It is set to be a dramatic year ahead for the US and the world with Trump in charge (Picture: Getty/AP)
An academic has outlined her predictions of how a second Donald Trumppresidency will pan out – and warned he could be even more controversial than before.
Dr Laura Smith, a presidential historian at Oxford University and teaching associate in International History at the University of Nottingham, said Trump is likely to be ‘influenced’ by those surrounding him, including Elon Musk.
She added the transfer of power between Biden and Trump has not been without its difficulties, and highlighted the backlash Biden faced following his last few decisions as the US President.
Dr Laura Smith has given her verdict on what the Trump presidency will mean for the US and the world (Picture: Dr Laura Smith)
Dr Smith said: ‘Most controversially, Biden’s decision to provide an expansive pardon to his son Hunter for the period 2014-2024, rather than simply commute his sentence, has broadened the rare precedent of presidents pardoning family members and the personal use of executive power.
‘Biden has been busier than most expected, with Democrats looking to secure as many policies as possible, including spending already budgeted by Congress, and continuing support for Ukraine.
‘Foreign leaders have been flocking to Mar-A-Lago in anticipation of Trump changing America’s foreign policies.’
It looks like Trump will introduce a variety of different measures when he reaches power again, according to Dr Smith.
She explained: ‘It is likely Trump will start 2025 as he did in 2017, by firstly reversing innumerable Democratic policies by executive order, varying from environmental protections to foreign policy executive agreements.
‘The policy getting a lot of focus is the question of deportation. Trump sympathisers argue that this policy was a cornerstone of his campaign and the incoming administration is looking to avoid the previous controversy of family separation by deporting whole families.
‘More broadly, considering the vagueness of Trump’s policies despite the result, it is hard to claim a true mandate if people don’t know exactly what they are voting for, so his policies could very well be as controversial as before.’
Trump and Elon Musk have a strange and close friendship (Picture: Getty Images)
Something that has fascinated many people is the unusual close relationship between Trump and Elon Musk.
The President-elect hosted a large Thanksgiving meal at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, with a host of stars – including Musk.
It is believed that Musk has barely left Trump’s massive mansion and has his own room there.
But many have questioned why the two are so close and whether their relationship could break down sooner rather than later.
‘While Trump has no personal electoral reason to care about keeping anyone on side, he likes to impress people he admires, which seems to include Elon Musk,’ Dr Smith said.
‘Trump is also arguably more easily influenced as a result of his lack of firm policy positions. There is potential for Trump to be manipulated by those around him.’
Trump has increased presidential power this time around (Picture: Getty Images)
Trump won not only the popular vote in the election this year but the electoral college vote as well.
This gives him more political weight and more initiative to follow through on policies highlighted in Project 2025.
Project 25 is a 900-page policy ‘wish list’ that would expand presidential power and impose an ultra-conservative social vision on issues like abortion and family, immigration, climate and the economy.
Dr Smith said it is this heightened sense of power that could work in Trump’s favour in 2025 and beyond.
‘The two biggest differences between 2017 and now are that firstly, Trump has presidential experience and knows how to use executive power,’ Dr Smith said.
‘Secondly, there is no personal political consideration Trump has to worry about as a second term president – he doesn’t have to worry about his popularity or gaining votes, he is in essence unleashed.’
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