The Apprentice Is Back, and This Time He Means Business

During his first term, Donald Trump was an apprentice, a novice politician who had a lot to learn about the inner workings of the federal government. Trump’s term can best be described as unremarkable, with a naïve and undisciplined President Trump wasting this opportunity to lead the country and achieve his stated goals. He paid for his failings, and in 2020, “We the People” said “you’re fired.” That is usually the end of a political career, but Donald Trump is not a typical politician. He soldiered on, and despite a myriad of attempts to derail his 2024 campaign, he never succumbed. While most people don’t get second chances in life, Donald Trump defied the odds.

Based on his first presidency, Trump is ranked 41st by presidential historians. The next four years are a unique opportunity for him to change the narrative, and not be remembered like other one-term presidents who have fared poorly in the rankings because they have few notable accomplishments.

Trump has surely thought about his legacy. He now has the option of being able to rewrite the previous judgements of historians. Should Donald Trump successfully enact his working agenda, it is likely that he will go down in American history as one of the most impactful and important presidents. His success or failure could dramatically affect us all.

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Dirk Mateer is a senior fellow at the Civitas Institute, and the director of the Philosophy, Politics and Economics program at the School of Civic Leadership at the University of Texas at Austin. He is also professor of instruction in UT Austin's Department of Economics.