Donald Trump swept through the primary and election campaigns like a disruptive force of nature to a victory that unsettled almost all conventional wisdom about modern American politics. A shocked Democratic Party and city-based cultural elites are still in denial about his victory.
President Trump is proving to be an equally disruptive force in domestic and world politics alike. Within the U.S. political system, the critical question is if the Trump administration can survive Trump the impulsive, volatile, tweet-addicted person. Globally, Trump let loose on the world is proving to be the metaphorical equivalent of a bull in a china shop. He signed 18 executive orders in the first dozen days in office. World leaders are in shock more than awe at the ensuing turbulence.
A politician eager to implement instead of abandon and dilute core election promises on trade, immigration and national security, and to do so sooner rather than later, is a refreshing and bracing experience. An important explanation for Trump's victory was swelling disenchantment and backlash against the "normal" politics of dissembling, spin, talking points, slogans and broken promises. Trump won despite himself because his opponent was the very embodiment of establishment "politics as usual." and in reaction against identity, victim and outrage politics. To that extent opposition to Trump that takes the form of virtue signaling will only endear him more firmly to his base.