The Shift in Trump’s Political Landscape
As is often the case following the election of a new president, Donald Trump is navigating a significant shift in his political role. His previous campaign to garner support from voters has quickly transformed into a concerted effort by donors and activists seeking his endorsement for their agendas. The conversations are now centered on issues like tax cuts and the rising influence of cryptocurrency. Many argue that what Americans truly desire is a reduction in job protections and a less robust safety net.
This marks a critical juncture where presidencies can falter. Instead of preparing to govern for the electorate that elected them—particularly the independent swing voters essential for victory—new presidents, often rooted in donor and activist circles, mistakenly believe that their own preferences reflect the desires of the populace. Two years into their terms, with political capital depleted and agendas in disarray, their parties frequently endure significant losses in midterm elections.
As he embarks on his new term, Trump could assert a mandate to lead as he sees fit, retreating to Mar-a-Lago to rally his supporters and attempt to push through their agenda until his approval ratings dip too low to facilitate further changes. This strategy has historically contributed to a nation that feels increasingly disconnected from a shared purpose and institutional effectiveness. Such an approach is unlikely to foster a successful presidency, let alone fulfill the promise of making America great again.
However, Trump has an alternative path. He stands as an unconventional leader with a direct and unfiltered connection to the American public, coupled with a skepticism towards the conventional wisdom of political consultants. Uniquely, he is the first president since Grover Cleveland to have a second chance at a first term. Having already weathered the tumultuous tax debates that saw his approval ratings plummet to 36 percent just a year post-inauguration, along with the failed repeal of the Affordable Care Act and significant losses in the House during the midterm elections, he has learned valuable lessons.
In the early hours following his latest election victory, Trump vowed to “fight for you, for your family and your future,” promising a “golden age of America.” To achieve this ambitious vision, he must focus on pressing challenges while honoring the values shared not only by his core supporters but also by many potential allies.
Addressing Immigration: A Central Challenge
Consider the issue of immigration, which has long been a cornerstone of Trump’s appeal. His commitment to secure the borders resonates with a broad audience, including many Democrats who are now eager to align themselves with his stance. A Trump administration that prioritizes American voters would effectively curb the influx of migrants through stringent border enforcement and revised asylum policies. This approach would also reverse the current administration’s perceived lawlessness by addressing the status of recent arrivals and safeguarding American workers by mandating that employers utilize the E-Verify system to verify the legal employment status of their workforce.
The E-Verify program, which fundamentally addresses the adverse effects of illegal immigration on American labor, enjoys widespread support. A recent survey of 2,000 adults conducted by my organization, American Compass, in collaboration with YouGov, revealed that a staggering 78 percent of respondents favor the program, including 68 percent of Democrats. Moreover, law-abiding businesses appreciate it too, as they grow weary of being undercut by competitors who flout the rules.
This is the pathway toward resolving the immigration dilemma. Trump will undoubtedly encounter counterarguments from the affluent and influential sectors that benefit from underpaid, undocumented labor, particularly in industries like construction, hospitality, and agriculture—areas in which he has personal experience. Voices within these circles may advocate for a more theatrical approach to border security and divisive rhetoric, coupled with an expansion of temporary worker programs.
For instance, Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky, who opposes the E-Verify initiative from a libertarian perspective, has already been mentioned as a potential candidate for secretary of agriculture. Decisions like these might please the patrons of Trump’s golf resorts but will likely lead to growing dissatisfaction and disenchantment among a broader constituency.
