Trump returns to the White House but many things are different

Mr. Trump was sworn in in 2017.

When billionaire Donald Trump arrived in Washington DC in January 2017, just before his first inauguration, he was still a relative stranger to most residents of the US capital.

As the only president in US history without any experience 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 very different for him. According to AP, after 4 years in the Oval Office, Mr. Trump is now returning to power with experience and a completely different team.

The political landscape has also changed, with both houses of Congress now filled with Republicans who owe him their support. He has gained influence on the US Supreme Court and federal courts at all levels. World leaders who once criticized him have either left the world stage or are more willing to cooperate with him.

Here are the notable changes when Mr. Trump returns to the White House after the inauguration today, January 20.

Rich experience

Mr Trump once admitted he had no experience, but that is no longer the case. His first-term agenda, especially in the early days, was often stymied by the courts and infighting, with many in his administration quietly or openly blocking his ideas.

However, the leader has spent four years learning how to issue regulations, how to deal with foreign leaders 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 people to tell me their names,” he said in 2023.

He now says he "knows great people, smart people, stupid people, weak people, idiots."

He and his allies also had four years out of office to prepare the ground for a comeback.

Long before his formal transition began, allied organizations like the Heritage Foundation and the American Policy Institute were already working to draft hundreds of policy documents, executive orders and legislation ready to push through on his first day back in the White House.

Absence of opposition Republican congressman

In 2017, former House Speaker Paul Ryan used harsh words and previously withdrew his support for Mr. Trump. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell used even more insulting language.

Mr Ryan did not seek re-election in 2018, and Mr McConnell is no longer the party's leader in the Senate, although he remains a senator.

Former House Speaker Paul Ryan was a fierce critic of Mr. Trump.

Loud critics like former Senator Mitt Romney and former Representative Liz Cheney are no longer in Congress.

Observers also say that Mr. Trump’s moves in the Republican primaries 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 Sen. Jim Banks, a Republican who became a congressman when Trump arrived in Washington in 2017. At the time, Banks said Trump often faced resistance from Republicans.

“We will follow his lead, support him and pass the agenda that the American people voted for when they elected him this time,” Banks said.

Internal stability

Mr Trump has gone through campaign managers in his two previous runs for the White House and four chiefs of staff in his first term. His first White House was plagued by backbiting and bickering between rival factions.

His 2024 campaign is different. Led by veteran Florida political consultant Susie Wiles, his campaign has been hailed by bipartisans as the most disciplined, professional and competent campaign ever.

Trump praises senior campaign adviser Susie Wiles during an election night event at the Palm Beach Convention Center in November 2024.

Ms. Wiles will join Mr. Trump’s Washington team as chief of staff. Despite personality clashes, Ms. Wiles has made it clear that she will not tolerate those who try to manipulate operations.

"I don't welcome people who want to work alone or become stars. My team and I will not tolerate backbiting, inappropriate speculation or drama. These things are counterproductive to the mission," Axios quoted her as saying in a recent interview.

Less stress from allies

Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel is stepping down in 2021, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is leaving office, while there have been tumultuous leadership changes in Britain, France and South Korea.

Welcoming Mr Trump back 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.

“Supporting families, fighting illegal migration and defending the sovereignty of our countries. This is the common ground for cooperation between the conservative forces of Europe and the United States,” Mr Orban said after meeting Mr Trump at Mar-a-Lago last year.

Mr. Orban during a visit to Florida to visit Mr. Trump (right) last year.

PHOTO: PRIME MINISTER VIKTOR ORBAN'S X ACCOUNT

However, in this return to the White House, a number of leaders from his first term are still in office, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/ong-trump-tro-lai-nha-trang-nhung-rat-nhieu-thu-da-khac-185250120101304856.htm