NEW YORK — The lengthy question-and-answer sessions are making a comeback, along with the iconic Oval Office carpet and the Diet Coke button on the Resolute Desk. Donald Trump has re-emerged with a flurry of late-night social media updates, executive orders, and the same brash style that characterized his initial presidency.
In just 10 days since taking office again, Trump has enacted a freeze on federal spending and hiring, offered early retirement packages to over two million federal employees, and halted federal initiatives aimed at promoting diversity and transgender rights. He has dismissed almost two dozen independent inspectors general, altered maps of the United States, issued pardons to protesters from January 6, 2021, who clashed with police, proposed the detention of migrants at Guantánamo Bay, and reversed numerous actions from his predecessors with the simple stroke of a pen.
The revived Trump presidency reflects familiar tones and tactics from his first administration, but he is now arguably more capable, accompanied by a well-prepared team that has spent ample time strategizing for his return to the White House. Their aggressive approach is rapidly pushing the limits of presidential authority, creating confusion, and igniting outrage among Democrats who are uncertain about how to counteract his actions.
Sean Spicer, Trump’s inaugural White House press secretary, remarked on the president’s newfound ease and confidence, suggesting that his prior experience in office has allowed him to navigate the responsibilities with greater aptitude. “He has the people, the policies, and the process down,” said Spicer, who now hosts a show on YouTube, showcasing Trump’s obvious preparedness for this new chapter.
Now, with no reelection campaign concerns, Trump is unfettered by the constitutional limits of a third term and faces little pushback from a Republican-controlled Congress. The Supreme Court, which has a portion of judges he appointed, has granted him broad immunity from legal repercussions.
Trump’s boldness is amplified by the tumultuous four years preceding this moment, during which he not only survived two assassination attempts but also became the first former president to be convicted of a crime, all while maneuvering his way back to the country’s highest office after being largely dismissed following his 2020 election defeat. Despite his convictions, he has received no prison sentence, and many related cases are either dismissed or paused.
This increasing assertiveness is manifested in Trump’s hectic schedule, a notable contrast to Joe Biden’s more reserved approach to presidential duties. His initial trip as president involved assessing hurricane damage in North Carolina, where he made headlines by suggesting the elimination of FEMA and demanding concessions from Democratic states for disaster assistance.
Later, he visited wildfire-affected areas in Los Angeles, where he engaged local officials in televised arguments over water policy and downplayed hazardous waste concerns, all while sporting a black version of his signature “MAGA” hat.
“Trump 2.0 is something else, and it’s exhilarating to witness,” noted Matt Rooney, a pro-Trump media personality, commenting on Trump’s confrontational exchanges in California. The day following these events, he appeared in Las Vegas, where he proposed the elimination of taxes on tips and mingled with casino-goers. Cheers erupted as he walked through the Circa Resort & Casino, where one excited patron humorously chanted, “Give me $47 on No. 47!”
Though his team framed the visit as a gesture of gratitude towards workers in the hospitality industry, Trump seemed more enchanted by the gaming action, encouraging players at the craps tables.
His current campaign team, filled with members from his earlier run, is keen on cultivating viral moments, similar to the various media stunts that resonated well with the public during his first term.
Trump’s next public appearance involved hosting lawmakers at his golf club for the House Republicans’ annual policy retreat, keen to align his administration with party leaders.
Unlike his first term, where internal strife and leaks were rampant, the current administration portrays a more unified front. Trump’s team, now led by chief of staff Susie Wiles, works cohesively and eliminates much of the drama that marked his prior term.
In the years leading up to his return, Trump and his allies, including organizations like The Heritage Foundation, meticulously devised action plans filled with executive orders to sidestep the chaotic disruptions of his previous administration, allowing for straightforward execution of policies.
So far, the administration has quickly retracted one initiative that paused all federal grant funding pending ideological evaluation, after it led to widespread confusion among dependent organizations. Nevertheless, Trump remains focused on settling scores and enacting revenge for perceived betrayals during his political exile.
Shortly after taking the oath, he granted pardons to over 1,500 individuals charged or convicted in connection with the January 6 events, including those involved in the assault on law enforcement. Additionally, he has taken steps to reprimand critics, removing security clearances from numerous former officials.
This assertive approach has drawn rare criticism even from some Republican allies who caution against potential risks tied to revoking security details from high-profile figures, noting ongoing threats from foreign entities.
Over eight years after his surprising win against Hillary Clinton, Trump has transformed into a more seasoned and aggressive political figure. Veteran Republican pollster Whit Ayres commented on his evolution, asserting that Trump’s past experiences and additional time to reflect have empowered him to lead a markedly active administration compared to his first term. “It’s been an astonishing stream of initiatives and executive orders that have captivated global attention. It’s truly been a whirlwind,” Ayres stated.
