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Trump’s great comeback to secure America
Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 presidential election marks a momentous turning point for the United States. After a four-year hiatus and a turbulent period in American politics, Trump returns to the White House with a clear mandate: to get the economy back on track and ensure uncompromising national security. This victory, despite social divisions and challenges, is a strong and unequivocal signal of the desire of millions of Americans to see a new direction for the country.
For four long years, American and European political ‘elites’ assured us that the citizens of the United States of America had rejected an illegitimate president who, together with his closest advisers and even his supporters, had become an enemy within worthy of prosecution. We were told that Americans were very concerned about man-made ‘global warming’ and wanted to be forced to buy electric cars. We were told that instead of wanting lower taxes and an end to endless wars, Americans wanted more taxes and more endless wars. We were told by the ‘elites’ that secure borders and the deportation of criminal illegal aliens were not a priority for the American people; on the contrary, political ‘elites’ and media propaganda insisted that Americans wanted tens of millions of foreigners invading their cities and schools and draining their already overstretched welfare programmes. We were told that the prosperous future of the US would not come from a manufacturing renaissance and the rebuilding of blue-collar cities, but we were assured that Americans wanted to own nothing and embrace America’s decline. Propaganda, falsehoods, mainstream brainwashing, but it was the official story for four long years.
American voters had only one way to escape this bleak dystopia: vote for Donald Trump as if their lives depended on it, and on 5 November they did, winning an electoral victory beyond any doubt.
The Wall Street Journal admitted that the victory cemented Trump as a historic political figure, proving that his surprise victory over Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton in 2016 was no fluke.
President Trump built on the previous administration by lowering food and energy prices, raising per capita income, securing the border, rejecting the stifling principles of ‘political correctness’, making America energy independent, using America’s economic clout to contain foreign adversaries, avoiding unnecessary and costly wars by negotiating peace between Israel and its neighbours, and bringing back manufacturing jobs. He repeatedly reminded Americans that ‘economic security is national security’ and that ‘peace is the prize’.
It is no coincidence that one of the central themes of Trump’s 2024 campaign is the economy, and the promise is clear: ‘Putting America back to work’. The president has pledged to boost domestic manufacturing, with tax incentives aimed at stimulating production and bringing jobs back to American soil. For Trump, the goal is to break dependence on foreign countries, particularly China, and build a strong domestic manufacturing base. His policies are aimed at reducing the trade deficit and favouring small and medium-sized enterprises, which he sees as the real beating heart of the American economy.
At the heart of his economic plan are major tax cuts and business incentives, similar to those implemented in his first term, with an emphasis on supporting innovation and technology. Trump has also promised to accelerate infrastructure, with plans to upgrade roads, bridges and communications networks. His vision is of an ‘independent and resilient’ America, where economic growth is no longer constrained by risky trade relationships with other countries.
Security is another key pillar of Trump’s campaign and new mandate. After years of tension and uncertainty, the president has made a clear promise: an uncompromising approach to all threats, internal and external. He has vowed to tighten border controls and increase defence and homeland security spending. He wants to prevent any kind of threat to national security by strengthening counter-terrorism measures and tightening controls on irregular immigration.
At the international level, Trump has announced his intention to review the agreements with NATO, seeking a balance between the American contribution and the responsibility of the allies. He also promised to pursue a foreign policy that “will not tolerate interference” from outside actors, and made it clear that there would be no concessions to powers such as China and Russia.
Trump’s victory marks a return to strong and decisive politics, typical of that popular, pragmatic conservatism close to the working class and the American middle class, reminiscent of the Reagan presidency, which the leader of MAGA – Make American Great Again – has repeatedly said he was inspired by.
Although separated by decades, both presidents embodied a particular kind of leadership that redefined the US political landscape.
Both Reagan and Trump entered politics as outsiders. Before becoming governor of California and later president, Reagan was a Hollywood actor known for his screen charisma. Trump, on the other hand, was an entrepreneur and television personality with no previous political experience. Both used their unconventional identities to present themselves as fresh alternatives to the established political system, promising to bring significant change to Washington.
The ability to communicate effectively with the public was central to both presidencies. Reagan was nicknamed the ‘Great Communicator’ for his ability to connect with Americans through inspiring speeches and skilful use of traditional media. Trump has brought this strategy into the digital age, using platforms such as Twitter to communicate directly with the public, bypassing traditional media channels. This direct communication has allowed both to consolidate a base of passionate supporters.
The appeal to patriotism and “making America great” is a common theme. Reagan’s famous slogan in 1980 was ‘Let’s Make America Great Again’, which was echoed by Trump in his 2016 campaign and this latest one. This message resonated with many voters who wanted a return to traditional values and a strengthening of the national economy.
Both presidents promoted conservative economic policies with a focus on tax cuts. Reagan introduced ‘Reaganomics’, which included tax cuts and deregulation to stimulate economic growth. Trump followed a similar line with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, arguing that tax cuts would boost investment and employment.
Reagan and Trump have often expressed scepticism about the political establishment in Washington. They criticised government bureaucracy and promoted the idea of a leaner, less intrusive government. This anti-establishment stance attracted voters who felt disillusioned with traditional politics and wanted radical change.
If Trump can deliver on his promises, the US could see significant change over the next four years. However, the costs and consequences of his decisions will remain a point of debate and challenge for the country. It will be a new phase of change, with the economy and security at the forefront, and America will be watching closely to see what this new chapter in its history will mean.