Trump's return to Oval Office expected to shake up global economy and politics
Trump secured his second term in office this week following a decisive win against Democrat Kamala Harris in the US elections.
Former US President and Republican presidential candidate, Donald Trump, speaks during an election night event at the West Palm Beach Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, on 6 November 2024. Picture: Jim WATSON/AFP
JOHANNESBURG - Donald Trump's return to the Oval Office is expected to cause a shake-up in the global economy and politics.
Trump secured his second term in office this week following a decisive win against Democrat Kamala Harris in the US elections.
Trump's win has raised questions about what his presidency means for some of the world’s most pressing issues.
In his previous administration, Trump's domestic and foreign policy positions largely put the US first.
Part of this was a drive to grow the US economy and an aggressive take on immigration, conflicts, and climate change.
What made him even less popular were threats to reduce funding for international bodies such as the World Health Organization, the NATO security alliance, and similar arrangements.
READ: World leaders pledge to work with Trump as he wins US election
In addition to potential disruptions to alliances, political analyst Kedibone Phago believes Trump's presidency could also pose a political and economic challenge for South Africa.
"But having said that we are not going to abandon our relations with BRICS because it’s such an important bloc that seeks to support emerging economies," said Phago.
While walking a tightrope of international alliances, Phago has called on SA leaders to exercise diplomatic maturity.
Phago also believes Trump's stance on immigration handed him a victory in the US elections.
The 78-year-old has previously called for an overhaul in US immigration policy, including mass deportations of undocumented migrants.
Phago said that, on top of a late start to the race, Harris was also outperformed by Trump’s populist policies.
"Harris is currently part of the Biden administration, which made her collateral damage, to say the policies of the democrats are not going to address the challenges of immigration," he added.