Donald Trump: Not as crazy as you think

President Donald Trump of the United States is often dismissed as a mere right-wing populist, but his presidency warrants a deeper, more nuanced examination. He has often been labeled as unpredictable, even irrational, by his critics. The reality is far different—Donald Trump is a leader of remarkable political instincts, a strategist who has reshaped the American political landscape with clarity, conviction, and a results-driven approach.

One of the most insightful assessments of Donald Trump’s leadership came from Condoleezza Rice, former U.S. National Security Advisor and Secretary of State under President George W. Bush. Rice, who now heads the Hoover Institution at Stanford University, has never been a Donald Trump loyalist. In fact, she publicly called for him to withdraw from the 2016 presidential race.

However, between Donald Trump’s first and second terms, she made an interesting observation. Citing a Mark Twain quote about Wagner’s music—“It’s better than it sounds”—she noted that some of Donald Trump’s policies had proven more effective than they initially appeared. She specifically pointed to his success in revitalizing the job market, citing historically low unemployment rates before the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether on trade, immigration, or economic revitalization, Donald Trump’s presidency has defied expectations in ways that even skeptics like Rice have come to recognize. Rice’s perspective aligns with my central argument: that Donald Trump’s leadership, while unconventional, is rooted in strategic thinking and results-driven governance.

Donald Trump’s policies, often dismissed as populist rhetoric, have proved to be pragmatic solutions to America’s challenges. His approach to immigration, trade, and economic revitalization was not just campaign bluster but a roadmap for national recovery—one he has wasted no time implementing upon returning to office. Donald Trump is a man in a hurry. His second term is about correcting decades of misgovernance, and he has no patience for bureaucratic inefficiency. Executive orders fly off his desk daily, cutting red tape, reducing government bloat, and reaffirming national priorities. He has made English the official language of the U.S., prompting outrage from the woke left, who conveniently ignore that English has always been America’s de facto language.

Beyond his economic policies, Donald Trump has demonstrated extraordinary political instincts. He has decisively defeated three major Democratic figures—Hillary Clinton in 2016, Joe Biden in a nationally televised debate before the 2024 election, and Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential race. Despite relentless attacks, legal battles, and media vilification, Donald Trump endured, fought back, and ultimately reclaimed power. His re-election was driven by two key issues: immigration and the economy.

Under Joe Biden’s administration, millions of illegal immigrants crossed into the U.S., creating significant economic and social pressures. While Democrats dismissed Donald Trump’s border wall as ineffective, Biden eventually conceded to its necessity, agreeing to fund further construction. The wall, despite its critics, has played an essential role in curbing illegal migration, reinforcing Donald Trump’s stance on border security.

Trade and tariffs have also been central to Donald Trump’s economic strategy. Before his administration took a hard stance, Canada imposed tariffs on U.S. imports while enjoying near-unrestricted access to the American market. As someone who has personally encountered barriers while trying to do business in Canada, I can attest to how difficult it is even for small American companies to operate there without establishing a local presence. Donald Trump’s commitment to revitalizing American manufacturing through trade barriers mirrors policies successfully implemented elsewhere. His policies echo successful models worldwide. By putting America’s economic interests first, Donald Trump has revived domestic industries and created jobs that benefit American workers.

Another overlooked reality is how illegal immigration impacts wages for American workers. While some argue that immigrants take jobs Americans refuse to do, the truth is that the U.S. cannot sustain an endless influx of undocumented workers. Donald Trump has taken a pragmatic approach, emphasizing a color-blind administration that prioritizes merit.

One of the most persistent misconceptions about Donald Trump is that his “America First” agenda is rooted in racism. I would like to dismantle this myth by demonstrating that national leaders across the world routinely prioritize their country’s interests without facing the same scrutiny.

With America facing an unsustainable debt crisis, Donald Trump’s focus on economic resurgence is both necessary and pragmatic. His calls for nations such as Ukraine to repay U.S. financial aid follow historical precedent—just as President George H.W. Bush successfully secured financial support from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia in response to Saddam Hussein’s 1990 invasion, Donald Trump believes in ensuring that U.S. aid comes with a return on investment.

Donald Trump is a leader of clear convictions. He recognizes America’s allies and adversaries and acts accordingly. That’s why he gets along so fabulously with other clear-headed leaders. Compared to the incoherence that characterized Biden’s later years in office, Donald Trump’s clarity of speech and sharp memory are a stark contrast.

America has been taken for granted—by friend and foe—for many decades. Donald Trump is only undoing the wrongs that his country has endured. This is the age of realpolitik. Other global leaders could well take a leaf out of Donald Trump’s book, put their countries first, and compete on a level playing field with the rest of the world.