Trump II: a year of storm and stress
Donald Trump began his second term as US president one year ago today. The Republican had promised his voters that he would "make America great again" and settle conflicts around the world. The 47th US president has disregarded conventions and dominated the headlines to an unprecedented degree. Where do Trump - and the world - stand one year on?
Dispensing with moral fig leaves
Neatkarīgā sees Trump as a completely new kind of leader:
“From his first days in the White House, Trump has charted a new course not only in US politics, but also in global politics. In the past, a hundred, two hundred or even more years ago, politicians (kings, emperors and counts) tried to present themselves as representatives of high morals and to act in the name of higher goals, regardless of their actual actions. ... The fundamental rejection of morality in politics is Trump's key political innovation. Even Putin, not to mention the leaders of communist China, always justify their actions with embellishing motives. ... Trump does not bother with such moral fig leaves.”
The stock markets aren't worried
Naftemporiki points out that notwithstanding all the uncertainty, the financial markets are booming after a year of Trump:
“Analysts and politicians agree that the American president is trying to rewrite the rules within the US and globally and create a new world order. Understandably, this idea is causing concern and reflection almost everywhere, except on the markets. They remain on track for record highs because they assume that this new order will bring many opportunities for investment and profit. In three years' time, we will know who was right.”
Clashing with reality
The US president faces considerable resistance, SRF notes:
“The sheer weight of the political and economic situation is also affecting Donald Trump. The promised golden economic age has not dawned. His poll ratings are poor. And the Supreme Court is unlikely to let him get away with everything, including many of his tariffs. ... It is quite possible - indeed probable - that the Democrats will regain control of the House of Representatives in November. The result would be parliamentary investigations, perhaps even impeachment proceedings. ... Provided, of course, that Trump allows free and fair elections to take place.”