Donald Trump: The Man, The Philosophy, The Ideology, and His Vision for a Second Term as the 47th U.S. President

By Godson Azu

Donald Trump, born on June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York, is a businessman, media personality, and politician who served as the 45th President of the United States from 2017 to 2021. Now hypothetically elected as the 47th President, his return signifies a resurgence of his unorthodox political style and “America First” approach. Known for his populist appeal, Trump has always emphasized nationalism, economic independence, and a strong stance against globalism. His early life and career in real estate, as well as his later rise to fame through "The Apprentice," laid the groundwork for his political image as a decisive, business-minded outsider willing to challenge the establishment. His political journey began with questioning mainstream narratives, eventually leading to his Republican presidential bid in 2015, which focused on issues like immigration reform, economic nationalism, and challenging Washington elites.

Trump’s philosophy is rooted in “America First,” a stance that prioritizes U.S. interests above international obligations and critiques global institutions perceived to limit American autonomy. His populist rhetoric targets political elites, presenting himself as a fighter for the “forgotten man” against the bureaucratic establishment. Additionally, Trump champions economic nationalism, advocating for protecting American jobs and industries through tariffs, restructured trade deals, and border security. This ideology is complemented by his emphasis on law and order, a robust military, and skepticism toward multilateral agreements and global governance. Trump’s conservatism also extends to social policies, where he promotes traditional values and education reform, often with a sharp opposition to progressive ideologies.

In a hypothetical second term, Trump’s “America First” approach would evolve to address current challenges, potentially focusing on economic revitalization, inflation control, and stringent immigration reform. His policies would likely strengthen U.S. manufacturing, push for further energy independence through fossil fuel expansion, and reinforce border security, all aimed at reducing reliance on foreign resources. Internationally, Trump would likely continue to view China as a primary adversary, intensifying policies to counter Chinese influence through economic and diplomatic pressure. Additionally, he may seek to reshape alliances, pressing NATO members and other allies to contribute more to defense, while taking a selective approach to foreign aid, prioritizing U.S. strategic interests.

For Africa, Trump’s return could signify a transactional relationship emphasizing trade and investment that benefits American economic interests, with a focus on countering Chinese influence in the region. Selective trade partnerships, resource investments, and limited security assistance might define his engagement. Visa restrictions and cuts to development aid could affect immigration and foreign assistance, leaning more toward private-sector-led development than traditional aid models. Globally, Trump’s administration would likely adopt a bilateral approach to foreign policy, fostering relationships directly beneficial to the U.S. and favoring pragmatic, short-term goals. His approach may yield short-term stability but also introduce global tensions, with potential consequences for economic and military balances worldwide.