In the upcoming November U.S. presidential election, speculation has emerged that if former President Donald Trump were to win and initiate his second term, his administration would steer policies far more transparent and robustly than his first term. This anticipation is rooted in an inner circle of seasoned former officials, which is expected to bolster Trump’s second term and lead to differentiated strides in policy implementation, including policy expediency.
According to the Financial Times (FT) on the 26th (local time), when Trump first ran for president in 2016, he was deemed a complete political outsider, lacking executive experience and support networks within U.S. politics and the Republican Party. However, he is currently reported to be receiving support not only from experienced campaign staff but also from close aides consisting of former officials.
During his inauguration in 2017, former President Trump felt the need to incorporate mainstream Republican elites who were cautious of his proposed policies. However, he now can rely on a core group of experienced aides who have remained loyal to him. Additionally, he enjoys support from Republican organizations.
Steve Bannon, a former White House chief strategist and close associate of former President Trump, remarked that the forthcoming term would be even more robust. He stated that while the 2016 campaign was characterized by theoretical planning and implementation uncertainties, Trump now has many talented individuals ready to execute. Bannon emphasized that Trump’s speeches are replete with actionable commitments, underscoring the assured implementation of his proposed policies.
In the current presidential election campaign, former President Trump has pledged broader tariffs and ultra-hardline immigration policies.
The FT noted that a common feature of Trump’s inner circle is their fierce personal loyalty to him. They are assessed to have a minimal likelihood of being deterred or slowed down by criticism from career officials, mainstream Republican figures, or congressional opposition. Representative members of the inner circle include Stephen Miller, architect of stringent immigration policies during the Trump administration; Robert Lighthizer, former U.S. Trade Representative responsible for crafting the U.S.-China trade war strategy; Keith Kellogg, former National Security Council Chief of Staff; John Ratcliffe, former Director of National Intelligence; Kevin Hassett, former Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers; and Matthew Whitaker, former Acting Attorney General. Miller, in particular, is noted for designing immigration policies even more challenging than those of the Trump administration, including plans for border closures and the arrest of undocumented immigrants through military mobilization if necessary. On the trade front, former President Trump has proposed resuming the trade war by outlining plans to impose 10 percent universal tariffs on foreign goods, 60 percent on Chinese imports, and 100 percent on automobiles manufactured in Mexico by Chinese corporations.
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