Donald Trump is set to take the oath of office as the 47th President of the United States on Monday, January 20, in Washington, D.C. Following his victory in the 2024 election, Trump returns to power four years after losing to Joe Biden.
The inauguration comes after months of controversy. Trump entered the campaign with a felony conviction for hush money fraud charges, but Judge Justice Merchan later overturned the record with an unconditional discharge.
Since his November 2024 election win, Trump has made waves with his cabinet nominations and policy announcements. Among his picks are tech mogul Elon Musk as Efficiency Tsar, Kash Patel to head the FBI, and former WWE CEO Linda McMahon as Education Secretary.
On foreign policy, Trump has made bold proposals, including purchasing Greenland, acquiring the Panama Canal, and even absorbing Canada into the United States.
Experts at City St George’s, University of London, have responded to his return, offering insights into what lies ahead for the United States and the world.
Populist Leaders and the Risks of a Second Term
Dr. Ayala Panievsky, Presidential Fellow in the Journalism Department, compares Trump’s return to office to other populist leaders who regained power after a period of political defeat.
“For populists, losing elections is inconceivable,” Dr. Panievsky explains. “If they see themselves as the only true representatives of ‘the real people,’ then any loss must mean the system is rigged.”
She draws parallels with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who returned to power in 2010 after losing in 2002, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who regained office a decade after his 1999 defeat.
“Populists’ second terms often become more oppressive and anti-democratic,” Dr. Panievsky warns. “The taste of defeat fuels paranoia, leading to revenge-driven governance and efforts to prevent future losses. If Trump follows this pattern, his administration may target the media and erode Americans’ right to know.”
Economic Risks: Project 2025 and Financial Deregulation
Dr. Inga Rademacher, Lecturer in International Political Economy, cautions against the potential implementation of Project 2025, a radical free-market policy framework designed by Trump allies.
The project proposes dismantling state intervention in financial markets, including curbing the Federal Reserve’s powers and possibly reintroducing the gold standard.
“If enacted, these policies would further liberalize U.S. financial markets, making it harder for European governments to regulate their own markets effectively,” Dr. Rademacher says.
She adds, “Financial market deregulation could increase the risk of future crises, destabilizing democracies worldwide. Maintaining or enhancing existing regulations is critical to preventing such scenarios.”
Global Implications
Trump’s return to the White House signals a potential shift in both domestic and international policies. His administration’s focus on populist governance, media control, and free-market economics could reshape the global landscape.
As experts warn of increased authoritarianism and economic risks, the world will be watching closely to see how Trump’s second term unfolds—and how it impacts the broader geopolitical order.
