The president begins the second year of his presidency with an emphasis on revenge, domestic dominance and global influence.
Despite predictions of a reduction in his power, he continues to use federal force to oust opponents and impose his influence,
Abroad, he is threatening Cuba militarily and seeking control, showing that his decisions directly affect the lives of millions of people and making Trump the most unpredictable president in generations.
Iran, Trump’s next big pick
Trump is considering whether to get involved in an even more decisive crisis, despite the president’s warnings that doing so could prompt US action.
The possibilities may seem enticing to the White House:
- Could US action hasten the collapse of Iran’s Islamic Revolution, which has stifled freedoms for more than 45 years, fueled terrorism and prevented the emergence of a new, prosperous Middle East that Trump believes is within reach?
- Or will Trump and his team conclude that direct US support for the protesters, which has already reportedly caused a massive loss of life?
- Uncertainty about what will happen next in Iran could also demoralize the administration. Democratic transition is only one possible outcome if the regime collapses. Some experts fear the emergence of a classic secular Middle Eastern strongman or the outbreak of a civil war that could cause regional chaos and refugee flows.
- There is also the question of how much more the US military can withstand. The Navy is already burdened by maintaining a huge armada out of Venezuela, which Trump plans to use to remotely control Caracas. Long-range airstrikes, such as those targeting Iran’s nuclear program last year, can cause significant damage. But could the U.S. really make a meaningful difference in the street clashes and local battles that are raging throughout Iran’s cities?
- Finally, there is the question of Trump’s political standing, as the supposedly “America First” president is giving midterm voters reason to wonder if he has forgotten about their finances. The White House suffered several flak from Congress last week for authorizing military action in Venezuela and ending Obamacare’s enhanced subsidies. GOP discipline in the House is fraying as restive members face bitter election battles. Still, as CNN reported, Trump’s power to name primary challengers keeps further Republican defections in check.
Unsolved cases
Events in the tumultuous first days of January are consistent with Trump’s goal of creating maximum turmoil after he leaves office in 2021, believing that establishment forces have thwarted his best intentions.
The president is seeking to overturn decades of progressive achievements. For example, in universities, law firms and businesses by scrapping diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. In addition, he seeks to redefine America’s relationship with immigrants, not only by deporting undocumented immigrants, but with a series of measures that limit legal immigration and even travel to the US by citizens of non-white countries.
Trump, as a troublemaker, is stirring up similar controversies abroad.
Trump’s threat to personally control Venezuela’s oil exports represents a remarkable return to imperialism, even as he insists the profits will benefit the country’s people
Trump’s seizure of Greenland threatens to break up NATO if the Europeans do not succumb to his colonial ambitions, given that no one had thought of an attack on a member by another member, much less the most important country.
On many levels, Trump’s second presidency has been a success, if judged on its own terms. His popularity ratings may be below 40%, but he has secured the border and put pressure on undocumented immigrants and resisting democratic areas.
His growing desire for global power is seen by some supporters as a break from the “America First” principle. Trump has decisively used military force in Iran and Venezuela without engaging in bloody land wars, but his aggressiveness raises the question: is he driving the country and the global system to a crisis point?
The administration’s move to ramp up ICE operations and deployments in Minneapolis after Good’s killing appears certain to heighten political tension and raise the risk of further deaths or injuries.
Trump’s arrogance may be an issue, especially if his growing tolerance for military risk leads to tragedy for US personnel. 21st century colonization and its rush to dominate territories and natural resources risks creating a world that favors the powerful and empires, limiting the autonomy of smaller states.
Trump’s violent start in 2026 may have removed the impression of waning power for now, but it comes with enormous risks.
