Analyses, research, and predictions by numerous agencies suggested that the presidential race between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris would be decided by a margin of a few thousand votes. However, the final results revealed that Trump won by a landslide, securing a multi-million vote majority and affirming his pre-election words: “You think it will be close? Uncertain? No—these are completely certain elections. I am winning!” Thus, he secured his second term and became the 47th President of the United States.
Following his defeat on January 20, 2021, when he left the White House, Trump said: “I’ll be back, watch out until we meet again.” Many then believed his political ambitions were over. Despite numerous legal proceedings, million-dollar fines, party disagreements, media pressure, and other challenges, Trump continued his political fight and succeeded in securing a new mandate, proving his resilience in the political arena.
WHAT AWAITS AMERICA AND THE WORLD?
Make America Great Again, No Interventionism, Yes to Americanization, Mass Deportation, A Golden Age of America were Donald Trump’s key messages during the campaign. However, it is essential to distinguish Trump’s approach during the campaign—often employing populist rhetoric and sharp statements—from the Trump who will take responsibility in the Oval Office and handle complex political decisions. It is worth noting that Trump in 2024 is not the same as the one who entered the Oval Office in 2016—he now possesses all the necessary presidential and political experience.
Although many analysts argue that his policy is unpredictable and populist, his actions consistently follow a conservative political course. His national priorities include economic growth, social aid, and healthcare. Trump plans to reactivate the set of tax breaks from 2017, reduce the corporate tax rate from 21% to 15%, and eliminate taxes on tips and social benefits, which, according to him, could stimulate economic growth and job creation. Critics argue that these measures would benefit the wealthy the most, while the middle class might feel less of an impact. To encourage production in America, he also plans to introduce a 60% tax on Chinese products, although this move is already sparking controversy and debates about its possible consequences for the American economy.
Despite legal processes, million-dollar fines, and party disagreements, Donald Trump became the 47th President of the United States on November 5.
His immigration policy is also in focus, with plans to stop illegal immigration and deport many people who have lived in the U.S. for a long time, many of whom are from Latin America and have been in the country for over a decade. There are currently 11 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S., about 3.3% of the population. Most of them are long-time residents—nearly 80% have lived in the country for more than a decade—and almost half are from Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, concentrated in states like California, Texas, Florida, New York, New Jersey, and Illinois. Through these policies, Trump seeks to implement measures that will, according to his plans, have a significant impact on the domestic and foreign affairs of the United States.
THE WAR IN UKRAINE
Donald Trump ended his presidency four years ago with a farewell speech, emphasizing: “I am particularly proud of the fact that I am the first president in several decades who did not start any wars.” During the campaign, Trump also highlighted efforts to achieve peace, particularly drawing attention with statements about quickly resolving the conflict in Ukraine. He will now have the opportunity to confirm his promises before the world stage.
According to military experts, the options for ending the war in Ukraine vary, but Western funding and support play a key role. There is a possibility of considering a peace proposal soon, but it is more likely to take the form of a compromise that includes concessions to Russia than as a “victory plan” proposed by Volodymyr Zelensky. Geopolitical issues arising from this also include the potential impact on the end of the post-Cold War era, as well as the future collaboration between the presidents of Ukraine and Russia.
THE MIDDLE EAST AS A CENTRAL POINT OF GLOBAL PEACE
The escalation of war in the Middle East draws special attention from Washington and the President of the United States. During the campaign, Trump emphasized the need for a swift end to conflicts, although he did not present details or concrete plans. Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli Prime Minister, was among the first to congratulate Trump on his election victory via telephone. Analysts assessed during the campaign that Trump’s victory could grant Israel greater freedom of action in the region. According to their predictions, Trump might support Israel’s steps regarding the Middle East, including the potential annexation of the West Bank. During his speeches, Trump repeatedly stated his goal to end conflicts before the inauguration.
Donald Trump concluded his presidential term with the words: “I am particularly proud of the fact that I am the first president in several decades who did not start any wars.” During his campaign, he drew attention with statements about the swift resolution of the conflict in Ukraine. He will now have the opportunity to fulfill these promises before the global audience.
In his first term, Trump took several controversial steps supporting Israel, such as moving the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem in 2017 and recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. Iran’s role should not be overlooked, and experts predict that Trump could intensify rhetoric against the country, given his earlier statements and actions, especially referencing the operation that killed Iranian General Qasem Soleimani. Trump then said: “We acted to stop a war—not to start one. For the past 20 years, he organized terrorist attacks aimed at destabilizing the Middle East.”
SERBIA AND AMERICA – AN OPPORTUNITY FOR A NEW CHAPTER
Despite his previous term, during which Trump showed interest in the Balkans through Special Envoy Richard Grenell and a realist approach regarding the normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina, he is exceptionally popular among Serbs. This popularity was further strengthened by a phone call between Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and Trump, one of the first international contacts the U.S. President had after his electoral victory. This conversation hints at future collaboration, which could contribute to a stronger alliance.
Analysts note that relations between the U.S. and Serbia are currently at their highest level in decades, with the potential for direct communication between presidents adding value. There is a possibility that Belgrade might appear on the list of cities Trump could visit. After the conversation, President Vučić expressed hope that the U.S. President would visit Serbia, emphasizing his significant support in the country.
Analysts state that relations between the U.S. and Serbia are currently at their highest level in decades, not only in political terms but also economically and energetically.
Moreover, President Vučić publicly shared that Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, was present during the conversation. Musk’s presence raises the question of potential economic cooperation, considering that Tesla is the world’s largest electric car manufacturer, and lithium is a key resource. Some time ago, Vučić also met with Jared Kushner to discuss a half-billion-dollar investment in Belgrade, laying the groundwork for further economic cooperation.
AN OPPORTUNITY FOR NORMALIZATION OF RELATIONS BETWEEN BELGRADE AND PRISTINA
Although it is unrealistic to expect the United States to change its stance on Kosovo as a self-declared independent state, Washington might more actively and constructively engage in negotiations on normalizing relations between Belgrade and Pristina. During Trump’s first term, Special Envoy Richard Grenell demonstrated some understanding of Serbia and its position.
Albin Kurti, the current leader of the provisional Pristina institutions, publicly supported the Democrats and Kamala Harris in the current campaign. Consequently, Trump’s victory may bring challenges for Kurti, especially considering the early contact established between Presidents Vučić and Trump.
Professor David Phillips from Columbia University stated that “Trump’s victory in the elections could have a significant impact on Kosovo,” noting the risk of a possible gradual closure of the Bondsteel military base and the potential suspension of steps toward Kosovo’s integration into NATO. Phillips concluded that “we might see a significant shift in U.S. policy regarding the Balkans.”
Albin Kurti, the current leader of the provisional Pristina institutions, publicly supported the Democrats and Kamala Harris in the current campaign—Donald Trump’s victory may present him with unexpected political challenges.
WHO’S WHO IN TRUMP’S NEW TEAM?
Absolute power comes with absolute responsibility. With Trump at the helm and his Vice President J.D. Vance, the U.S. administration currently holds a majority in the Senate, the House of Representatives, and support in the Supreme Court, granting them significant political influence. Key appointments are underway for positions in Trump’s second-term administration.
Marco Rubio, a senator from Florida, has been named the new Secretary of State, while Republican Congressman Mike Waltz has been appointed as National Security Advisor. Trump announced that Elon Musk and Republican businessman Vivek Ramaswamy would lead the new Department for Administration Efficiency, tasked with managing government agencies and the budget to reduce bureaucracy and control federal institution expenses.
Former Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe has been appointed CIA Director, while Fox News host Pete Hegseth will become the new Secretary of Defense. Additionally, Trump has appointed investor and donor Steve Witkoff as Special Envoy for the Middle East, and his former White House Secretary, Cillian Joseph McKinley, has been named the new White House Advisor. Richard Grenell’s role remains unknown, which is one of the most critical pieces of information for the Balkan region.
NOBEL PEACE PRIZE – ANOTHER OF TRUMP’S AMBITIONS?
Based on current circumstances, it can be assumed that American policy will shift to the right. As a long-time businessman and now a two-term U.S. president, Donald Trump has been working since 2016 on achieving international agreements and reducing global tensions, meeting with leaders such as Kim Jong Un, Xi Jinping, and Vladimir Putin. His approach to politics is often pragmatic and business-oriented, and according to close associates, he is motivated by an ambition to be recognized as a proponent of peace.
Some believe he aspires to win the Nobel Peace Prize, an honor previously awarded to U.S. Presidents Barack Obama, Jimmy Carter, Theodore Roosevelt, and Woodrow Wilson. Although political rivals accused him of many things during the campaign and labeled him “a man who will get a mandate for revenge and enter the cabinet with a list of enemies,” many hope that his main ambition will remain focused on achieving peace and global stability.
Featured image: BBC
