‘Leaders all over the world understand that Trump is only there for two more years & then he’s gone’

Political scientist Ian Bremmer argues that Donald Trump’s influence is waning, even though he remains president and retains the powers of the office. He says congressional opposition, discontent among Republicans and unpopular policy choices are limiting Trump’s ability to set the domestic and international agenda.

Bremmer describes the latest electoral reversal for Trump’s party as the biggest governing-party loss in 50 years, following Trump’s 2024 comeback. He says economic disappointment and unfulfilled promises have weakened Trump’s coalition, while foreign leaders are increasingly engaging with the US in anticipation of a post-Trump administration. In his view, Trump has two years left in office but is unlikely to have the same disruptive global impact as at the start of his term.