“All Is Not Lost”: Five Reasons a Trump Presidency May Not Be as Bad as Feared

Following Donald Trump’s election victory, millions of Americans are grappling with the shock of another four years under his leadership. However, David Gardner, writing for The Daily Beast, believes there are reasons to hold out hope, asserting that “all is not lost” for those “waking up kicking and screaming at the prospect of four more years of Donald Trump.”

In his analysis, Gardner lays out five points that he believes could mitigate some of the dread surrounding Trump’s return to power. Firstly, Gardner suggests that while many Americans fear Trump will surround himself with more authoritarian-minded supporters this time, the U.S. has survived similar scenarios before.

“Obama would claim he left the economy in good order but then Biden would have to admit the same in 2020, wouldn’t he?” Gardner wrote, implying that despite Trump’s chaotic governance style, the country weathered the storm. He noted that Americans endured the pandemic largely by ignoring Trump’s more extreme recommendations, and the nation’s overall performance was not markedly worse than that of countries led by more conventional statesmen.

“Yes, his idea of foreign policy focused more on weird ‘friendships’ with Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin, but no buttons were pushed. We were still there in 2021,” Gardner emphasized, suggesting that while Trump’s approach was unconventional, it did not lead to catastrophe. Secondly, Gardner argues that Trump’s return could actually help diffuse political tensions, especially among those who have felt alienated under previous administrations.

With far-right factions feeling “appeased” by his victory, the likelihood of civil unrest may be reduced, as those most prone to instigating violence have achieved a sense of validation. Gardner suggests that with Trump back in office, the country could see a period of uneasy stability rather than outright turmoil.

Gardner’s third point is that Trump’s isolationist tendencies may keep the U.S. from being embroiled in new conflicts. While this stance is concerning for allies like Ukraine, Gardner points out that Trump’s focus on “America First” could reduce America’s involvement in global military engagements. He notes that Trump’s unwillingness to pursue interventionist policies might shield the nation from the human and economic costs of war.

Fourth, Gardner highlights Trump’s enthusiasm for space exploration as a potential silver lining. Despite the former president’s propensity for taking credit, Gardner believes that Trump may revitalize NASA’s astronaut programs and could reframe space exploration as a new “race” against China. “He may well relaunch the NASA program sending astronauts to the moon,” Gardner writes. “He will take all the credit, naturally, but that may be a small price to pay for making space travel cool again.”

Trump’s approach, Gardner notes, could fuel public interest in science and technological advancement. Lastly, Gardner humorously suggests that Trump’s confidence in his business acumen means he’ll be compelled to live up to his own economic promises. Trump’s focus on economic growth, job creation, and tax cuts could spur activity on Wall Street and across U.S. businesses.

Gardner points out the irony, adding that while Trump has consistently touted himself as a “good businessman,” the ultimate results of his policies remain to be seen. “Trump will look to accelerate growth, boost real incomes and jobs,” Gardner writes, with a touch of sarcasm. “Trump’s a good businessman, or so he keeps telling us.”

In Gardner’s view, Trump’s second term may bring more stability than some expect, possibly avoiding new conflicts, revitalizing scientific curiosity, and leaving the nation’s economic well-being as his ultimate test. While Gardner remains cautious, he suggests that these factors might just keep a second Trump presidency from being as chaotic as some fear.