Re-election of President Donald J. Trump

Graphic by Sachi Yamane

Donald Trump was re-elected as the President of the United States of America on Jan. 20, 2025. Previously, after having served as the 45th president of the United States, Donald J. Trump was overtaken by Democratic Party politician Joseph R. Biden by an electoral vote count of 306 to 232. However, Trump’s return to the executive office in 2025 as the 47th president of the United States makes him the second American president to serve non-consecutive terms after Grover Cleveland. Trump’s re-election goes beyond a mere political victory, reflecting the deep-seated partisan divisions in America’s democracy and executive power. Despite the Republican Party’s optimistic views on the re-election of Trump as a restoration of strong leadership, many critics raise concerns over Trump’s democratic integrity and executive power. Examining these criticisms and concerns is crucial when considering Trump’s return to office. 

Trump’s 2024 electoral victory over Kamala Harris, the 49th Vice President of the U.S. and Presidential candidate for the Democratic party, was critical, securing 312 electoral votes to Kamala Harris’s 226 and leading the popular vote with 49.8 percent to 48.3 percent. During his election campaign, Trump focused on criticizing the perceived governmental overreach of the Biden administration while also mentioning his concerns on inflation and immigration. To secure the votes of American citizens, Trump dedicated significant attention to national security and economic revitalization. However, despite his emphasis on these issues, many critics have been imposed on Trump’s return to office, and whether Trump will be able to prolong the culture of democracy in America successfully. 

A major criticism of Donald Trump is his excessive overreach of executive power. Despite criticizing Biden’s administration for this, President Trump has already signed a series of executive orders, including dismissing 17 agency inspectors general without congressional oversight. This action raised concerns regarding the erosion of political checks and balances and government responsibility. 

Another major criticism posed on Trump is his aggressive stance on foreign immigration. President Trump has shown intentions regarding mass deportations of immigrants in America by imposing issues of labor shortages and increased operational costs, which may affect industries that rely heavily on immigrant labor, such as construction and agriculture. Many economists predict Trump’s hostile stance on immigration may deter or even nullify his economic aspiration to reduce inflation. 

Although Trump’s administration has been met with substantial criticism by opposing forces, potential ways exist that could address these problems.

Firstly, in response to Trump’s overreach of executive power, it is deemed essential to implement strengthened democratic institutions that limit executive overreach. Enhancing political checks and balances and implementing congressional oversight may help maintain democratic balance. For example, Congress could pass legislation requiring greater transparency in executive decision-making. Bipartisan efforts, additionally, could be reinforced in the process to ensure that the government and Congress remain transparent, regardless of which party is in power. Moreover, in response to Trump’s authoritative stance on immigration, comprehensive immigration policies that, instead of mass deportation, focus on structured processes that address border security and the economic contributions of these immigrants must be implemented. One possible alternative would be to create pathways for undocumented immigrants to gain legal status while still balancing border security measures. This would allow the U.S. to sustain a sufficient workforce while addressing concerns about illegal immigration. 

Donald Trump’s 2025 presidency marks a historical moment in American history, introducing both opportunities and challenges. While the Republican Party views Trump’s inauguration as a restoration of democracy in America, many critics, including the Democratic Party, view it as a threat to national security and economic growth. The fundamental question that must be considered when assessing Trump’s re-election as president is whether his leadership will strengthen democratic institutions within the nation or potentially drive the nation toward greater instability. The extent to which Trump’s administration respects democratic checks and balances will be crucial in determining his long-term effects on American democracy. Moving forward in his executive service, the Trump administration must balance the current pursuit of strong American protection while also implementing policies that foster international and domestic stability. The upcoming years will serve as a testament to Trump’s capability to address national concerns without eroding democratic principles and balancing the interests of the citizens.