N. Peter Kramer’s Weekly Column
Donald Trump got off to a flying start, announcing a new golden age for America. With dozens of decisions on day one, he not only fulfilled his campaign promises to push the accelerator of his nationalist agenda immediately after the swearing in, but herewith he is also exploring how far he can go in the interpretation of his power. It is to be expected that many of the new President’s quick decisions will get caught up in a legal quagmire and fail the test of the law, but by doing so he challenges those who want to expose it. Whether his decisions stand up or not, they are instant trophies that will at least cause a shock.
During his inaugural address, Trump paid particular attention to immigration and the economy, issues that polls show American voters care about the most. He also promised to end government-promoted diversity programmes. It is a sign that these issues, where he drew the most vivid contrasts with Democrats in last year election, will continue to be Trump’s most powerful ways to stay connect with his base.
At the moment Trump is at the peak of his power, with his best popularity scores among the general public ever, and supported by a party that counts virtually no dissident votes anymore. Yet he will eventually have to govern in order to translate his agenda into policy more broadly. For that he needs Congress and although the Republicans are the majority, a certain division between the different wings of his party can be expected.
In less than two years, Tuesday November 3 of 2026, there will be the midterm elections. They usually end bad for an incumbent president. To entrench lasting reforms, Donald Trump must therefore act quickly, because he started his second and last term.
