Donald Trump has always been seen as a loud and controversial figure, drawing both fierce support and strong criticism. During his first term in the White House, he often made headlines for his outspoken comments on social media and his public feuds with political rivals. Now, as he starts his second term, it’s worth taking a closer look at what’s really happening behind the scenes. Some might say his policies are as right-wing as ever, while others see hints of compromise in the unexpected steps he’s taken so far.
Among all the noise, there might be cause to believe there’s a difference between the perception of Donald Trump as a firebrand conservative and the reality of his decisions. He’s signed some heavily right-leaning executive orders, but he’s also given left-leaning voters some of the things they want most within his first twenty-four hours. It was quite a first day in the office, and that’s putting it mildly.
The Image of a Hardline Conservative
From the very start of his political career, Donald Trump has projected a tough, no-nonsense image. He talked a lot about building border walls, rolling back regulations, and putting what he calls “America First.” This attitude has been carried into his second term, with a series of executive orders aimed at tightening immigration policies, calling for more border security, and reinforcing a strict definition of sex and gender in federal policy. Critics argue that these moves are a direct attack on diversity and inclusion, and they see them as proof of Trump’s unwavering commitment to conservative ideals.
His decision to withdraw once again from international climate agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, has also reinforced the belief that he’s completely opposed to left-leaning environmental causes. Supporters of these global agreements are outraged by the withdrawal, saying it sets back international efforts to address climate change. Trump, on the other hand, insists it’s the right move for economic reasons, arguing that environmental solutions are better handled through local initiatives and market-based approaches.
The same right-leaning reputation shines through in his orders eliminating certain diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programmes in federal agencies. Many see DEI initiatives as vital for ensuring that government institutions become more fair and representative. Trump’s defenders counter that these programmes can sometimes be used to implement unfair quotas or put ideology above competence. In their eyes, cancelling DEI efforts is simply about reintroducing merit-based approaches.
Surprising Twists and Unexpected Turns
Despite this image of an unyielding conservative, President Trump has taken two major actions that have pleasantly surprised some on the left. First, he stepped in to overturn the ban on TikTok, giving the app’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, a 75-day extension to sell its US operations. Before this intervention, TikTok had faced a strict deadline and risked disappearing from app stores after a Supreme Court decision upheld the ban. By reversing course at the eleventh hour, Trump effectively saved TikTok for American users, suggesting he might not be as inflexible on tech and social media issues as people assume.
The second move that caught some off guard was his administration’s role in pushing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to accept a ceasefire in Gaza. Reports say Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, applied considerable pressure on Netanyahu to reach an agreement with Hamas. This deal included a 42-day truce and the release of 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for around 1,000 Palestinian prisoners. Although Netanyahu had resisted such an agreement before, the Trump administration’s efforts made sure both sides struck a deal just in time for the President’s inauguration. This involvement in a diplomatic breakthrough stands in stark contrast to the combative language Trump has often used when discussing international conflicts. It’s an indication that sometimes, despite the bluster, he is willing to negotiate and press for peace where it’s beneficial.
The Larger-Than-Life Persona
So, why does Trump’s public image as a rigid conservative continue to dominate conversations, even though he’s taken steps that left-wing voters might appreciate? Part of the answer might lie in his famous soundbites. Donald Trump has always favoured strong, attention-grabbing statements, and his wild remarks have become part and parcel of his larger-than-life public persona. This same persona has even led to him becoming the unwitting face of online casino games like Trump It, where his flamboyant style is parodied for players’ entertainment. You don’t see the game in new casinos anymore, but it was a big money-maker in the gambling world during his first term. Trump’s real-life efforts in the casino world in the 20th century might not have gone well, but he’s a big draw in the digital version.
Those colourful phrases and dramatic rally speeches are a big reason why many see him as consistently digging in his heels on the far right. While there’s no doubt he’s staunchly conservative in many areas—his immigration policies and views on gender, for instance—his track record shows moments of flexibility and compromise. It seems that, on some occasions, the headline-grabbing statements are made to cement his image, while behind the scenes, he’s sometimes more adaptable if it serves his overall goals.
At the same time, perceptions can be heavily shaped by media outlets, both traditional and social. Trump’s supporters typically highlight these unexpected moves as signs of a leader who thinks outside the usual political boxes, while his critics maintain that these instances don’t cancel out his more hardline decisions. There’s truth in both perspectives: his list of executive orders reads like a blueprint for a conservative administration, yet his willingness to hold off on banning TikTok and to push for a Gaza ceasefire suggests there’s more nuance in how he operates than his fiery speeches suggest.
Perception vs Reality
Donald Trump is often seen as a one-dimensional figure: always combative, always conservative, and always stirring up controversy. But if we look beyond the headlines, the reality is more complicated. Yes, he’s signed executive orders that lean to the right, and many of these are significant reversals of policies from the previous administration. However, he’s also ensured that TikTok remains open to American users and has played a part in securing a ceasefire that could bring relief—at least temporarily—to one of the Middle East’s most longstanding conflicts.
This contrast hints that the man behind the microphone may not be exactly as he presents himself on stage. His louder statements might serve one purpose, and his quieter actions another. In the end, whether people believe his bark is worse than his bite will likely depend on whether they focus on his statements or on the results he achieves. For some, the focus will remain on the right-leaning orders and rhetoric. For others, evidence of flexibility—like the TikTok extension and the push for a Gaza truce—suggests that there’s a hint of strategy in his seemingly unpredictable approach. Will this pattern continue? Or will his next moves swing the pendulum firmly back to the realm of the hard right? Only time will tell.