How to respond to Trump 2.0

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Your guide to what the 2024 US elections mean for Washington and the world

Donald Trump began his second term as expected: with a barrage of executive orders, memos, pledges, musings, and feverish rhetoric. The world has had at least one year to prepare for the return of the America First agenda to the White House. No one can say they are surprised by this approach, or by most of Trump’s initiatives – radical and divisive as some of them are. However, his unleashing of the animal spirits of American capitalism has alarmed some traditional allies. Now the world must decide how to respond to the whirlwind that appears to accompany, if not envelop, a second Trump administration.

America also has a big question to answer. Much of the focus in the early days of Trump’s new presidency was on the issues that secured his re-election, particularly limiting immigration and cutting back on what his supporters call “immigrants.”Deep state“, otherwise known as the federal government. And he is right to care about the concerns of the voters who sent him Back to the Oval Office. But how should Americans respond if, as his opponents fear, he indulges his baser instincts and begins to undermine the foundations of their democracy?

There is a simple answer to both questions: values ​​plus interests. Trump’s withdrawal from Paris climate agreement It cannot, for example, become an excuse for the EU to slow down its decarbonisation agenda; However, it should work to reduce regulatory burdens and simplify its rules.

On the domestic front as well, it is time to choose the right battles. US courts should be prepared for a battle royale over Trump’s most controversial initiatives, such as his attempt to end birthright citizenship, which is guaranteed by the 14th Amendment.

Trump’s inaugural foray highlighted a widespread feeling that an era had ended. It has been met with a weary reaction from America’s allies, who see it as intensifying threats to the multilateral order. But it is important to note that many elsewhere in the world view Trump more positively and like the idea of ​​a more inward-looking America. It is also possible that some of his initiatives will lead to desirable results. It will take more than just Trump threatening tougher sanctions on Russia to bring in Vladimir Putin To the table To negotiate a just peace agreement in Ukraine. But the president’s blunt and unexpected warning this week was a step in the right direction, as well as a reminder of how he views unpredictability as an advantage.

More broadly, allies must accept that some of Trump’s prescriptions may serve as a much-needed call to action. Just as in his last term he urged NATO members to spend more on defence, this time his support for cutting regulations and bureaucracy and cutting taxes will force EU leaders to confront the continent’s competitiveness problem more urgently.

These are the early days. The truth is that Trump is not starting new Trade war with China Or Europe does not mean that no one will start next week. Whatever happens, this is a time for cool heads. Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, He told the Financial Times this week He and other East Asian leaders believed that after an initial period of turmoil, the global trading system would remain intact. We have to hope he’s right.

Trump is now in Increased powersHe controls both chambers of Congress, with a conservative majority on the Supreme Court and with reelection winding down the road. At home and abroad, it is crucial that we not be distracted by the performative elements of his agenda, that we accept that he may be right sometimes, but above all that we stand up for what matters. The political capital of a second term could dissipate quickly – if recklessness and arrogance prevail.