100 days of Trump 2: a world turned on its head?
Today marks 100 days since Donald Trump was sworn in as US President for the second time - a perfect opportunity for the press to take stock. Trump's actionism in both domestic and foreign policy gives commentators plenty to reflect on.
The populist who haemorrhaged popularity
Hospodářské noviny's gives a damning assessment of the situation so far:
“Without a doubt, Donald Trump will set a series of records for his second term in office. One of these has already been achieved: he has become the most unpopular president in the first hundred days in office so far - despite the fact that popularity with the voters is his top priority. ... The main audience that Trump is putting on his unpredictable political show for is the American people. ... But the American people are frustrated. According to a survey in the New York Times, for 66 percent of respondents the word that best describes Trump's second term in office is 'chaotic', followed by 'scary' and 'annoying'.”
A textbook con man
Trump should not be taken at his word, NRC writes:
“He brandishes the black pen that he uses to pass decrees like a magic wand. This fits perfectly with the picture of a man who used the tabloid press and reality TV to con the nation into thinking he was an economic genius. Trump gives the illusion of being powerful, like an influencer 'manifesting' success and wealth on Instagram. But decrees are not panaceas. From a political standpoint they are actually a sign of weakness. ... As long as the US still has free elections, the nation won't (yet) be the dictatorship that Trump wants it to be. The forces of democracy should neither be cowed nor demoralised by his playing the potentate.”
Direct attack on rule of law
US columnist Alan Friedman rails in La Stampa:
“In just 100 days, Donald Trump has accomplished what pessimists feared but did not dare to imagine: a systematic assault on democracy, the rule of law and the fundamental civil rights that have defined our nation for over two centuries. Immediately after taking office, Trump began dismantling the foundations of the democratic state. ... His first act in office was to pardon 1,600 rioters responsible for the uprising of 6 January 2021: his henchmen. Since then, Trump has ignored Supreme Court rulings, intimidated leading law firms and instructed the Attorney General to prosecute his political opponents. The independence of the judiciary is now under direct attack.”
Trump discredits conservatives
Berlingske editor-in-chief Tom Jensen laments missed opportunities:
“Aspects of Trumpism hit the nail on the head: a showdown with stifling identity politics was called for, illegal immigration had to be curbed, China's abuse of the international trade system needed to be tackled. ... But Donald Trump is in the process of undermining the conservative current whose torchbearer he could have become. ... Trump's problematic personality is most obvious in his trade policy. ... Economic uncertainty and inflation could soon be Trumpism's Waterloo. And it may be a long time before a conservative comes to power again in the US.”