Four More Years

It’s happening. Trump is about to be sworn in for his second term as president, and if Tuesday’s press conference is any indication, we’re in for a ride. Kamala Harris certified the vote, and here we are—staring down another four years of Trump. What does that even look like at this point?

Trump’s Second Term Energy

Compared to 2016, Trump seems… less into it. Back then, he was all about MAGA rallies and “draining the swamp.” Now? He seems like a guy who wants the title but not the job. There are clear signs of mental slippage, and his priorities seem increasingly bizarre. It’s hard to escape the feeling that he’ll spend this term delegating the actual work to unelected sycophants while he focuses on what he really enjoys: the showmanship.

It’s not like this is a new pattern. Trump’s first term was full of chaotic, “Did he just say that?” moments, but now the stakes feel higher. He’s coming into office with less energy for the details but no shortage of wild ideas.

Tuesday’s Press Conference: A Glimpse into the Chaos

Speaking of wild ideas, let’s talk about last Tuesday’s press conference. It was vintage Trump—full of bravado, questionable claims, and proposals so outlandish they sound like satire. Here are some of the highlights:

• Canada as the 51st State: Trump floated the idea of annexing Canada, claiming it would solve “so many problems” and make North America “more unified.” Because, sure, that’s definitely what Canadians want.

• Renaming the Gulf of Mexico: Trump announced his plan to rename the Gulf of Mexico the “Gulf of America,” saying, “We’ve been doing the heavy lifting in this hemisphere for years. It’s time the name reflects that.”

• Annexing Greenland (again): Remember when he joked about buying Greenland? He’s back at it, calling it a “strategic opportunity” and “something we’re seriously looking into.”

• January 6 and Hezbollah: Perhaps the most bizarre claim of all was his suggestion that Hezbollah had been involved in the January 6 Capitol riot. “You’d be amazed at who was really behind it,” he said, without offering any evidence.

These statements are classic Trump: outrageous enough to grab headlines, but vague enough to leave everyone wondering whether he’s serious.

A Much Different Global Situation

Trump isn’t stepping back into the same world he left in 2021. This time, the global situation is far more volatile, and his approach to it will have enormous consequences. Two major wars are ongoing, with fresh U.S. involvement in the Middle East and Europe.

In addition to these conflicts, a host of regional hotspots are simmering. Escalations in Taiwan, tensions in the South China Sea, and increasing aggression from North Korea add to the list. Meanwhile, fresh concerns about Russia and China exerting influence over U.S. policy and public opinion loom large.

Trump’s relationship with both countries has always been complicated—bordering on baffling. How will his tendency to blend personal grudges and geopolitical decision-making play out in this more fractured world? The stakes have never been higher, and the margin for error has never been thinner.

Should We Take Him Seriously (or Literally)?

This brings us back to the old “take him seriously, not literally” game. But at what point do you have to do both? If the president-elect is talking about annexing land that belongs to other countries or renaming major international waterways, how are we supposed to react?

Am I supposed to believe he’s 100% serious about mass deportation but not about renaming the Gulf of Mexico? If you’re not taking him seriously, then you’re dismissing things that could turn into real policy. If you’re taking him literally, you’re labeled as overreacting or falling victim to “Trump Derangement Syndrome.” It’s a lose-lose scenario, but ignoring these statements feels like its own kind of madness.

One thing feels certain: things will get worse before they get better. Trump thrives on chaos, and his second term is shaping up to be even more unpredictable than the first. With less interest in the actual work of governing, a more volatile global landscape, and more willingness to float insane ideas, the next four years will test the limits of what the presidency—and the country—can handle.

Buckle up. We’re all passengers on this roller coaster now.