Trump's first statements and orders: what they reveal

Trump's electoral base is highly fragmented, comprising traditionalist fundamentalists, white nationalists, relatively moderate conservatives, conspiracy theorists, neo-Nazis, and - among the broader "masses" - those discontented with globalization in all its forms, from economic to social and informational.

The common thread among them is resentment (each with their own grievances) and a desire for simple solutions that "restore their sense of dignity" and improve their material well-being.

"This latter point unites both tech magnates and John, who lost his job because the factory where his grandfather and father worked shut down due to China's rise or the availability of cheaper goods from Mexico, Canada, and Europe."

The U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement (to allow oil and gas companies to ramp up production), lifting restrictions on artificial intelligence development, and announcements that tariffs against Mexico and Canada would take effect on February 1 are all primarily responses to the economic demands of his donors and voters.

The repeal of regulations promoting racial equality, combating gender discrimination, and addressing the U.S. government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic caters to the social demands of certain voter groups. These measures are designed to appeal to conservative and traditionalist circles.

Immigration restrictions address both economic and social demands. Economically, they aim to reduce competition in the labor market, particularly in working-class and low-wage sectors. And the social demand from the right to “preserve America's identity” has not been canceled. 

And there’s no shortage of pure politics - withdrawal from the WHO (a target of Trump’s personal vendetta), halting aid to foreign organizations (mainly humanitarian programs, including hunger relief and refugee assistance), reimposing restrictions on Cuba, freezing federal hiring, and more. Particularly notable is the pardon of those who stormed the Capitol, including Enrique Tarrio, the neo-Nazi leader of the Proud Boys, sentenced to 22 years in prison.

Ironically, Trump also paused the TikTok ban. He delayed its enforcement for 75 days, giving his administration time to "determine a course of action that protects national security while avoiding the sudden shutdown of a communications platform." Yet the real reason seems clear: maintaining contact with the younger audience, successfully mobilized through the Chinese app.

The renaming of the Gulf of Mexico and reverting the name of Denali (North America’s highest peak) to Mount McKinley is another nod to Trump’s right-wing electorate and himself. Obama had renamed the mountain to honor a local Native American tribe, but Trump, a third-generation immigrant descendant, renamed it after his political idol. McKinley annexed Hawaii and Puerto Rico, championed protectionist policies, and was assassinated by a leftist terrorist.

What can be said about this stream of decisions? It’s boundless populism mixed with political pragmatism (like TikTok, concessions to tech giants, and oil magnates). Trump continues to use populist rhetoric, giving his voters exactly what they expect - an impression of swift resolutions in domestic U.S. politics. Whether they work remains to be seen. But he always has the option to say he did his best, but the "deep state" hindered him.

The fact that Trump spent January 20-21 on issues unrelated to Ukraine might actually be a good thing. This frenzy of populism and superficial problem-solving for complex issues is the last thing Ukraine, fighting for its sovereignty, needs right now.

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About the author. Yurii Bohdanov, publicist, expert in strategic communications in the fields of business, public administration, and politics.

The editors don't always share the opinions expressed by the blog authors.