FROM THE OUTSIDE |The fear of falling

Por

José Carreño Figueras

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Publicado: 6/3/2025 · 12:01 p.m. MX | Actualizado: 6/3/2025 · 12:01 p.m. MX

Winston Churchill once said that the United States invariably does the right thing—but only after exploring all other options.

Who knows if that will be the case with President Donald Trump, who seems rushed in his desire to transform the country and lead it toward what he considers a new “golden age.” However, to believe in his vision, one must be a true believer and have great faith that his policies will elevate the United States to new heights.

It’s possible. We might discover intelligent life on other planets, or Jules Verne documented a time-travel journey. Yet, this is often true with political promises: they are possible but not necessarily probable.

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The truth is that Trump’s speech on Tuesday night resembled more of a campaign rally than a statesmanlike address. It was partisan, divisive, and aimed at crafting a narrative that positions him among U.S. history’s most significant—or even the greatest—presidents. In his perspective, even George Washington, the nation’s founding father and first president, is placed in second place.

The United States has much to be proud of. Its 1776 revolution resulted in the creation of the world’s first modern republic. It is a remarkable country with virtues and flaws of equal weight. However, these strengths and weaknesses shape American society, sometimes through tumultuous shifts that make its political dynamics even more apparent.

The United States and the world are facing one of those pivotal moments today. Trump’s undeniable popularity and the movement he leads make him highly significant in the nation’s political and governmental landscape. Furthermore, considering America’s economic, military, and cultural influence, its impact naturally extends beyond its borders.

Trump did not win with the overwhelming mandate he claims, save for the complicated structure of the U.S. electoral system. Nonetheless, he achieved victory decisively and without resorting to the violence he had threatened in the event of another defeat.

His contradictions were fully evident during his address to the nation. However, for his supporters, that barely matters. As we in Latin America can attest, the image of a strong leader who commands and remains in control resonates deeply.

He spoke about improving employment, yet he is campaigning to fire thousands, or even tens of thousands, of government workers. He declared that the “dictatorship of the unelected” was over, yet he entrusted an unelected figure, Elon Musk, with the authority to reform the government. He denounced the corruption he claims to have found in various government programs, yet he maintains contracts worth hundreds of millions of dollars with Musk’s companies. Worse still, he talks of a new “golden age,” but it appears reserved only for his voters—not for society.

His administration’s slogan, Make America Great Again, highlights a deeper issue: the United States is still the world’s leading power despite increasing competition, but there are fears it may decline.

José Carreño Figueras