Mr. Trump was sworn into office in 2017
When billionaire Donald Trump arrived in Washington DC in January 2017 right before his first term inauguration, he was still quite a stranger to most residents of the US capital.
As the only president in American history with no experience working in public office or the military, it is unclear how he will run the country. However, becoming the owner of the White House this time is completely different for him. According to AP, after four years in the Oval Office, Mr. Trump now returns to power with experience and a completely different team.
Besides, the political landscape has also changed, with both chambers now filled with Republican lawmakers who are beholden to him. He has been influential in the US Supreme Court and federal courts at every level. World leaders who once criticized him have now left world politics or are more willing to cooperate with him.
Below are outstanding changes when Mr. Trump returns to the White House after his inauguration today, January 20.
Rich experience
Mr. Trump once admitted that he had no experience, but things are different now. His first term agenda, especially in the early days, was often hampered by courts and infighting. Many people in the government silently or openly blocked his ideas.
However, the leader has spent 4 years with experiences on how to promulgate regulations, how to deal with leaders of other countries and how to consolidate maximum power.
“We will do better because we have a lot of experience now,” he told reporters at a recent news conference at Mar-a-Lago, his Florida resort.
During his first term, he often cited his lack of experience to explain why he hired people he later regretted.
“I don’t know those people. I have to ask everyone to tell me their names,” he said in 2023.
He now says he “knows great people, smart people, stupid people, weak people, stupid people”.
He and his allies have also had four years out of office to prepare the ground for a return.
Long before his formal transition began, allied organizations like the Heritage Foundation and the American Policy Institute first worked to draft hundreds of policy documents, executive orders and laws. France is ready to push on his first day back in the White House.
There was no opposition Republican congressman
In 2017, former House Speaker Paul Ryan used harsh criticism and previously withdrew his support for Mr. Trump. The Senate majority leader, Senator Mitch McConnell, used even harsher insults.
Mr. Ryan did not run for re-election in 2018, and Mr. McConnell no longer holds the party leadership position in the Senate, although he is still a congressman.
Former House Speaker Paul Ryan harshly criticized Mr. Trump
Loud critics like former Sen. Mitt Romney and former Rep. Liz Cheney are no longer in Congress.
Observers also say that Mr. Trump’s actions in the Republican primary election have created a new generation of members who listen to him. House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate majority leader John Thune know that their power depends largely on Mr. Trump’s support.
“He single-handedly changed the party,” said Senator Jim Banks. Mr. Banks became a congressman when Mr. Trump came to Washington in 2017. At that time, Mr. Banks said that Mr. Trump often had to deal with Republican resistance.
“We will follow his lead, support him and pass the agenda that the American people voted for when they elected him this time,” Mr. Banks said.
Internally stable
Mr. Trump changed many campaign directors in his two previous races for the White House and four chiefs of staff in his first term. During his first term in the White House, information was often leaked about backbiting and quarrels between opposing factions.
His 2024 campaign is different. Led by veteran Florida political consultant Susie Wiles, his campaign has received bipartisan praise as the most disciplined, professional and competent campaign ever.
Mr. Trump praised his campaign senior advisor Susie Wiles during an election night event at the Palm Beach Convention Center in November 2024.
Ms. Wiles will join Mr. Trump’s team in Washington as chief of staff. While there are still personality conflicts, Ms. Wiles has made it clear that she will not tolerate those who try to manipulate operations.
“I do not welcome people who want to work alone or become stars. My team and I will not tolerate backbiting, improper speculation or drama. These things are counterproductive with mission”, p Axios quoted her in a recent interview.
Less stress from allies
Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel resigned in 2021, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is leaving office, while there have been tumultuous leadership changes in the UK, France and South Korea.
Welcoming Mr. Trump’s return was a group of leaders who shared his views, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Argentine President Javier Milei and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
“Support families, fight illegal migration and defend the sovereignty of our countries. This is the common foundation for cooperation between the conservative forces of Europe and America,” Mr. Orban spoke after meeting Mr. Trump at Mar-a-Lago last year.
Mr. Orban during a trip to Florida to visit Mr. Trump (right) last year
PHOTO: ACCOUNT X PRIME MINISTER VIKTOR ORBAN
However, in this return to the White House, a number of country leaders are still in office since his first term, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and the leader of the Democratic People’s Republic of China. North Korea Kim Jong-un.
