The Lasting Impact of Trump's Economic Policies

As President Trump embarks on a campaign to alter the global economic landscape, experts predict that some changes will be difficult to reverse, even after his term ends.

President Trump has unequivocally signaled his desire to upend the existing global economic framework, achieving substantial changes in a mere 100 days in office. The repercussions of his actions are becoming increasingly apparent as he instigates a trade conflict, withdraws from international treaties, and questions the United States' commitment to European defense.

These shifts mark a significant departure from decades of cooperation and reveal deep-seated changes that could alter the international landscape for years to come. However, the future remains uncertain; midterm elections could shift Congress back to Democratic control, and the end of Trump's presidency is constitutionally dictated to be four years away.

Could the next leader reverse these transformations? Cardinal Michael Czerny, an advisor to Pope Francis, has remarked that nothing achieved over 2,000 years of Church history is irreversible, a sentiment that could equally apply to global politics.

Despite the potential for change, historians and political scientists are already acknowledging that Trump's modifications may be a challenge to undo. One lasting impact is the erosion of trust in the United States—an invaluable asset forged over generations.

Ian Goldin, a professor of globalization and development at the University of Oxford, notes that the core issues fueling the "Make America Great Again" movement—such as rising inequality and economic insecurity—are unlikely to disappear, and the MAGA base will endure long after Trump leaves the scene. Moreover, the global community continues to harbor concerns about the possibility of a similar leader emerging in the future.