against Biden-- the question on everyone's mind is: what does a second Trump term hold for America?

While predicting the future is inherently risky, understanding Donald Trump's past actions and pronouncements provides a framework for envisioning his vision for the country. The shameful assassination attempt on his life on July 13 did little to alter his perspective as he continued to bash immigrants and the "China virus". His "America First" ideology, fueled by a potent mix of nationalism, populism, and economic protectionism, would likely be amplified in a second term.

Trump's economic policies likely prioritize American businesses and workers over global trade. Expect a renewed focus on renegotiating trade deals, imposing tariffs, and promoting domestic manufacturing. This approach, while appealing to many, could further isolate the US from the global economy, potentially leading to higher prices for American consumers and reduced access to foreign markets.

With the selection of Sen. J. D. Vance as his vice president, a second Trump term will see a continuation of his "Make America Great Again" agenda, with a renewed emphasis on codifying rightwing views on social issues. Will Trump attempt to restrict "Black jobs" to Black people once he solves the immigration problem? Expect a push for tougher immigration policies, including a more robust military presence on the southern border and a more aggressive crackdown on illegal immigration. His social conservatism will likely manifest in policies aimed at restricting abortion access and promoting Christian nationalism.

Donald Trump's "law and order" rhetoric will likely translate into a more aggressive approach to crime and policing. Expect increased funding for law enforcement, the militarization of law enforcement agencies, harsher sentencing guidelines, and a retaliatory justice department. A second Trump administration will exacerbate existing racial disparities in the criminal justice system and lead to further erosion of trust between communities and law enforcement. Blanket immunities for police officers under Trump's Supreme Court will shield law enforcement from accountability and transparency.

US foreign policy will revert to an aggressive "America First" stance, prioritizing national interests over multilateral cooperation. Expect a withdrawal from international agreements, a focus on bilateral deals, and a more aggressive stance toward adversaries. This approach may not increase global instability, given the number of foreign policy failures under the Biden/Harris administration. A second Trump administration may not contribute to a decline in American influence on the world stage. To this end, an "America First" approach to international relations is not a bad idea.

Let us turn to the "Trumpian" media landscape. He will continue adversarial relations with mainstream news outlets, and display a preference for alternative media sources. Expect a further erosion of trust between the second Trump administration and traditional media institutions, and the rise of misinformation and disinformation. This will certainly have a detrimental impact on public discourse and the ability of Americans to access accurate information.

A second Trump administration will likely see a continued reliance on social media as a platform for communication and political mobilization. We can expect a further blurring of the lines between politics and entertainment, with a focus on creating viral content and engaging with supporters directly. This will inevitably deepen polarization and make it more difficult to engage in constructive dialogue. A second Trump administration will consist of emboldened nationalists uninterested in governing by consensus. Yesterday's fringe politician will become part of tomorrow's status quo.

Donald Trump will come very close to completely remaking the Supreme Court and federal judiciary. This will undoubtedly be his greatest legacy, having a lasting impact on American law and society-- shaping everything from abortion rights to civil rights to environmental regulations.

The legacy of a second Trump term remains uncertain. While some argue that his policies have benefited the economy and strengthened national security, others contend that his policies hasten racial and ethnic divisions and erode democratic norms. Ultimately, the most significant factor in predicting a second Trump term is Donald Trump himself. His unpredictable nature, his tendency to act impulsively, and his seeming disregard for the Constitution make it difficult to predict his actions with any certainty.

If Donald Trump wins the White House a second time in 2024, then Joe Biden and the Democrats have no one to blame but themselves for what will effectively be a MAGA revolution and a dramatic rightward shift in American politics and public policy. Expect this revolution to last for a generation.