The Immediate Challenges Facing Trump in Office and Potential Solutions
When Donald Trump assumes office again in 2025, he will confront a daunting array of challenges that will test his capacity to deliver on his “America First” agenda. Beyond reversing the policies of his predecessor, Trump will need to tackle issues that have deepened over the years, including the erosion of trust in American institutions, the crisis at the southern border, fiscal instability, and more. To succeed, he must take swift, decisive action across a broad spectrum of domestic and foreign policy concerns.
Restoring Trust in American Institutions
The erosion of trust in key American institutions—such as the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the broader federal government—has become a significant crisis. These agencies have been weaponized for political purposes, a perception Trump himself has emphasized. Rebuilding these institutions is essential to restoring public confidence and ensuring they operate above partisanship.
Trump’s solution could involve appointing reform-minded leadership, which for the most part, he has, with a clear mandate to conduct independent, transparent audits. These audits would identify political biases and operational inefficiencies, laying the groundwork for restructuring. Trump may also push for legislation to limit government overreach, such as requiring stricter oversight of surveillance and investigative powers. At the same time, he must balance reform with maintaining these institutions’ operational integrity to avoid jeopardizing national security and public safety.
Securing the Southern Border
The crisis at the southern border has reached unprecedented levels, with record illegal crossings and surges in drug smuggling, particularly fentanyl, devastating American communities. Trump’s previous presidency prioritized strict enforcement and the construction of a border wall, much of which was dismantled or weakened under the Biden administration. Addressing this issue will demand immediate and comprehensive action.
Trump should reinstate successful policies such as “Remain in Mexico” and Title 42 to expedite deportations and reduce the influx of migrants. Simultaneously, completing the border wall with enhanced funding and deploying advanced surveillance technology would strengthen border security. Beyond enforcement, Trump could work with Central American countries to tackle the root causes of migration, such as crime and economic instability, while incentivizing legal immigration pathways.
Rebalancing Foreign Policy
On the global stage, Trump will face a series of international challenges, including escalating tensions with China, the ongoing war in Ukraine, and growing instability in the Middle East. The balancing act of asserting U.S. strength while avoiding overreach will be critical to maintaining global stability and advancing American interests.
To address China, Trump should expand tariffs and provide incentives for U.S. companies to bring manufacturing back home, reducing economic reliance on Beijing. Militarily, he must enhance alliances in the Indo-Pacific, such as strengthening the QUAD partnership, to counter China’s aggressive posturing. In Ukraine, Trump has to prioritize peace negotiations to end the conflict, leveraging U.S. influence to demand concessions while halting the financial drain of indefinite aid. Regarding the Middle East, Trump’s previous success with the Abraham Accords offers a template for fostering regional stability while keeping a firm stance against Iran’s aggression.
Addressing Energy Independence
The United States has seen its energy independence erode in recent years, resulting in volatile gas prices and a heightened reliance on foreign oil. Trump’s first presidency saw a resurgence in domestic energy production, which not only lowered energy costs but also enhanced geopolitical leverage. A return to this approach would be critical for economic stability and national security.
Trump could immediately reverse restrictive policies on oil and gas production, reopening federal lands and offshore areas for drilling. Accelerating pipeline projects such as Keystone XL would ensure efficient transport of domestic energy resources. In parallel, he could incentivize innovation in clean fossil-fuel technologies, reducing environmental impacts without sacrificing energy output. By reducing energy dependence on foreign nations like Saudi Arabia or Venezuela, Trump would secure a strategic advantage and shield Americans from global energy market fluctuations.
Combating Big Tech Overreach
Big Tech’s influence over speech, elections, and the economy has become a lightning rod for criticism, especially among conservatives. Trump himself experienced the consequences of unchecked Big Tech power when he was de-platformed from major social media networks. Ensuring fair treatment for all Americans and protecting free speech online would be a significant challenge for his administration.
One solution could involve passing legislation to reform Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, holding tech companies accountable for censoring lawful speech. Trump has to also establish a task force to investigate monopolistic practices and enforce antitrust laws where necessary. Encouraging competition by supporting alternative platforms and decentralizing the internet through blockchain-based technologies would further erode Big Tech’s concentrated power.
Rebuilding American Manufacturing
The erosion of American manufacturing has hollowed out communities and weakened the nation’s economic foundation. Globalization, exacerbated by unfair trade practices from countries like China, has decimated once-thriving industrial sectors. Trump’s focus on revitalizing domestic industry could play a pivotal role in restoring economic strength.
Trump should expand tariffs on imported goods to level the playing field for American companies while incentivizing reshoring through tax breaks and grants for industries willing to bring operations back to the United States. Launching a national infrastructure initiative to modernize factories and supply chains would bolster productivity and create jobs. Moreover, partnering with state governments to establish vocational training programs would ensure the workforce is equipped to meet the demands of a revitalized manufacturing sector.
Donald Trump’s return to the presidency in 2025 would bring with it a unique set of challenges, both old and new. From restoring institutional integrity and securing the southern border to combating Big Tech overreach and rebuilding American manufacturing, Trump will need to move quickly to deliver results. These challenges are formidable, but with bold leadership and strategic action, Trump would lay the groundwork for a transformative presidency that prioritizes the American people and reaffirms the nation’s position as a global leader.