TRUMP NEEDS TO AVOID 2ND TERM CURSE!

 Weekly Opinion Editorial

HANG ON FOR CHANGE!

by Steve Fair

     On Monday January 20^th, just after noon President Donald John Trump was sworn into office for his second term.  The ceremony was held in the Capitol Rotunda due to cold weather.  Oath of office was administered by Chief Justice John Roberts.  Oklahoman Carrie Underwood sang America the Beautiful.  The Navy Glee Club sang The Battle Hymn of the Republic.   A slew of executive orders followed including the round up of illegal immigrants for deportation.  Unlike Trump’s first term which started in a chaotic way, the second term appears to be more organized and thoughtful.  Three observations:

     First, Americans are ready for a change.  As evidenced by Trump’s margin of victory in November, average Americans are fed up with high inflation and government interference in their life.  Trump has vowed to enact tariffs and remove regulations that should spur the economy.  His market driven philosophy is much different than the outgoing administration, whose monetary policies caused supply shortages and record inflation.  Trump’s plan to cut government spending requires the cooperation of Congress, but voters sent a clear and powerful message in November they are not happy with business as usual.  Congressional stonewallers of Trump’s agenda- no matter what their Party affiliation- will face the wrath of voters in the midterms.

     Second, Republicans control government.  The GOP holds a majority in both chambers of Congress and the presidency.  Because of that, there is no excuse to not get meaningful legislature passed into law.  The challenge is going to be in the U.S. House, where the majority margin is so slim that just a couple of defectors can derail the agenda.  The uncooperative, disobliging GOP members who in the past have settled for nothing instead of something will not be viewed favorably by America if they stonewall Trump’s agenda.  In years past, when the American people have given Republicans total control of government, infighting has resulted in mayhem and havoc.  Hopefully the GOP has learned their lesson.

     Third, Trump needs to avoid the second-term curse.  Twenty-one U.S. presidents have served two terms.  According to the so-called second-term curse, all of them have been plagued by a major scandal, a catastrophe or difficulty in their second term.  Approval ratings are normally lower on average for second terms and economic indicators are not as robust in second terms.  Recognizing they will not face voters again often contributes to a daredevil rash approach to governing.  It appears Trump has surrounded himself with focused people determined to accomplish something.   

     Donald Trump is not your typical politician.  Trump’s life’s work hasn’t been public service.  He is a businessman.  His point of reference/perspective is much different than the classic elected official.  In his first term, his style of governing conflicted with the insider approach of DC, resulting in meaningful policy taking eons to get accomplished.  Productivity is likely to be much better in his second term.  Hang on for change!