President Donald Trump reflected on the differences between his two presidential terms in a new interview with The Atlantic published Monday, April 28, asserting that he now 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 said in the interview. “And the second time, I run the country and the world.”
Since returning to office in January, Trump has exercised broad executive authority across multiple policy areas, with his immigration and trade initiatives generating the most attention and controversy. His administration’s aggressive deportation efforts have faced significant legal challenges, yet Trump continues to defend these policies.
The president’s trade policies have particularly rattled global markets and strained relationships with longtime U.S. allies. Trump announced sweeping tariffs affecting most countries, including major U.S. trading partners, though he later paused some country-specific levies until July. The unpredictable nature of these trade actions has intensified economic anxiety worldwide.
Trump’s trade strategy has been characterized by some supporters as a negotiating tactic. Billionaire Bill Ackman praised the approach as “brilliantly executed,” according to BBC reporting. However, the tariffs have faced criticism from economists and even some Republican senators, with one calling the 10% baseline rate “bad.”
The president’s economic policies have also reshaped security relationships globally. According to Chatham House, European and Asia-Pacific allies are reconsidering their security dependence on the United States in light of Trump’s tariffs. European nations are boosting their defense capabilities and decreasing reliance on U.S.-made military equipment, potentially establishing more competitive defense industries that could eventually rival American ones.
Trump has also raised eyebrows with comments about acquiring Greenland and suggesting Canada could become part of the United States. Meanwhile, he has dedicated substantial time during his first few months in office attempting to negotiate a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.
When asked about the possibility of seeking a third term, Trump expressed hesitation. “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, at a rally in Michigan on Tuesday, he reportedly hinted at the possibility, despite such action being unconstitutional.
Trump mentioned that wealthy elites have shown him greater respect during his second term. He highlighted improved relationships with billionaires like Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg.
The president also addressed challenges within his administration, particularly regarding Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who has faced scrutiny over the Signal scandal and Pentagon turmoil. Trump expressed continued support for Hegseth, indicating 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 when it comes to deportation efforts, suggesting some mistakes may occur in the process.
In a previous rally in Michigan that resembled a campaign event, Trump declared his administration had achieved “the most successful first 100 days of any administration.” During that event, he highlighted his immigration policies, including what he called “mass deportation” efforts. He also defended his protectionist trade approach despite widespread criticism.
When questioned about potential economic challenges resulting 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 simultaneously criticizing Amazon’s plan to disclose how tariffs affect product prices.
However, now that President Donald Trump’s second term has reached the 100-day mark, there has been a significant decline in public approval and mounting legal scrutiny over his administration’s policies and statements.
During the recent interview with The Atlantic, Trump claimed to hold leadership over both the nation and the world, a statement that has faced criticism from political analysts and legal experts. They argue that such statements reflect an overreach of executive power and a disregard for constitutional limits. Legal scholars have pointed out that Trump’s assertion of global leadership lacks any legal basis and could undermine the principles of democratic governance.
Public opinion mirrors these concerns. A PBS News/NPR/Marist poll indicates that nearly half of Americans assign Trump a failing grade for his performance thus far, with approval ratings hovering around 39%—the lowest for any president at this stage in decades. Criticism spans across 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 eyebrows 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 dangerous precedents.
Despite these challenges, Trump maintains a loyal base. Supporters argue that his bold approach is necessary to disrupt the status quo and implement long-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 watchful of how these dynamics unfold and the implications for American democracy.
