Written by Deborah Kiameh
Reading time: 10 minutes
Political Comeback
The political landscape in the United States has been a topic of discussion for many years, particularly during Donald Trump’s presidency. His leadership influences not only the domestic sphere but also has significant implications internationally. As he embarks on what is being described as an extraordinary second term as the 47th President, this article explores the global appeal of Trump’s return to power, with a particular focus on audiences in the Middle East, Europe, and the United States.
Born on June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York City, Donald Trump is the fourth of five children to Fred C. Trump and Mary Anne MacLeod Trump. His father was a prominent real estate developer, while his mother immigrated from Scotland. The values instilled in him during his upbringing significantly shaped his future endeavors in both business and politics. After studying for two years at Fordham University, he transferred to the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, where he earned a degree in economics in 1968.
A unique mix of national, demographic and divisive politics characterized Donald Trump’s first administration, which was met with enthusiastic support and opposition. His style of government frequently went against established political conventions, producing a spectacle that enthralled social media and media outlets everywhere.
An analysis of the power of this phenomenon to capture audiences around the world and what it means for international relations when he returns to the front. As we continue to examine Trump’s second term and its implications for the world, it is important to ask: Will the Trump administration continue to capture audiences around the world while changing the geopolitical environment? In the Middle East and Europe?
Key Achievements During Trumps Inaugural Term
Many of them have shown results in the course of presidency. which began on January 20, 2017 and ended on January 20, 2021. Four vectors characterize these achievements: judicial nominations, foreign policy, economic policies and regulatory improvement.
- Policies for Tax Reform and Economic Growth: The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which was implemented during Donald Trump’s administration and reduced corporate and individual taxes, is one of the most influential, beneficial, and political achievements we believe to be advantageous. These cuts were proposed in order to encourage people to start spending and therefore grow the economy. These changes claimed, productivity growth through greater skill levels in the work force. The economy of the US Inclined for expansion and reached pre COVID levels of employment not experienced before the pandemic.
- Factors contributing to trade pacts and international policies: For his foreign policy, Trump placed an emphasis on revising trade agreements for the benefit of American interests. In this context, modifying the NAFTA agreement turned into the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which sought to create a fairer business environment for the three countries involved and, on the other hand, decided that America would no longer be a part of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). To add on, one of the administrative accomplishments associated with Trump’s time presidency in the East was the normalization of Israel’s relations with some Arab states known as the Abraham Accords.
- Judicial Appointments: The elevation of Brett Kavanaugh, Amy Coney Barrett, and Neil Gorsuch as justices of the Supreme Court is arguably another hallmark of Trump’s presidency. These appointments have resulted in a Court that now has a conservative tilt. Furthermore, and quite unusually, Trump installed many and by far the most federal courts judges on every level of the court system, which shaped how laws and regulations governing such issues as immigration and health care were interpreted commenced.
- Changes to Regulatory Framework: Within the scope of the President Trump’s administration strategy towards business growth, quite an important aspect was also to reduce regulation. He put into effect measures meant to lessen federal regulations in a number of areas, such as environmental preservation and energy generation. The administration asserted that economic growth and job creation would result from these deregulations.
Throughout his first term, Donald Trump’s actions and language significantly changed American politics, impacting everything from social issues to domestic economic measures. This change at home coincided with a clear change in U.S. foreign policy, especially in the Middle East, where Trump’s strategy deviated from earlier administrations and pushed to reinterpret America’s place in an area that has long been marked by intricate geopolitical tensions.
Exploring the consequences of Trump’s First Term on Middle Eastern Dynamics
The US Approach on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict and its Implementation The Israeli-Palestinian conflict during the Trump administration was noticeably affected by Mitchell’s strong pro-Israel policy during his first term. One of the most prominent measures was the December 2017 move of the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, which was strongly denounced by many in the international world as well as Palestinians. This action undermined decades of U.S. policy that aimed to maintain neutrality in the hopes of promoting peace talks, as it was perceived as acknowledging Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
Support for Israel at the cost of Palestinian demands was further cemented when Trump’s government acknowledged Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. Trump’s early 2020 “Deal of the Century,” which sought to end the conflict, was condemned for giving Israeli interests significant preference while making few concessions to Palestinians. Because of its historical connections to both Israelis and Palestinians, this strategy increased tensions and made Jordan’s role as a mediator more difficult.
Jordan was significantly impacted by Trump’s economic policies, especially the sanctions placed on Iran and other regional players. Due to its heavy reliance on energy imports, Jordan’s economy suffered as a result of these sanctions’ contribution to rising energy prices. Additionally, Trump demonstrated a propensity for protectionism during his first term, which included reducing funding for international aid. This could result in Jordan receiving less US financial aid, which is essential to its economic stability.
These issues were made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic, which put more strain on the world’s economies and decreased the amount of foreign help available. Jordan was consequently under more economic strain, which, if left unchecked, would cause social upheaval.
Rising tensions with Iran: Another significant element of Trump’s first term’s effects on the Middle East was his campaign of maximum pressure against Iran. Tensions in the region sharply increased after Iran withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018 and severe sanctions were reinstated against it. In addition to straining ties between the United States and Iran, this stance increased other nations’ anxieties about possible military conflicts.
This escalation presented threats to Jordan’s national security and stability because the country is situated close to conflict areas where Iranian influence and operations are present. The flood of refugees from wars involving Iranian responses or activities may put additional pressure on Jordan’s social cohesion and resources.
Through arms agreements and shared concerns about Iran’s regional aspirations, the Trump administration improved relations with Gulf nations like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. His strategy included encouraging normalization agreements between Israel and a number of Arab states (the Abraham Accords) and aiding these countries in their attempts to counter perceived Iranian threats. Some in Jordan saw these developments favorably because they would increase regional stability, but they also sparked worries about further marginalizing Palestinian issues.
The United States and Jordan’s relationship was marked by a complicated interplay of collaboration despite mounting pressures throughout Trump’s first term. Although Trump initially kept military funding levels the same, there were hints that future aid would be subject to political alignment with U.S. views, especially with regard to Israel and Palestine, which might restrict Jordan’s diplomatic independence.
Certainly, the first term of Donald Trump’s presidency had a profound influence on transatlantic relations and the European Union, especially in relation to the Middle East, which also altered the order of relations within the region. The Trump administration’s more isolationist sans multilateralism approach that hinged more on the PRC’s national interests compelled a re-evaluation of the European Union’s goals and strategies and its position in the global arena.
The policies, rhetoric, and practices of the Trump administration redefined not only the security strategies, but also the alliances across the Atlantic, and the economic relations existing between Europe and the US. Tense Diplomatic Relationships: The pressure that Trump’s presidency had on diplomatic ties between the US and EU nations was one of its most noticeable effects:
Western Powers in Europe
Trump accused NATO members of undermining the principle of collective security since they do not support their defense budgets. Europeans official view of Trump’s strategy as one that is likely to tear the Alliance’s cohesion caused this criticism to grate within NATO. Where two percent was provided as a minimum target for military expenditure by European countries, this had signaled a new policy direction by the United States in which American interests took precedence over long established alliances.
Correspondingly, he has also attributed similar behavior from members of NATO to the non-performance of their defense budgets. European officials’ view of Trump’s strategy as one that is likely to tear the Alliance’s cohesion caused this criticism to grate within NATO. The change was also signaled in a strong departure from its traditional policy of containment of all and every such occurrence on the part of the European allies of the USA in the most impolite of manners.
Even Europe experienced much of the negative effects of the protectionist economic policies of Trump administration. In 2018, tone of the tariff tensions on the international economic relations was broken as the US decided to impose tariffs on import of steel and aluminum from EU-member states. Growth of transatlantic commerce was further complicated by retaliatory tariffs imposed by the EU on some American goods. Trump’s administration policy of ’America first’ stressed and protected US economies manufacturing and reducing trade imbalance and often included violating historical trade agreements with allies in Europe.
During the first term of his presidency, Donald Trump withdrew the United States from the historically unique international treaty on climate change known as the Paris Agreement. This decision was condemned widely by European leaders who viewed climate change as a threat that needed a global approach. Many EU officials felt that the departure represented a turn away from multilateralism, which hampered international attempts to address environmental challenges.
Europeans’ opinions of America were also impacted by Trump’s strict immigration policy. His administration was very strict with regards to illegal immigration at the southern border of the U.S. and similarly enforced a travel ban on several Muslim nations. Such policies were often opposed by European leaders with more humanitarian tendencies in regard to the migrant or refugee crisis.
The EU member countries expressed fears in the face of U.S. support for NATO under Trump especially in Eastern Europe where there were real threats of aggressiveness from Russia. Nations such as Poland and the Baltic states voiced concerns about their security assurances in the event that Trump’s leadership caused U.S.-EU relations to worsen further.
The rise of populist movements throughout Europe during Trump’s administration was influenced by his speech and political approach. European politics became more polarized as a result of leaders like Matteo Salvini of Italy and Viktor Orbán of Hungary adopting populist views like to those advanced by Trump.
In conclusion, the first term of Donald Trump had far-reaching effects on the European Union. Tightened international relations, economic issues stemming from protectionists practices, exit from multilateral pacts, including those such as the Paris Accord, hard-lined positions on immigration, risk aversion especially regarding commitments to NATO, and pollution in political discourse that fueled populism in great Europe.
Election Day for the 2024 U.S. presidential election was set on November 5, 2024. During this election, Trump won as he retained his position as the 47th president of great America. However, what were the contours of his electoral strategy, and how, if at all, was it enough to propel him to victory?
As far as the electoral tactics for the 2024 presidential elections is concerned, Donald Trump seems to have comfortably fallen back on his populist gambits as well as simple conservative policies. While attempting to expand his appeal to other voting demographics, his strategy also seeks to help reinforce the existing support of his current base. His campaign’s dual strategy is apparent in a number of areas, including as social concerns, immigration, and taxes.
Key Components of the Electoral Plan
- Immigration Law: One of the major changes to immigration policy that Trump has suggested is the establishment of “the largest mass deportation program in history.” This strategy calls for tighter enforcement of immigration laws by local police departments and the National Guard. In addition, he has proposed abolishing birthright citizenship and introducing “ideological screening” for newcomers, both of which would necessitate constitutional changes. Immigration is one of the central themes of Trump’s political image which he has worked on since his very first campaign in 2016. It indicates a long-term concern with the security of the borders and reduction of illegal immigration.
- Tax Policy: Trump’s taxation schemes are designed to favor corporations and rich individuals, but also provide some relief to the middle class and working-class Americans. By lowering the corporation tax rate from 21% to 15%, he intends to prolong the tax cuts from his 2017 revamp. He also recommends exempting some forms of income from taxes, like overtime pay and tips received. There are worries, though, that in some circumstances, these policies would favor higher-income people disproportionately.
- Social Concerns: Trump has minimized the need for federal involvement on social problems, such as abortion, since the Supreme Court’s ruling to reverse Roe v. Wade. Though he still supports state-level controls, he has stated that he would veto any federal ban on abortion if it came to his desk. In contrast to the previous government, his administration may take a more detached stance by not vigorously defending against court issues pertaining to access to abortion or drugs like mifepristone.
- Trade Regulation: Unprecedented tariffs on imports, primarily from China, are part of Trump’s trade policies. His populist views on shielding American companies and workers from foreign competition are consistent with this. His strategy is to strengthen his reputation as a fervent supporter of American interests while appealing to Americans worried about job losses brought on by globalization.
- Forging Coalitions: Trump seems intent on broadening his base of support by appealing to demographics that have historically supported Democrats, such as working-class voters fed up with the state of the economy and some minority areas. In battleground states that could decide the election’s outcome, his ability to draw in these voters will be crucial.
Agenda47
Using straightforward language, his “Agenda47” campaign videos highlight particular issues in an effort to mobilize grassroots activists.
In addition to his comprehensive and ambitious 2024 election campaign, Trump used a variety of tactics to win over Arab American voters, a group that has historically supported Democrats. Given Trump’s prior pro-Israel views, which had alienated many in the Arab American community during his prior campaigns, this change was especially noteworthy. Gaining knowledge about Trump’s political strategy and its effects on the election result requires an understanding of how he handled these complications.
Trump made focused outreach attempts one of his main tactics for winning over Arab American votes. His campaign understood the significance of tackling problems like economic opportunity, civil rights, and immigration laws that are relevant to this population. Trump sought to portray himself as a candidate who recognized and appreciated Arab Americans’ concerns by emphasizing these issues. In places like Michigan and California where there are sizable Arab American communities, the campaign planned town hall meetings and community activities. Trump was able to establish a personal connection with people during these events, giving them a forum to express their worries and demonstrating his dedication to meeting their needs. Compared to earlier elections, when Arab American voices were frequently ignored, this active involvement was a stark difference.
Trump also made an effort to allay worries about how foreign policy affected Arab American communities directly. He sought to win over voters fed up with conventional pro-Israel rhetoric by promoting a more balanced approach to U.S.-Middle East relations—one that supported Israel but acknowledging Palestinian rights. He was able to portray himself as a candidate who was prepared to question the status quo because to this nuanced stance.
He emphasized his commitment to Israel’s security but coupled it with calls for humanitarian aid to Palestinians and recognition of their plight. This dual approach allowed him to maintain support from traditional Republican bases while simultaneously reaching out to Arab American voters who felt neglected by past administrations.
Trump was successful in obtaining substantial support from Arab Americans during the 2024 election cycle by skillfully combining these tactics—addressing civil rights issues relevant to Arab Americans, taking advantage of contemporary geopolitical events such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and softening his previously adamant pro-Israel position. His ability to modify his ideas and rhetoric allowed him to form a coalition that drew in new supporters from a variety of backgrounds in addition to conventional Republican voters. His political triumph was ultimately aided by this calculated outreach, which broadened his support across traditional party lines and reached out to previously ignored or hostile areas.
The election of Donald Trump as the 47th president of the United States might transform the existing political system at home and abroad, in both positive and negative ways. In the former case, given that Trump is now young and active in politics, the copious reserves of partisan hate within the society may resurface, especially with regard to such issues as immigration, healthcare, and economic policy. The populist agenda of his former administration put American interests first, frequently at the expense of multilateral agreements. This might cause nationalism to resurface in the US, which would affect public debate and societal cohesiveness.
The Trump administration may cause tensions with the European Union (EU) in terms of transatlantic relations. Collective security arrangements that have been essential since World War II may be jeopardized by his mistrust of NATO and preference for bilateral rather than multilateral accords. A more isolationist U.S. could force the EU to adjust its foreign policy approaches, which could result in member states spending more on military and demanding more strategic autonomy.
Policies on the Middle East
Trump’s policies in the Middle East are probably going to shift back toward a tough posture on Iran, which could rekindle tensions over nuclear talks that were previously handled by the Obama administration. His administration’s backing of Israeli settlements and recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital may heighten tensions among Palestinians and make peace initiatives more challenging. Furthermore, Trump’s strategy might affect the dynamics of the Gulf Cooperation Council as friends in the area reevaluate their stances in light of changes in U.S. foreign policy.
It is crucial to take into account the complex effects on many regions, especially the US, Europe, and the Middle East, when analyzing Donald Trump’s past and the possible consequences of his victory in the 2024 elections. Significant policy changes during Trump’s 2016–2020 presidency altered both domestic politics and international affairs. His foreign policy strategy, which was defined by the “America First” credo, caused tensions with longstanding European allies while strengthening connections with several Middle Eastern countries through programs such as the Abraham Accords.
We might expect these measures to continue or perhaps worsen if Trump is elected to another term in office. Given how Trump’s language frequently dramatically splits opinions along partisan lines, this could lead to even more polarization among voters in the United States. Leaders in Europe might have to negotiate a new age of uncertainty in transatlantic relations, which might have an impact on trade agreements and collective security frameworks like NATO. Depending on how he decides to interact with both traditional enemies and allies, Trump’s return to the Middle East could either reinforce recent diplomatic gains or heighten tensions.
The question remains whether Trump can maintain good relations with all voters amidst this complex landscape. Furthermore, will his administration represent a genuine turning point for peace and stability in the Middle East—a region that has long been fraught with conflict and instability? As we reflect on these possibilities, it becomes clear that the outcomes of a Trump presidency would not only reshape American politics but also reverberate across continents.
“Advocator for women’s rights, Deborah Kiameh is an executive member for an international NGO called ZONTA. She also is a member in the national debate institute in Lebanon. She studied her professional career in both Architecture and Law, after she graduated she founded her own NGO circulating around urbanized sustainable projects. Deborah’s current occupation is a General Manager in a travel and tourism company. Raising awareness of the importance of sustainability is one of her main priorities. Future generations should not be deprived of resources and opportunities due to the lack of mismanagement in the world today. She believes CoSE addresses global issues and aids in funding projects towards environmental, ecological and health problems.”
References
- Congressional Research Service (CRS): The CRS provides comprehensive reports on legislative issues including detailed analyses of major laws passed during presidential administrations. Their reports are often used by lawmakers for informed decision-making.
- The Brookings Institution: A highly respected think tank that conducts research on various public policy issues including economic policy analysis during different presidential terms. Their studies provide insights into both short-term impacts and long-term implications of policies enacted.
- Pew Research Center: This nonpartisan organization conducts extensive surveys and research studies that analyze public opinion regarding political figures’ actions and policies over time. Their data is valuable for understanding societal reactions to presidential achievements.
- Council on Foreign Relations (CFR): CFR provides comprehensive analysis on U.S. foreign policy decisions including their implications across various regions including the Middle East.
- Brookings Institution: This think tank offers detailed research on international relations and has published extensive reports analyzing Trump’s policies regarding Israel-Palestine dynamics during his presidency.
- The Washington Institute for Near East Policy: This organization focuses specifically on Middle Eastern affairs and provides insights into how U.S.-Middle East relations evolved under different administrations including Trump’s tenure.
- The New York Times: A leading news organization known for its comprehensive coverage of national and international affairs including detailed analyses of political events such as presidential elections.
- BBC News: A globally recognized news outlet providing impartial reporting on current events; it offers insights into how political decisions impact international relations.
- Foreign Affairs: A premier publication focusing on global politics; it features expert analysis on foreign policy issues including U.S.-EU relations during different administrations.
- The New York Times: A leading news organization known for its comprehensive reporting on political developments and demographics within U.S. elections.
- Pew Research Center: A nonpartisan organization providing data-driven insights into social trends including voting behaviors among various ethnic groups.
- Politico: A prominent political news website offering analysis on election strategies and voter demographics relevant to contemporary political campaigns.
