President Donald Trump shared his perspective on the differences between his two presidential terms in a recent interview with The Atlantic, published on Monday, April 28. Trump stated that he currently leads both “the country and the world.”
“The first time, I had two things to do — run the country and survive; I had all these crooked guys,” Trump remarked during the interview. “And the second time, I run the country and the world.”
Since his return to office in January, Trump has exercised significant executive authority in various policy areas, with his immigration and trade policies attracting considerable attention and controversy. His administration’s strong deportation policies have encountered substantial legal challenges, yet Trump has remained a staunch defender of these measures.
Trump’s trade policies have unsettled global markets and strained ties with longstanding U.S. allies. He announced extensive tariffs impacting most countries, including key U.S. trading partners, although he later delayed certain country-specific tariffs until July. The unpredictable nature of these trade actions has heightened global economic uncertainty.
Some supporters view Trump’s trade strategy as a negotiating tactic. Billionaire Bill Ackman described the approach as “brilliantly executed,” according to BBC reporting. However, the tariffs have received criticism from economists and some Republican senators, with one senator labeling the 10% baseline rate “bad.”
The president’s economic measures have also influenced global security relationships. As reported by Chatham House, European and Asia-Pacific allies are reassessing their security reliance on the United States due to Trump’s tariffs. European countries are enhancing their defense capabilities and reducing dependence on U.S.-made military equipment, potentially fostering more competitive defense industries that could eventually rival those of the U.S.
Trump has raised attention with remarks about acquiring Greenland and suggesting that Canada could become part of the United States. Meanwhile, he has devoted significant time during his initial months in office attempting to broker a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.
When questioned about the possibility of pursuing a third term, Trump expressed reluctance. “It’s not something that I’m looking to do. And I think it would be a very hard thing to do,” he told The Atlantic. However, during a rally in Michigan, he reportedly alluded to the possibility, despite such an action being unconstitutional.
Trump mentioned that wealthy elites have shown him more respect during his second term. He noted improved relationships with billionaires like Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg.
The president also addressed challenges within his administration, specifically regarding Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who has faced scrutiny over the Signal scandal and Pentagon issues. Trump expressed continued support for Hegseth, suggesting he would “get it together.”
Regarding his immigration policies, Trump acknowledged that perfection is unattainable. He conveyed to The Atlantic that nothing will ever be completely flawless in deportation efforts, suggesting that some errors may occur in the process.
In a previous rally in Michigan that resembled a campaign event, Trump stated his administration had achieved “the most successful first 100 days of any administration.” During the event, he highlighted his immigration policies, including what he termed “mass deportation” efforts, and defended his protectionist trade approach despite widespread criticism.
When asked about potential economic challenges from his tariff policies during an ABC News interview, Trump dismissed concerns, telling reporters that “Everything’s going to be just fine,” according to The Washington Post.
The administration has taken steps to mitigate some tariff impacts, particularly for automakers, while also criticizing Amazon’s plan to reveal how tariffs affect product prices.
However, now that President Donald Trump’s second term has reached the 100-day mark, public approval has significantly decreased, and there is increasing legal scrutiny over his administration’s policies and statements.
In the recent interview with The Atlantic, Trump claimed leadership over both the nation and the world, a statement that has been criticized by political analysts and legal experts. They argue that such assertions reflect an overreach of executive power and a disregard for constitutional limits. Legal scholars have pointed out that Trump’s claim of global leadership lacks legal basis and could undermine democratic governance principles.
Public opinion reflects these concerns. A PBS News/NPR/Marist poll indicates that nearly half of Americans give Trump a failing grade for his performance so far, with approval ratings around 39%—the lowest for any president at this stage in decades. Criticism spans various policy areas, including immigration, trade, and foreign affairs. Notably, his aggressive deportation policies have faced legal challenges, and his trade tariffs have been blamed for economic instability and strained international relations.
Trump’s statements have also raised concerns in the judiciary. Courts have pushed back against several executive orders, emphasizing the importance of checks and balances. For instance, federal judges have blocked certain immigration policies, citing constitutional violations. Legal experts warn that Trump’s rhetoric and actions could erode the rule of law and set concerning precedents.
Despite these challenges, Trump maintains a loyal base. Supporters argue that his bold approach is necessary to disrupt the status quo and implement overdue reforms. However, the growing divide between the executive branch and other institutions underscores the contentious nature of his presidency.
As Trump’s second term progresses, the interplay between his administration’s assertions of power and the responses from the public and legal system will continue to shape the political landscape. Observers remain attentive to how these dynamics unfold and the implications for American democracy.
