The Donald Show Part II
12th November, 2024
Now, this looks like a job for me
So everybody, just follow me
'Cause we need a little controversy
'Cause it feels so empty without me
Donald Trump must wait a few more months before he takes over the reins from President Joe Biden, but he is already rolling out the red carpet for The Donald Show Part II.
In September 2016, Salena Zito wrote in The Atlantic about then-presidential candidate Trump: "the press takes him literally, but not seriously; his supporters take him seriously, but not literally." Eight years later, no one can avoid taking the just re-elected Trump seriously, but the big question again is how literally to take all his words, and then what words.
Biology textbook full of insults
Regarding the latter, here are some of his most controversial statements about immigrants:
- "Poisoning the blood of our country": Trump asserted that undocumented immigrants are "poisoning the blood of our country," a remark that drew significant criticism for its association with racist rhetoric.
- "Not people" and "animals": He repeatedly dehumanized migrants by referring to them as "not people" and "animals."
- "Bad genes": In an interview, Trump suggested that there are "a lot of bad genes" in the U.S. due to illegal immigration, labeling immigrants as murderers and linking criminal behavior to genetic factors.
- "Vermin": He described political opponents as "vermin" that need to be rooted out, raising concerns about the use of fascist rhetoric.
- "Invasion" and "blood bath": Trump characterized the influx of migrants as an "invasion" and warned of a "blood bath" if he lost the election, which was seen as inciting fear and potential violence.
- "They're eating the cats": Trump claimed without evidence that immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, were eating people's pets.
This little overview leaves little to be desired in terms of clarity. At the same time, Trump did show support for legal immigration in a recent interview in The Washington Post. Marc Thiessen asked Trump if he is a supporter of legal immigration. The answer: "I am. We need people." Thiessen also asked Trump if he thinks immigrants make America a better country. Trump: "Yeah, I think so." Furthermore, the newly elected president has indicated that foreign students who obtain their degrees from American universities should be granted permanent residency.
Migration is just one of the policy areas on which Trump has presented, to put it mildly, some pretty noticeable quotes. His ideas on the Fed, foreign affairs and trade policy, for example, have raised eyebrows among businesses and investors. For example, Trump has said on numerous occasions that he favors a universal 10% tariff on all imports, with higher tariffs on countries that manipulate their currencies. And he suggested tariffs of at least 60% on Chinese goods and 100% on cars produced outside the US.
Will the real Trump please stand up
Which of the two Trumps will rise in a few months: the extreme version or a moderate one? In any case, the early signs are not very hopeful (for those who would prefer the roughest edges of Trump’s proposals to be smoothed). For example, it became clear this week that Trump wants to appoint a hardliner associated with the Heritage Foundation's high-profile Project 2025 to implement his immigration policy (incidentally, one who made a career under president Obama). Also, one of the most controversial figures of Trump's first term - Stephen Miller - will have an important role in the White House. In addition, trade hawk Robert Lighthizer is nominated to implement U.S. trade policy.
In short, the members of Team Trump announced so far do not bode well, but I indicated in our Global Political Analysis last week that not just specific individuals will determine what policies are ultimately implemented, but that ingrained structures, procedures and national interests also play a big part.
For our clients, we continue to closely monitor which people Trump will surround himself with in the White House and what other signals are given about what will actually become policy. One thing is certain: Donald Trump will be the center of attention next winter (and beyond):
Fix your bent antenna, tune it in, and then I'm gonna
Enter in and up under your skin like a splinter
The center of attention, back for the winter
I'm interesting, the best thing since wrestling
Infesting in your kid's ears and nesting
Testing, "Attention, please"
Eminem - Without Me
