By Matija Šerić
The latest assassination attempt on Donald Trump, which took place on Saturday evening during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, D.C., once again drew attention to the security vulnerability of the 45th and 47th President of the United States. It is difficult to determine how many assassination attempts Trump has survived, but there are around a dozen known cases in the past decade. The most recent attempt was carried out by 31-year-old computer scientist, game developer, and English teacher Cole Tomas Allen from California. Without going into the details of the attack, Allen was a supporter of the Democratic Party and donated 25 dollars to Kamala Harris, which raises the question of why Trump has become a target for numerous attackers.
Trump – a traitor to his own agenda
Assassinations as a political tool in a democratic and pluralistic system must, of course, be condemned. However, regardless of the political perspective, it is undeniable that such attacks are partly a consequence of Trump’s policies, which have become increasingly radical and reckless. Trump promised a kind of renewal of the United States in both domestic and foreign policy in line with his MAGA and America First agendas, but those promises have not been fulfilled. On the contrary, America has never been more isolated in foreign policy, which has become openly imperialistic, and more divided internally, with social and political divisions deepening further. Trump has betrayed his voter base while simultaneously antagonizing those who oppose him. Below are some of the most significant (irrational and misguided) policies from his second term, which also represent a direct betrayal of his Republican base.
The introduction of draconian tariffs
During his campaign and first term, Trump threatened to impose numerous tariffs in international trade, and in his second term he began implementing them rapidly. Within his first 100 days, he targeted Mexico, China, Canada, and other countries with high tariffs, prompting swift retaliatory measures. He declared April 2, 2025, “Liberation Day,” introducing a 10% tariff on all goods entering the United States, but after markets began to collapse, he ordered a 90-day pause. Negotiations for bilateral and multilateral trade agreements then followed. Trump imposed most tariffs using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) of 1977. However, in February of this year, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down tariffs enacted under that law, ruling that only Congress has the authority to impose tariffs. Trump then turned to the Trade Act of 1974 and imposed a 10% tariff on all foreign trade. Several states have filed lawsuits against him. Although Trump promised tariffs during the campaign, he failed to grasp their damaging impact on the U.S. economy—and that is exactly what is happening.
A heavy blow to American entrepreneurs
The outcome of the tariff saga remains uncertain, but it is clear that it has significantly harmed American importers and exporters. Their costs have risen substantially. U.S. importers have borne most of the burden (around 90–96%), reducing profits and often leading to higher prices for consumers. Trump’s tariffs have particularly increased the cost of materials such as steel and aluminum, raising the prices of cars, construction materials, and household appliances. Consumer goods from China—such as electronics, washing machines, furniture, and clothing—have also become more expensive, as importers passed costs on to customers. American exporters, including agricultural producers and industrial firms, were forced to reduce exports due to retaliatory measures by the European Union, China, Mexico, and others. This represents a classic betrayal of voters.
An economy on shaky ground
More importantly, Trump’s policies have created widespread uncertainty in the U.S. economy. Global supply chains have been disrupted, leading corporations and small and medium-sized businesses to delay investments and hiring. U.S. GDP growth in 2025 was 2.1%, compared to 2.8% in 2024 during the Biden administration. Projections for the current year range from 2.2% to 2.6%. It is worth recalling that many American voters supported Trump due to dissatisfaction with economic conditions under Biden.
Unemployment stood at 4.1% in 2024 and rose to 4.4% in 2025, reaching 4.3% in March. In other words, unemployment is higher under Trump than under Biden. This is partly due to the global trade war and higher interest rates introduced by the Federal Reserve to combat inflation.
Although inflation was 2.7% in 2025, it rose to 3.3% in March this year. Inflation is a direct consequence of the war with Iran, for which Trump is largely responsible. It reduces the purchasing power of average Americans, making basic goods such as food and fuel more expensive. It also increases housing and credit costs, particularly affecting households living paycheck to paycheck. Trump’s core voters in states like Florida, Arizona, Ohio, and Wisconsin are among the hardest hit.
Rising public debt
Despite campaign promises to reduce the national debt, this has not happened. According to available data, U.S. national debt has continued to grow during Trump’s second term, increasing by hundreds of billions to around a trillion dollars within months. The total federal debt stands at approximately $39 trillion. This weakens the overall economic outlook, as high debt raises interest rates, limits public investment capacity, and may reduce long-term growth and investor confidence.
No return of American industry
Trump promised to bring back offshore companies from countries like Mexico, China, and Vietnam. However, there has been no large-scale return of factories. The Rust Belt and other industrial regions have not been revitalized as promised. While some investments in sectors such as semiconductors, automotive, and pharmaceuticals have occurred, economists note that these are isolated cases rather than a broad reshoring trend.
At the same time, manufacturing employment has stagnated or slightly declined due to high costs, labor shortages, and policy uncertainty. Workers in states like Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Michigan have once again been disappointed, as their expectations for industrial revival have not been met.
Cuts to healthcare access
Trump promised not to limit access to healthcare, proposing to replace Obamacare with a more affordable and efficient system. However, he never presented a clear plan. During his second term, he introduced measures that reduce access to health insurance, including stricter conditions, funding cuts, and subsidy changes, which could result in 10 to 15 million Americans losing coverage.
A dilettantish approach to FEMA
Trump’s policy toward the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has focused on reducing and weakening it. FEMA is responsible for responding to natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, fires, and earthquakes by providing financial aid, logistics, and recovery support.
Trump does not aim to abolish FEMA but to reform it by shifting responsibility to state and local governments. However, staff reductions and funding cuts have led to failures in responding to disasters such as the Mississippi tornado in March 2025 and Texas floods in July. Even in these states, Trump has disappointed his loyal voters.
Foreign policy – open American imperialism
For much of the world, U.S. foreign policy is the most important aspect of any presidency. Trump was praised by some for not starting new wars during his first term. However, in his second term, he directly initiated conflicts with Venezuela and Iran, while also expressing territorial ambitions toward the Panama Canal, Canada, Greenland, and Gaza.
His policy is shaped by the National Security Strategy (late 2025) and the National Defense Strategy (January 2026).
The Monroe Doctrine rebranded as the Trump Corollary
These documents embrace a renewed Monroe Doctrine, prioritizing the Western Hemisphere. The U.S. aims to eliminate external influence in the Americas while reducing reliance on allies such as NATO, Japan, and South Korea. Allies are expected to increase defense spending, while U.S. forces are being repositioned toward the Indo-Pacific and the Western Hemisphere.
China is defined as the central strategic challenge, with national security increasingly viewed through economic and industrial dominance. The strategy also promotes a “warrior ethos,” emphasizing military readiness and discipline.
A fundamental shift from America First
Trump’s foreign policy marks a dramatic departure from his original America First agenda. Instead of isolationism, the U.S. has taken on the role of a global enforcer, intervening wherever its interests are perceived to be threatened. Simultaneously, it seeks dominance over the Americas.
Trump overthrew Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and imposed a protectorate, while his administration has pressured countries such as Panama, Colombia, and Mexico. Cuba faces energy blockades, and Greenland remains a contested issue.
Failure to resolve ongoing conflicts
Trump contributed to a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, but violence continues and no lasting solution is in sight. He also failed to end the war between Russia and Ukraine, despite promising to do so within 24 hours.
The war with Iran – a cardinal mistake
The most irrational aspect of Trump’s foreign policy is the war with Iran, launched on February 28 alongside Israel. Although key Iranian leaders were eliminated, thousands of civilians have died, and the conflict continues. The global economy has been hit by disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, and regime change has not occurred. Iran continues to strike regional targets, while U.S. involvement extends to Yemen, Somalia, Nigeria, Syria, and beyond.
Trump – a disappointment without competition
This is not what American voters supported. Public opinion reflects this: Trump’s approval rating fell to 37% in mid-April, with 63% disapproving. This widespread dissatisfaction helps explain the frequency of assassination attempts.
It remains uncertain how his second term will end. Political instability and potential congressional opposition loom large. Trump appears increasingly unpredictable, and his presidency more risky by the day.
In any case, Trump stands as the greatest political disappointment in the United States in recent decades. Expectations were high, but results have been minimal—especially positive ones. Critics who once called him a fraud now seem vindicated, as he has betrayed his own words. By failing to deliver on his promises, he has surpassed Barack Obama to become the greatest political disappointment of the 21st century.
