What are the main challenges Trump will face in his second term
Introduction
As Donald Trump prepares to begin his second term as President of the United States on January 20, 2025, he faces several significant challenges:
Immigration and Border Security
Trump has promised to conduct “the largest deportation effort” in U.S. history, targeting between 15 and 20 million people in the country illegally. This ambitious plan faces logistical, legal, and financial hurdles:
Estimated cost of $88 billion annually to deport 1 million undocumented immigrants per year
Likely legal challenges to mass deportations
Potential economic impacts of removing millions from the workforce
Trump also plans to reinstate policies like “Remain in Mexico” and complete construction of the border wall.
Foreign Policy and International Relations
Russia-Ukraine Conflict
Trump has vowed to end the war between Russia and Ukraine quickly, but faces challenges:
Integrating North Korean forces on Russia’s front lines
Balancing support for Ukraine with desire for negotiations
Convincing European allies to take a larger role in diplomacy
China Relations
Trump plans to take an aggressive stance toward China, including:
Potentially imposing new tariffs, risking a trade war
Addressing China’s technological advancements and military posturing
Managing tensions over Taiwan and the South China Sea
Domestic Policy
Economic Challenges
Extending Trump-era tax cuts set to expire
Balancing promises of spending cuts with plans for increased defense spending and preserving entitlement programs
Managing potential economic impacts of trade policies and immigration enforcement
Climate and Energy Policy
Trump aims to roll back Biden administration climate initiatives:
Dismantling clean energy policies and the Inflation Reduction Act
Expanding oil and gas drilling on federal lands
Potentially withdrawing from international climate agreements
Education and Social Issues
Plans to eliminate the Department of Education
Restricting federal funding for schools teaching certain topics related to race or gender
Potential rollback of LGBTQ+ protections, especially for transgender students
Political and Legal Challenges
Managing ongoing legal cases and potential pardons for January 6 participants
Navigating a narrowly divided Congress to pass legislation
Addressing concerns about democratic norms and institutions
Conclusion
Trump’s second term promises significant changes across multiple policy areas, with potential for both domestic and international disruption. His ability to implement his agenda will depend on overcoming these challenges while managing a deeply divided electorate.
