The initial reaction to Donald Trump’s 2024 election victory among international observers was one of bracing for a difficult four years. The expectation was that, eventually, the “old America” would reassert itself. However, a year into his second term, that sentiment is shifting. A growing consensus suggests that Trump’s presidency isn’t a temporary deviation, but rather a manifestation of deep-seated forces within the United States that won’t simply disappear with a change in administration.
This view, while gaining traction, is not without its critics. As Trump’s actions continue to draw condemnation, a backlash is building, both domestically, and internationally. The question now is whether this backlash will gain sufficient momentum to fundamentally alter the trajectory of his presidency and potentially lead to a rejection of the “MAGA” movement.
America’s allies, initially hesitant, are beginning to find their voices. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s assertion at Davos – “We know the old order is not coming back” – exemplifies this shift. Similarly, Sir Keir Starmer, the leader of the UK Labour Party, publicly condemned Trump’s disparaging remarks about the sacrifices made by British and allied troops in Afghanistan. Even more pointedly, the speaker of the Polish parliament refused to endorse a petition calling for Trump to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, with one Polish MP drawing a historical parallel to the decline of the Roman Empire.
However, the most crucial backlash must occur within the United States itself. And, encouragingly, signs of resistance are emerging. Protests erupted in Minneapolis following the tactics of ICE, resulting in fatalities. Even within his own party, senior figures have voiced opposition to events in Minnesota and denounced Trump’s threats regarding Greenland. The racist meme shared by the president regarding the Obamas prompted widespread condemnation, ultimately forcing the White House to remove it.
Business leaders are also beginning to speak out. Ken Griffin, of Citadel, a prominent Republican donor and hedge fund manager, noted that Trump administration policies have directly benefited his family financially. This acknowledgement of potential conflicts of interest adds to the growing scrutiny of the administration’s actions.
Recent special elections have also provided a glimmer of hope for those opposing Trump’s agenda, with unfavorable results for “MAGA” Republicans even in traditionally strong states like Texas, Louisiana, and Florida. Senior Republicans are reportedly concerned about the potential for losing control of both the House and the Senate in the upcoming November midterm elections.
This growing opposition increases the possibility that Trump’s presidency will be remembered as an anomaly, rather than a lasting transformation of American politics. The notion that the US is irrevocably altered by the Trump era is being challenged.
History offers precedents for such reversals. Greece restored its democracy after a period of military rule, India overturned a state of emergency, and England, after a civil war and a republican interlude, reinstated the monarchy. These examples suggest that nations can, course-correct and reclaim their previous trajectories.
The renaming of the Kennedy Center to the “Trump-Kennedy Center” serves as a potent symbol of this potential for reversal. The expectation is that, once the current administration is over, the original name will be restored, and the episode will be relegated to the past. However, the administration’s decision to close the center for two years for “renovations” raises concerns about potential further alterations, mirroring the fate of the White House’s East Wing.
With three years remaining in office, Trump retains the capacity to inflict significant damage, not only on institutions like the Kennedy Center but also on the United States itself. His anti-democratic tendencies represent the most significant threat. While the American people may ultimately reject his policies and leadership, Trump is unlikely to accept such a verdict gracefully. His demonstrated unwillingness to concede defeat in the 2020 election suggests a potential for further unrest and civil disorder.
Given these uncertainties, a prudent approach for nations is to diversify their relationships and reduce their reliance on the United States. However, even as they pursue these strategies, America’s allies should remain open to the possibility of a return to a more traditional American foreign policy. Nations, like individuals, are capable of learning from their mistakes and restoring their fortunes. The “old America” may yet make a comeback.
