NEW YORK — Upon Donald Trump’s arrival in Washington in 2017, he was relatively unknown to the majority of the political landscape. As the first president without any previous experience in either public office or the military, there was considerable uncertainty surrounding his governance approach.
However, this situation has dramatically changed. After serving a full term in the Oval Office, Trump, once again poised for power, comes back equipped with extensive experience and a revised team. The political environment is distinctly different now, with Republicans occupying both chambers of Congress who are largely aligned with Trump. He has also appointed justices to the Supreme Court as well as to various federal courts. Additionally, world leaders who had previously been critical of him have either stepped away from their roles or appear more inclined to collaborate with him.
One notable shift in Trump’s approach is his transition from a self-proclaimed novice to a figure with significant political expertise. During his first term, Trump faced roadblocks due to legal challenges and internal conflicts, with some of his Cabinet selections openly opposing his initiatives. Throughout his presidency, however, Trump learned how legislative processes work, engaged effectively with international leaders, and understood how to optimize the powers granted by his position. Reflecting on his past and present, Trump recently stated, “We’re going to do an even better job because now we have a tremendous amount of experience.”
Previously, Trump acknowledged his inexperience, which may have led to regrettable personnel choices, stating, “I didn’t know the people. I had to rely on people to give me names.” Now, he claims familiarity with various individuals, saying, “I know the great ones. I know the smart ones. I know the dumb ones, I know the weak ones, I know the stupid ones.”
Moreover, Trump and his supporters have utilized their time out of office to lay a well-defined groundwork for his anticipated return. Even before formally re-entering the political arena, organizations like the Heritage Foundation and America First Policy Institute began drafting a substantial volume of policy documents, executive orders, and legislation to be ready on Day 1 of his new term.
Furthermore, many Republican adversaries have either been ousted or chosen to retire since Trump’s initial inauguration. In 2017, figures such as House Speaker Paul Ryan, who had withdrawn his endorsement, and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who made belittling remarks about Trump, were in prominent positions. With Ryan opting out of reelection and McConnell stepping down from his leadership role yet remaining in the Senate, critical voices like Sen. Mitt Romney and Rep. Liz Cheney are no longer present. Trump’s influence during Republican primaries has cultivated new party members who are now receptive to his vision. Current leaders such as House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune recognize the importance of Trump’s endorsement for their political survival.
Sen. Jim Banks expressed that Trump has fundamentally transformed the Republican Party, stating, “He’s single-handedly changed the party… Everyone knows that Donald Trump is calling the shots. He’s the quarterback … and we’re going to follow his lead.” This was evident when Trump addressed Senate Republicans recently; all members, including previous skeptics, stood in support of his agenda.
The environment within the White House is also changing. Trump’s earlier terms were characterized by a tumultuous atmosphere, rotating through multiple campaign managers and chiefs of staff amid internal conflicts and rivalries. However, Trump’s current campaign, overseen by seasoned political strategist Susie Wiles, has garnered bipartisan praise for its structure and professionalism. With Wiles serving as his chief of staff, there is a significant emphasis on ensuring a united front, as she has indicated intolerance for any divisive behavior.
Additionally, the leadership landscape on the global stage has shifted. Figures who once strongly opposed Trump, such as German Chancellor Angela Merkel, have departed. Rising populist leaders who align with Trump’s viewpoints now occupy key positions, including Italy’s Giorgia Meloni and Hungary’s Viktor Orbán. After a meeting with Trump, Orbán articulated a shared philosophy among conservative leaders focused on family support, combating illegal migration, and preserving national sovereignty.
As Trump returns to power, he is poised to re-engage with authoritarian leaders, including Russia’s Vladimir Putin, China’s Xi Jinping, and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un, further solidifying his international relationships.
