Trump 2.0: Second Term Begins to Take Shape with Key Moves and Familiar Faces

WASHINGTON, D.C.— President-elect Donald Trump’s second term is already coming into clearer focus, with early moves suggesting a rapid and assertive start, in contrast to his first term. Trump has been swift in establishing his core team and signaling his policy directions, including indications of shifts in U.S. foreign and trade policy.

One notable development is the involvement of Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, in diplomatic discussions. According to Axios, Musk participated in Trump’s recent call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, a sign of Musk’s potential influence in the new administration. Musk’s Starlink satellite systems have provided crucial communications support to Ukrainian forces, but Trump has hinted at a more reserved approach toward aiding Ukraine, potentially deviating from the policies of the Biden administration.

Musk’s presence on the call underscores his unique access to Trump and raises questions about the role of non-traditional advisers in shaping U.S. foreign policy. Trump’s lack of adherence to conventional protocols could allow Musk and others in his orbit to play influential roles, further blurring the lines between public and private sector input in federal decision-making.

In the trade arena, Trump has reportedly reached out to Robert Lighthizer to return as U.S. Trade Representative, according to the Financial Times. Lighthizer, a strong proponent of tariffs, was a key architect of Trump’s trade strategy in his first term, which saw the imposition of numerous tariffs on Chinese goods. His return signals a probable continuation — if not escalation — of protectionist policies that could affect U.S. relationships with global trading partners.

While Lighthizer had expressed interest in higher-profile roles, such as Treasury or Commerce Secretary, Trump appears to have other candidates in mind for those posts, with Lighthizer’s expertise likely focused on trade negotiations.

These early moves hint at a second Trump term defined by a bold reshaping of both foreign and economic policies, with trusted allies and unconventional advisors taking prominent roles in shaping the administration’s path forward.