From Millionaire Heir to US President: The Success Story of Donald Trump - Trump’s Second Term Sparks Fears for Democracy and Global Stability
A year ago, Donald Trump returned to the White House as U.S. president for a second term. His victory in the 2024 election marked a dramatic political comeback after his 2020 defeat. A new documentary, Donald Trump: The Fateful Years of a President, now examines his rise, controversial leadership, and the far-reaching consequences of his return to power.
Trump’s path to the presidency began long before his 2016 win. His childhood was shaped by emotionally distant parents who sent him to military school at a young age. Later, he found a mentor in Roy Cohn, a lawyer who instilled in him a ruthless approach: ‘Attack, attack. Deny everything. Never admit defeat.’ Their relationship ended abruptly when Cohn was diagnosed with AIDS.
In 2016, despite widespread scepticism, Trump defied expectations by winning the presidency. Critics pointed to his narcissism, sociopathic tendencies, and paranoia, but his polarising rhetoric and embrace of conspiracy theories energised a loyal base. After losing in 2020, he dominated the Republican nomination in 2024, framing his eventual victory as a mandate for sweeping changes.
Since taking office again in January 2025, Trump has pushed aggressive policies: tax cuts, mass deportations, and deregulation. He has filled key positions with loyalists, issued executive orders to withdraw from international agreements like the Paris Accord, and pardoned January 6 rioters. His administration now faces growing criticism for undermining democratic norms, with threats to cancel the 2026 midterms under the Insurrection Act. Legal challenges over tariffs and declining approval ratings have further complicated his second term.
The documentary highlights how Trump’s leadership style—marked by idealisation followed by abrupt devaluation—has shaped both his personal relationships and political strategy. His return to power has reshaped American governance, raised concerns about democratic erosion, and altered the country’s role in global politics. The long-term effects of his policies and executive actions remain a subject of intense debate.
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