Trump’s First Days: A Calculated Storm of Chaos Guardian Opinion

[Social Media]

 

As Donald Trump began his new term, his presidency launched with a whirlwind of executive orders, policy announcements, and dramatic pronouncements. For many, his inauguration felt like watching a tsunami gather momentum—its arrival both inevitable and overwhelming. The sheer scale of changes and challenges brought by Trump’s actions has left the nation grappling to determine the long-term damage, which may take years to fully comprehend.  

 

This chaos, however, is no accident. Trump’s deluge of edicts and statements is an intentional strategy, designed to assert dominance, disorient opponents, and establish a sense of relentless momentum. His supporters see it as an expression of bold, almost messianic energy, propelling the United States toward an ambitious and even fantastical “national destiny.” With an electoral mandate, a loyal team, and a Supreme Court inclined to expand presidential powers, Trump’s actions resemble the sweeping authority of a monarch rather than the measured leadership of a president.  

 

The onslaught leaves opponents unsure where to focus their resistance. Should they prioritize his controversial blanket pardon of those involved in the January 6 Capitol attack, including those who assaulted police officers? Or his crackdown on immigration and his assault on birthright citizenship, which a federal judge has already called “blatantly unconstitutional”? Other decisions, like withdrawing from the Paris climate accords and the World Health Organization, further amplify the confusion.  

 

Even subtle shifts, such as his softer tone toward China or his tougher stance on Vladimir Putin, add to the disarray. Yet, as history has shown, the most glaring controversies may not be the most consequential. During his first term, Trump’s lasting legacy was arguably the appointment of Supreme Court justices, which paved the way for the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Other, quieter maneuvers, like reclassifying thousands of federal employees as political hires to ensure loyalty, may ultimately have broader implications than his more headline-grabbing actions.  

 

The impact of Trump’s proposals often extends beyond their immediate feasibility. Even when blocked by legal or constitutional barriers, they shift political norms and embolden his base. For instance, while his crackdown on immigration might face significant legal challenges, the mere announcement strengthens anti-immigrant sentiment among his supporters and reframes the debate around what is politically acceptable.  

 

Issuing executive orders allows Trump to bypass the complexities of passing legislation, but his presidency still faces constraints. The two-term limit of the U.S. Constitution means second-term presidents often lose influence as their tenure wanes and successors emerge. Trump’s inner circle, composed of ambitious figures with clashing egos, may also fracture under the weight of competing interests. Economic challenges, such as the potential fallout of tariffs, could alienate his voter base if rising prices hit them hard.  

 

Abroad, Trump’s strategy of bullying allies could have longer-term diplomatic consequences. While he may view his tactics as a show of strength, alienating allies risks weakening the United States’ position globally.  

 

At home, the lack of visible protests should not be mistaken for acquiescence or despair. Historian Timothy Snyder, author of *On Tyranny*, offers a reminder that resistance can take many forms. “You have to have your head up, and look for those openings,” he urged. Even small victories, especially those achieved through collaboration, can serve as a powerful counterbalance to Trump’s overwhelming presence.  

 

In this turbulent landscape, the challenge lies in determining where to focus efforts and how to prioritize. While Trump’s strategy seeks to dominate the attention economy and intimidate his opponents, it also offers opportunities for those willing to adapt, resist, and persist. Small, collective actions can serve as a reminder of what is possible, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable forces.

 

Based on a report by The Guardian 2025-01-27

 

 

[mikeymike100]

The Guardian is on the same level as CNN, NBC, MSNBC, Salon, the new republic, I could go on, there are a few more, OH I forgot the BBC....

[Smokey and the Bandit]

6 minutes ago, mikeymike100 said:

The Guardian is on the same level as CNN, NBC, MSNBC, Salon, the new republic, I could go on, there are a few more, OH I forgot the BBC....

Yes, its a real shame , it wasn't always quite so far left. When Alan Rusbridger was editor it was far better, they did excellent on Edward Snowden!

[Dcheech]

16 minutes ago, mikeymike100 said:

The Guardian is on the same level as CNN, NBC, MSNBC, Salon, the new republic, I could go on, there are a few more, OH I forgot the BBC..

You get news from RT & FOX?  Two media entities which are nothing more than a propaganda outlets

[roquefort]

Confusing only to Guardian readers, wringing their hands over 'tyranny'. Trump has started his second term with a clear plan of action, and is determined not to be derailed this time around by the deep state.

 

As a Washington outsider in 2016, he was advised to choose deep state insiders in key positions who could be easily manipulated. They blocked or watered down his policies to their own agenda. This time he has a team of loyalists who know exactly how to get things done. It will be fun to watch.

[roquefort]

1 minute ago, Dcheech said:

You get news from RT & FOX?  Two media entities which are nothing more than a propaganda outlets

Propaganda works both ways. You think the Guardian is unbiased? 

[Dcheech]

3 minutes ago, roquefort said:

You think the Guardian is unbiased? 

Having a "liberal bias' is one thing, propaganda another. FOX by legal definition in the US is a media entity that gives 'opinions about the news'. That means they do not have to report anything if they do not want to. That is beside what opinions they hold. Opinions and lies can be the same thing. 

 

 

[riclag]

18 minutes ago, roquefort said:

Propaganda works both ways. You think the Guardian is unbiased? 

 

19 minutes ago, roquefort said:

Confusing only to Guardian readers, wringing their hands over 'tyranny'. Trump has started his second term with a clear plan of action, and is determined not to be derailed this time around by the deep state.

 

As a Washington outsider in 2016, he was advised to choose deep state insiders in key positions who could be easily manipulated. They blocked or watered down his policies to their own agenda. This time he has a team of loyalists who know exactly how to get things done. It will be fun to watch.

You get it! The radical left went to far in many countries!

Americans cant account for the rest of the world but under the last radical administration my country was going in the wrong direction .

70 % polled confirmed this.The far left must face legal accountability or as they would say,retribution.

The Guardian doesn’t account for this phenomenon! Americans by vote turned down the far left’s Wokeism!

 

[JonnyF]

Good to see The Guardian so salty.

 

It shows Trump must be getting it right. 

[Watawattana]

I compare Trump's whirlwind of executive orders, policy announcements, and dramatic pronouncements with the UK Labour Party's apparent unpreparedness last summer.

 

https://www.politico.eu/article/uk-labour-party-admits-its-not-ready-for-government-yet/ - December 2023 “We’d be <deleted> if there was an election tomorrow,” party officials say

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-68205102 - February 2024, "shadow ministers have been told to submit ideas for the party's manifesto before the end of this week".

https://yougov.co.uk/topics/politics/trackers/is-the-labour-party-ready-for-government

https://www.economist.com/leaders/2024/09/26/the-sinking-feeling-caused-by-labours-clumsy-start - Sep '24 - Sir Keir Starmer’s personal approval ratings now stand below those of Rishi Sunak.

 

Oh, and then the crazy stuff like winter fuel allowance cuts whilst MPs kept that allowance...

[thesetat]

1 hour ago, riclag said:

 

You get it! The radical left went to far in many countries!

Americans cant account for the rest of the world but under the last radical administration my country was going in the wrong direction .

70 % polled confirmed this.The far left must face legal accountability or as they would say,retribution.

The Guardian doesn’t account for this phenomenon! Americans by vote turned down the far left’s Wokeism!

 

Hmm... We already knew the country was going in the wrong direction. Let's hope Trump does more to straighten it out. He has already begin on his campaign promises. Done a lot more than Biden did keeping his promises also. 

[thaipo7]

1 hour ago, JonnyF said:

Good to see The Guardian so salty.

 

It shows Trump must be getting it right. 

You can always tell how well Trump is doing.  The more crap from the Left means Trump is doing the right things.  Bet on it.

[roquefort]

1 hour ago, Watawattana said:

Oh, and then the crazy stuff like winter fuel allowance cuts whilst MPs kept that allowance...

It's almost as though they're deliberately trying to destroy the country......oh wait, just let me call Davos for clarification.

[mikeymike100]

3 hours ago, roquefort said:

Propaganda works both ways. You think the Guardian is unbiased? 

The Guardian is most definitely biased and its getting worse!

[mikeymike100]

3 hours ago, Dcheech said:

You get news from RT & FOX?  Two media entities which are nothing more than a propaganda outlets

I get news from a variety of outlets, its very difficult to get an unbiased view nowadays.

[WDSmart]

It's only going to get worse. 🥹  Buckle up!

[Eric Loh]

56 minutes ago, WDSmart said:

It's only going to get worse. 🥹  Buckle up!

Unlike his first term, there is no checks and guardrails this time. No adults in his cabinet but loyalists and cowards lining up to kiss his rear. It will certainly get worse.