In the summer of 2018, just ahead of Donald Trump’s first official visit to Britain as President, a bizarre yet telling episode unfolded. Having just completed an explosive interview with the President in Brussels, two British journalists found themselves cornered by a stern, military-type figure wielding a notepad. “John Kelly, White House Chief of Staff,” he introduced himself. “May I ask what the President said to you?”
As they recounted Trump’s eyebrow-raising remarks—including his insults towards then-Prime Minister Theresa May, praise for Boris Johnson, and boasts of being able to get a far better Brexit deal—Kelly could only roll his eyes and take notes. It was a snapshot of how Trump’s presidency operated: chaotic, impulsive, and completely centred on one man’s gut instincts.
Fast forward to today, and the Trump method remains unchanged. This week alone, he caused tremors in global financial markets by attacking Jerome Powell, the US Federal Reserve Chair, calling him “a major loser” for not cutting interest rates. The fear that Trump might attempt to sack Powell only deepened market unease, sending investors scrambling and sparking talk of another looming financial crisis.
That’s the Trump doctrine in a nutshell—govern by shock, rule by spectacle, and ensure the spotlight never strays. It’s a strategy that helped propel him to the White House, not once but twice. Trump possesses an uncanny ability to read the modern electorate: their frustrations, their need for drama, and their desire for someone who “tells it like it is”. He delivers, not through policy or plans, but with outbursts, rallies, and provocative soundbites.
A senior national security adviser once admitted, “Only Trump speaks for Trump, no matter what anyone else tells you.” This insistence on total control—while intoxicating for the campaign trail—has proved exhausting for his team and destabilising for the world.
Since taking office, Trump’s record has been a whirlwind of erratic decisions and geopolitical upheaval. From courting Vladimir Putin and undermining NATO, to withdrawing from key trade agreements and threatening to “buy” Greenland, his presidency has often resembled a reality show. And yet, astonishingly, this all took place within the first 100 days of his administration.
The question remains: how much longer can this carry on? Trump has hinted—worryingly—that he may seek a third term, raising eyebrows over potential constitutional subversion. Meanwhile, figures like JD Vance prepare to carry the Trumpist torch into 2028 and beyond.
But despite the noise, Trumpism is showing signs of decay. Elements of the ideology—such as America’s retreat from global leadership—will likely outlast him. But the essence of Trumpism, the chaotic style of governance and disdain for policy detail, is rapidly losing its potency.
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Trump’s fundamental flaw is his failure to grasp that winning elections isn’t the same as governing. Being President of the United States requires careful, informed decision-making—something Trump consistently avoids. Former aides describe a man bored by briefing papers and allergic to complexity, easily seduced by fringe advisers promising simplistic solutions.
And the real world has begun to push back. His economic nationalism—tariffs, in particular—has spooked investors, with stock markets like the Dow Jones and Nasdaq tumbling significantly since his return. His promises of instant peace in Ukraine and the Middle East remain unfulfilled, and his immigration policies have been routinely blocked by courts.
What comes next? Trump faces a fork in the road. He can either pivot towards traditional Republican governance or double down on his populist theatrics, blaming others for his failures. Given his nature, the latter seems more likely.
Still, the death throes of Trumpism may yet linger a while longer. But make no mistake—this American nightmare is running out of steam. And when it finally ends, it will leave behind a nation weary from the drama and desperate for normalcy.
