Related Articles
-Editorial
As President Donald Trump embarks on his second term, his approval ratings present a mixed picture. According to a recent Gallup poll conducted between February 3 and 16, 2025, his approval rating stands at 45%, with Congress experiencing a notable increase to 29% (Gallup News). Similarly, a Washington Post/Ipsos poll reflects a 45% approval rating for the President, signaling a nation still deeply divided over his leadership. These figures suggest that, despite his political base’s unwavering support, a significant portion of the populace disapproves of his performance, particularly in the aftermath of his first term’s controversies and the charged political environment he fostered.
Presidents who have left an indelible mark on the nation and the world have demonstrated certain key traits—traits that could guide President Trump in his second term, should he choose to prioritize them. For example, Abraham Lincoln is celebrated not only for preserving the Union during the Civil War but also for his unyielding dedication to the ideals of liberty and equality. His ability to inspire a fractured nation while making difficult moral and political decisions remains a model for presidential leadership (Miller Center). Similarly, Franklin D. Roosevelt’s resilience during the Great Depression and World War II transformed the American economy and positioned the United States as a global leader in both military and diplomatic realms. Roosevelt’s empathy and ability to unite the country during one of its most challenging periods demonstrated the transformative power of leadership rooted in vision and service to all Americans.
In contrast, Trump’s first term was marked by bold policies that resonated strongly with his base, yet alienated other segments of the population. His “America First” agenda, while undeniably appealing to many, often came at the cost of strained international relations, deepened domestic divisions, and alienation of key demographic groups. These divides were amplified by a combative rhetorical style and policies that prioritized nationalistic ideals over diplomatic unity. Nevertheless, President Trump’s second term offers a rare opportunity for reinvention—a chance to transcend partisan lines and work toward a more unified and prosperous nation. It is not too late for him to leave a positive legacy, but it will require substantial shifts in his approach to leadership and governance.
One of the most critical areas where President Trump has the potential to forge a lasting and positive impact is in economic policy. While his administration enjoyed successes such as low unemployment rates and stock market highs during his first term, persistent issues like income inequality, wage stagnation, and economic disparities remain. A comprehensive economic strategy that includes long-term investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and green technologies could help reduce these inequities and foster social mobility. Policies that prioritize broad-based prosperity—not just tax cuts for the wealthy or deregulation for corporations—could bridge the gap between America’s prosperous few and struggling many. By focusing on the economic well-being of all citizens, President Trump could usher in an era of more inclusive growth and a more equitable society.
Foreign policy also presents an avenue for a positive change that could enhance America’s standing on the global stage. The Trump administration’s “America First” doctrine often isolated the U.S. from its traditional allies and detracted from multilateral diplomacy. However, the complexities of modern global challenges—climate change, pandemics, and international security—demand coordinated global responses. In his second term, President Trump has the chance to repair relationships with key allies, rebuild trust in international institutions, and lead global efforts on critical issues such as climate action and public health. A shift from isolationism to engagement could restore America’s role as a force for stability, humanitarian progress, and global cooperation.
Domestically, fostering unity will be paramount if President Trump is to leave a positive legacy. The United States has experienced deep political and social divisions in recent years, and his leadership style has often fueled these divisions. In his second term, he could choose to prioritize bipartisan initiatives that transcend political ideologies. Such initiatives might include addressing systemic issues such as racial injustice, reforming the criminal justice system, and ensuring that all Americans have access to quality healthcare and education. These actions would signal a willingness to listen to voices beyond his base and to take concrete steps toward healing the fractures that have grown within American society.
Additionally, the promotion of civil discourse and empathy is critical to bridging the nation’s political divides. President Trump’s leadership could benefit from adopting key attributes exhibited by some of America’s greatest presidents—traits that made them effective, even in the face of adversity. Doris Kearns Goodwin, a renowned presidential historian, highlights qualities such as emotional intelligence, self-discipline, and the ability to learn from mistakes as essential for effective leadership (History). By cultivating empathy and active listening, President Trump can demonstrate that leadership is not just about winning political battles, but also about uniting people toward common goals.
Emulating the positive leadership styles of past presidents may be a useful guide. President Lincoln’s humility, Roosevelt’s resilience, and John F. Kennedy’s charisma provide powerful examples of how to navigate tumultuous periods in history. These presidents were able to communicate their vision clearly, inspire hope in their citizens, and respond to national crises with compassion and resolve. Trump’s second term presents an opportunity to adopt these traits and apply them to the challenges facing the country today.
Moreover, embracing diversity and promoting equal rights for all Americans would significantly strengthen the nation’s moral fabric. President Trump can play a key role in fostering an inclusive society that values individuals from all walks of life, irrespective of their race, gender, or socio-economic status. By championing policies that promote equality, he can rebuild trust in the American promise of opportunity for all.
President Trump’s second term offers a unique opportunity to redefine his legacy. His presidency has been marked by polarizing moments and contentious policies, but history is not solely written by the fervor of supporters. Rather, it is shaped by the positive and lasting impacts a leader leaves on their country and the world. By prioritizing policies that promote unity, equity, and global cooperation, President Trump can transcend partisan divides and contribute to a more prosperous, harmonious, and globally engaged world.
The path to greatness lies not in catering solely to a specific base, but in embracing the diverse fabric of the nation and the world. As Nelson Mandela said, “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is the difference we have made in the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.” History will judge his presidency by the enduring and positive legacy he leaves behind, one that reflects a commitment to service, progress, and humanity.
