Donald Trump: The Man, The Myth And The Legend

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(This piece is part of a series of articles based on personalities and thought leaders of contemporary times whose philosophy and actions shape the geopolitics and geoeconomics of the 21st century).

Donald J. Trump the 45th and the 47th President of the United States of America has taken the world by storm. Before coming to active politics he had a knack for surprising society and those in power with his surprising and provocative opinions and statements.

Donald Trump for years has kept the media and the society in loop that he will run for the United States Presidency. First, a brief biography about President Trump before delving into his philosophy and actions will do a great service for analyzing his thoughts and actions, which are shaping world geopolitics and geoeconomics.

Donald Trump (born June 14, 1946) is an American politician, media personality, and businessman serving as the 47th president of the United States since January 2025. A member of the Republican Party, he previously served as the 45th president from 2017 to 2021.

Born in New York City, Trump graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1968 with a bachelor’s degree in economics. He became president of his family’s real estate business in 1971 and oriented it to luxury hotels and casinos. After a series of bankruptcies in the 1990s and 2000s, he began side ventures. From 2004 to 2015, he hosted the reality television show The Apprentice. A political outsider, Trump won the 2016 presidential election against Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton.

In his first term, Trump imposed a travel ban on citizens from six Muslim-majority countries, expanded the U.S.–Mexico border wall, and implemented a brief family separation policy. Domestically, he rolled back environmental and business regulations, signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, and appointed three Supreme Court justices. In foreign policy, Trump withdrew the U.S. from agreements on climate, trade, and Iran’s nuclear program; he negotiated the U.S.–Mexico–Canada Agreement, began a trade war with China, and met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un without reaching an agreement on denuclearization. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, he downplayed its severity, contradicted guidance from public health officials, and enacted the CARES Act stimulus package. Trump was impeached in 2019 for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, and in 2021 for incitement of insurrection; the Senate acquitted him in both cases.

He lost the 2020 presidential election to Joe Biden but refused to concede, falsely claiming electoral fraud and attempting to overturn the results. In 2023, Trump was held liable in civil cases for sexual abuse, defamation, and business fraud, and in 2024 he was found guilty of falsifying business records, making him the first U.S. president convicted of a felony. After his victory in the 2024 presidential election against Kamala Harris, he was sentenced to a penalty-free discharge, and two other felony indictments against him were dismissed.

Trump began his second presidency by implementing a mass deportation program and attempting to reduce the size of the federal workforce.

Delving into the philosophy of President Trump following key areas will help us understand the man and his thought process. Donald Trump, the 45th President of the United States, is a polarizing figure whose philosophy and approach to governance, business, and life have been widely discussed and debated. While it is difficult to encapsulate his entire philosophy in a few points, several key themes and principles have emerged from his public statements, policies, and actions:

1. America First

Nationalism: Trump’s “America First” philosophy emphasizes prioritizing U.S. interests in global affairs, trade, and domestic policy. He has advocated for reducing U.S. involvement in international conflicts and renegotiating trade deals to benefit American workers and industries.
Skepticism of Globalization: Trump has been critical of globalization, arguing that it has harmed American manufacturing and led to job losses. He has pushed for tariffs and trade barriers to protect U.S. industries.

2. Populism

Anti-Establishment: Trump positions himself as an outsider who challenges the political establishment, including both major political parties. He often criticizes “elites” in government, media, and business.
Direct Communication: Trump uses direct, often controversial language to connect with his base, bypassing traditional media and political norms. His use of social media, particularly Twitter, has been a hallmark of his communication style.

3. Economic Pragmatism

Business-Oriented Approach: Trump’s background as a businessman influences his philosophy. He often applies a transactional, deal-making approach to politics and governance, emphasizing results over ideology.
Deregulation: Trump has advocated for reducing government regulations on businesses, arguing that this fosters economic growth and innovation.

4. Social Conservatism

Traditional Values: Trump has aligned himself with socially conservative positions, including opposition to abortion, support for religious freedoms, and a focus on law and order.
Immigration Restriction: Trump has taken a hardline stance on immigration, advocating for stricter border controls, the construction of a border wall, and policies to limit both legal and illegal immigration.

5. Skepticism of Institutions

Distrust of Media: Trump frequently criticizes mainstream media, labeling it “fake news” and accusing it of bias against him and his administration.
Challenging Bureaucracy: Trump has expressed skepticism toward government bureaucracy and has sought to reduce the size and influence of federal agencies.

6. Personal Branding and Strength

Image of Strength: Trump often emphasizes the importance of projecting strength and confidence, both domestically and internationally. His rhetoric often focuses on winning, dominance, and success.
Loyalty: Trump values loyalty and often rewards those who are loyal to him while being critical of those who oppose or criticize him.

7. Pragmatic Foreign Policy

Realpolitik: Trump’s foreign policy is often characterized by a pragmatic, transactional approach. He has sought to build relationships with authoritarian leaders when he believes it serves U.S. interests.
Military Strength: Trump has emphasized the importance of a strong military and has increased defense spending during his presidency.

8. Controversial and Unconventional Style

Disruption: Trump’s philosophy often involves disrupting traditional norms and practices, whether in politics, diplomacy, or media. He thrives on controversy and often uses it to his advantage.
Polarization: Trump’s approach has been divisive, appealing strongly to his base while often alienating others. He has been accused of exacerbating political and social divisions in the U.S.

9. Focus on Results

Outcome-Oriented: Trump often emphasizes the importance of results over process. He is less concerned with traditional political norms and more focused on achieving his goals, whether in policy, business, or personal endeavors.

10. Self-Reliance and Individualism

Entrepreneurial Spirit: Trump’s philosophy is influenced by his belief in self-reliance, individualism, and the importance of personal success. He often portrays himself as a self-made man, despite inheriting wealth and resources.

How President Trump’s first Presidency was different and disruptive?

Donald Trump’s first presidency (2017–2021) was unique in several ways, setting it apart from previous administrations.

1. Outsider Status

Trump was the first U.S. president with no prior political or military experience. He came from a background in real estate and reality TV, which shaped his approach to governance and communication.

2. Unconventional Communication Style

He relied heavily on Twitter and direct social media engagement, often bypassing traditional media and official press statements.
His blunt, often provocative rhetoric broke political norms and stirred controversy.

3. Impeachments

Trump was the first U.S. president to be impeached twice (once in 2019 over Ukraine and again in 2021 over the January 6th Capitol riot). He was acquitted both times.

4. Populism & “America First” Policy

He embraced a nationalist, populist approach, focusing on economic protectionism, border security, and reducing global U.S. commitments.
His administration renegotiated trade deals, including NAFTA (replaced with USMCA), and initiated trade wars, especially with China.

5. COVID-19 Pandemic Response

The coronavirus pandemic (2020) dominated the latter part of his presidency, leading to debates over his handling of public health measures, economic stimulus, and vaccine development (Operation Warp Speed).

6. Supreme Court Influence

He appointed three Supreme Court justices (Gorsuch, Kavanaugh, and Barrett), shifting the court to a 6-3 conservative majority.

7. January 6th Capitol Riot

His presidency ended with the storming of the U.S. Capitol by his supporters following claims of election fraud. This led to widespread political fallout and his second impeachment.

8. Media & Political Polarization

His presidency deepened political divides, with strong support from his base and fierce opposition from critics. The term “fake news” became widely used during his tenure.

9. Foreign Policy Shifts

He took an unorthodox approach to diplomacy, meeting directly with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
He moved the U.S. embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, a controversial decision.
He withdrew from international agreements like the Paris Climate Accord and the Iran nuclear deal.

10. Focus on Deregulation & Tax Cuts

His administration focused on reducing government regulations and passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, a major corporate tax cut.

Trump’s presidency was marked by unpredictability, controversy, and a challenge to many traditional political norms. Whether viewed as transformative or divisive, it was certainly one of the most unconventional in modern U.S. history.

What should be expected in the Trump 2.0?

If Donald Trump wins a second term (Trump 2.0), it is likely to be even more aggressive and unconventional than his first presidency. Here’s what to expect based on his rhetoric, policy proposals, and past actions:

1. A More Radical and Unrestrained Approach

Without the need to seek reelection, Trump may feel less constrained by political norms.
He could take a more aggressive stance on executive orders and reshaping government agencies.

2. America First 2.0: Trade, Immigration, and Isolationism

Tariffs & Trade Wars – Expect new tariffs, possibly a 10% universal tariff on imports, and tougher trade policies, especially targeting China.
Immigration Crackdowns – He has promised mass deportations, reviving travel bans, and restricting asylum.
Global Withdrawal – Less support for NATO, Ukraine, and international agreements.

3. A New Focus on “Revenge” Against Critics & Deep State

Trump has spoken about “retribution” against political opponents, including government agencies (DOJ, FBI, CIA) and individuals who opposed him.
He could use executive power to purge government agencies of officials he sees as disloyal.

4. More Conservative Supreme Court Picks (if possible)

If any justices retire, he could nominate another conservative justice, solidifying a right-wing supermajority.

5. More Deregulation & Tax Cuts

Expect deeper tax cuts and deregulation, especially for corporations and the energy sector.
He may reverse Biden’s environmental policies and expand fossil fuel drilling.

6. Potential Political Chaos

Given his history of rejecting election results, another contested election could create major political instability.
If he loses, there could be legal battles or further challenges to election integrity.

7. Foreign Policy: Unpredictable & Nationalist

He has hinted at cutting military aid to Ukraine and pushing Europe to fund its defense.
Possible rapprochement with Putin and further strain on U.S.-China relations.
A more aggressive stance on Iran and border security.

8. Social Policy & Culture Wars

He may push for stronger action against diversity programs, education reforms, and tighter abortion restrictions.
Further battles over social media censorship, conservative free speech, and LGBTQ+ policies.

A second Trump term would likely be more extreme than the first, driven by personal grievances, loyalty tests, and a focus on reshaping institutions in his image. Whether seen as a corrective to the “deep state” or a potential crisis for democracy depends on one’s perspective. But recent actions of President Trump in showing great decisiveness in sending illegal immigrants back to their countries and imposing tariffs on China, Mexico, and Canada has opened a pandora box geopolitics enthusiasts must be in a super active mode to understand and anticipate what will unfold in TRUMP 2.0

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