President Trump's Bold Actions Define Second Term Amid Rising Tensions
An emboldened President Donald Trump is pushing boundaries both domestically and internationally. Over the past two weeks in January, his actions have sparked widespread discussion and concern. Advisers close to the president describe him as increasingly assertive, with a nickname emerging among some officials: "President of the World." This reflects his expanding ambitions as he enters the second year of his second term.
Aggressive Posture on Multiple Fronts
Trump has taken a series of aggressive steps recently. He has threatened to upend governments in Latin America, considered military action in Iran, and pursued control of Greenland. Domestically, he has cheered on federal immigration agents in Minnesota, raised the possibility of sending troops to Minneapolis to quell protests, and threatened to cut funding to states run by Democrats. Additionally, he has called for credit-card companies to cap interest rates and pressed federal prosecutors to move faster against his Democratic adversaries.
Unlike during his first term, few people close to Trump are pushing back. Advisers and cabinet secretaries, all loyalists, publicly praise him and encourage him behind the scenes. Republican lawmakers have largely not stood in the way of his agenda.
Empowerment from Venezuela Operation
The president feels empowered by a daring U.S. operation in early January that captured Venezuelan strongman Nicolás Maduro. Administration officials say Trump has repeatedly recounted details of the raid, noting that no American lives were lost and describing the Army's elite Delta Force as "badasses." He has told advisers that adversaries now fear and respect the United States.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, "President Trump gets things done and he's not afraid to break norms to do it." This assertiveness, however, comes with significant risks. Trump's approval rating has declined, and some Republicans worry that Democrats might take back control of the House in the November midterms, which could lead to investigations into his actions.
Public Opinion and Political Risks
In a new Wall Street Journal poll, roughly 92% of people who voted for Trump in 2024 give him a positive job rating today, including 70% who strongly approve. This indicates that his core base remains steadfast. However, among the broader set of voters, the poll finds dissatisfaction with much of Trump's agenda. While 44% say he is making necessary changes, 52% believe he is bringing chaos and dysfunction that will hurt the country.
Majorities of respondents said Trump had gone too far in deporting immigrants in the country illegally, in deploying U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to cities, and in threatening to exert control over other countries. Some prominent conservative figures, such as podcaster Joe Rogan, have raised concerns about ICE's tactics in Minnesota following a fatal shooting.
Internal and External Challenges
Former Republican House Speaker Newt Gingrich, a Trump ally, noted that the president's expansive agenda has downsides. "He's had a great run, but frankly right now, they are spread too thin," Gingrich said. He added that public support for ICE was in jeopardy as videos of clashes with protesters spread online, and that on Greenland, Trump has raised too much anxiety to achieve his goals.
Trump has stuck to his goal of U.S. control over Greenland, despite pushback. On Friday, he said he might impose tariffs on countries that did not support his efforts to take the semiautonomous Danish territory. Administration officials argue that immigration controls, a central plank of Trump's 2024 campaign, are vital, and that Greenland is crucial to national security.
Legacy and Future Moves
At the White House, many staffers' desks are adorned with red hats that read "Trump Was Right About Everything," highlighting a change from his first term, which was marked by internal division. After losing the 2020 election, conservative groups and Trump allies worked for years to lay plans for his potential return, focusing on aggressive use of executive power.
Trump ran for re-election on keeping the U.S. out of foreign entanglements, but since returning to office, he has articulated a "Donroe Doctrine" aimed at establishing dominance over the Western Hemisphere and beyond. Steve Bannon, a former Trump adviser, called it "Manifest Destiny 2.0."
Some of Trump's moves have caused consternation on Capitol Hill, including his battle with the Federal Reserve and demands for lower credit-card interest rates. Yet, despite flashes of disunity, he has largely kept congressional Republicans in line. For instance, he persuaded GOP lawmakers to kill a war-powers resolution aimed at limiting his authority in Venezuela.
Potential Limits and Historical Context
If Trump were to use military force to take control of Greenland, he could face bipartisan calls for impeachment, according to Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska, one of the few Republicans willing to speak out publicly against him. In a recent interview, when asked about limits on his global powers, Trump responded, "Yeah, there is one thing. My own morality. My own mind. It's the only thing that can stop me."
Matthew Dallek, a political historian and professor at George Washington University, said the only significant check on Trump during his first year in office in his second term was the bond market after he launched tariffs in April. Now, "barring an impending economic or military catastrophe in the months ahead, Trump seems unlikely to back off on any front," Dallek noted.
During a White House event honoring the Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers, Trump marveled at the athletes and remarked, "You hate standing here with all this power behind you. But I got power, too. It's called the United States military." This statement underscores his confidence and the assertive stance that defines his current presidency.
